Bactrim DS (sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim) is a double strength (DS) oral antibacterial medication used to treat bacterial infections within the body. As an antibacterial, Bactrim DS works by preventing bacteria from growing and spreading through the body and is not effective against viruses. If you are allergic to any type of sulfonamide medication, you should not take Bactrim DS as doing so may cause to you experience a severe or life-threatening allergic reaction. While taking Bactrim DS, you may experience certain side effects of this medication.
Nausea
If you take Bactrim DS, you may develop stomach upset as a side effect of this medication. Certain people may experience nausea or vomiting after taking a dose of this medication. To prevent these side effects, Roche--the manufacturer of Bactrim DS--recommends that patients take this medication after eating a meal or snack.
Diarrhea
Certain people may develop diarrhea after taking a prescribed dose of Bactrim DS. Diarrhea is a condition that results in the production of loose or watery stools. If you experience diarrhea as a side effect of Bactrim DS, you may also experience additional symptoms including abdominal discomfort, cramping or bloating. Eating a light meal or snack prior to taking a dose of this medication may prevent diarrhea from occurring in certain people.
Yeast Infection
Bactrim DS acts by killing bacteria within your body. Sometimes this medication may destroy naturally occurring bacteria that help the body remain healthy. If that occurs, this medication may lead to the overproduction of a type of yeast called Candida within the genitals or mouth--a condition known as a yeast infection. Symptoms of a genital yeast infection may include thick discharge, or burning, swelling or itching of the genitals. An oral yeast infection may cause white patches to develop within the mouth or throat or along the tongue. You may also experience pain within your mouth or may temporarily lose your sense of taste. If you develop a yeast infection following treatment with Bactrim DS, speak with your doctor, as you will need an additional medication to resolve these symptoms.
Additional Side Effects
Though rare, additional side effects may develop as a result of taking Bactrim DS. Such symptoms may include fever, skin rash, headache, sore throat, cough, shortness of breath, urine discoloration, swelling of the throat or face, severe diarrhea or yellowing of the skin (jaundice). If any of these symptoms develop, speak to your doctor immediately to avoid additional medical complications.
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