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Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim User Reviews & Ratings (Page 3)

Brand names: Bactrim, Bactrim DS, Septra, SMZ-TMP DS, Co-trimoxazole, Septra DS, Bactrim IV, Bactrim Pediatric, Sulfatrim Pediatric Bethaprim Bethaprim Pediatric …show all brand names

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim has an average rating of 4.9 out of 10 from a total of 1,705 reviews on Drugs.com. 35% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 47% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim

  • Syn
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 10, 2020

For Urinary Tract Infection "First off, do NOT get scared by these reviews. Don't be scared to take a drug that may benefit you. Everybody's body processes medications differently. While someone may have a side effect, you may not. I had ZERO side effects on this medication, and I took it for 7 days. It did what it was supposed to. The people getting rashes and hives are allergic to it. That's not the drug's fault. It's not a death drug, so don't be scared of these reviews, and get better!"

9 / 10
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47 Report
  • Len
  • September 2, 2021

For Bacterial Infection "This antibiotic is very effective at clearing most bacterial infections quickly. You'll usually feel improvements within 48 hours. But, as a bunch of other reviews have stated, Bactrim gave me terrible anxiety and had my heart pounding out of my chest for 10 hours straight. Sleeping is nearly impossible. So, 10/10 efficacy but 1/10 for side effects. I wouldn't take it again unless my life depended on it."

5 / 10
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34 Report
  • DABbio
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • April 22, 2017

Bactrim DS (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim) for Urinary Tract Infection "I don't know what it is with all these users reporting ineffectiveness or side effects. Maybe mostly people who have complaints are the ones who take the trouble to write reviews. I had a UTI, and a few hours after taking the first pill of Bactrim, my symptoms started to clear. On my third pill now and no side effects and starting to feel better than I have in weeks."

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65 Report

Frequently asked questions

  • Dani
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 11, 2014

Bactrim DS (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim) for Urinary Tract Infection "I used to get recurrent urinary tract infections but hadn't had one in 7 years. Just got one and they tried nitrofurantoin but it did nothing. I got Bactrim and the urgency and burning was gone within hours. I don't like taking antibiotics but UTIs are no joke. Bactrim worked for me and thank goodness. I get a little stomach ache but it beats the UTI symptoms!"

10 / 10
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83 Report
  • myboys
  • February 28, 2014

Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim) for Acne "I am 41 years old and have struggled all my life with acne. Having done Roaccutane, Minocycline and every other medication and topical ointment. At 41, I was over acne. This is a miracle medicine. Skin cleared up in about 7 days and is absolutely flawless. Can't speak highly enough of this medicine. I am acne-free for the first time in my life. Ask your doctor about this."

10 / 10
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84 Report

Are you taking this medicine?

  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 7, 2012

Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim) for Bacterial Skin Infection "I was prescribed Bactrim for a bacterial skin infection under my arm. I get infections easily and am often on all kinds of antibiotics. Many bother me, but I have not had any problems at all while on Bactrim. And the skin infection has been clearing up very well (I'm almost done with the medication.) I'm very happy with this medication."

10 / 10
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92 Report
  • Chris...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 12, 2020

Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim) for Urinary Tract Infection "Just like everyone else, I was scared to take the antibiotic Bactrim because of reviews. I took it with a light snack and a lot of water and was fine. I had a slight headache, but I was also stressing about the UTI, especially since Valentine's Day is coming. I was prescribed 2 pills a day for 3 days. I went last night for a urine sample, and all is clear. Love that I only had to take this for 3 days. I also didn't get a yeast infection, but took Good Belly along with it."

10 / 10
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44 Report
  • Super...
  • January 7, 2015

Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim) for Urinary Tract Infection "Something really bad happened to me 14 years ago that caused trauma to the urinary tract. Ever since I have used Bactrim on a regular basis to flush out my bladder and urethra of bacteria because my body does not do a sufficient job through urination. If you take it on an empty stomach, it will make you feel really sick, but the medicine is awesome and I highly recommend it."

10 / 10
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77 Report
  • Thank...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 30, 2019

Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim) for Sinusitis "Bactrim for yearly sinus infection related to fall allergies works every time. Three days and inflammation and pressure subsiding. Yes, some nausea and need to follow up for yeast afterwards. Drink lots of water. Best antibiotic for me since I’m allergic to penicillin and its relatives."

9 / 10
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44 Report
  • Hilly
  • July 1, 2019

Bactrim DS (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim) for Urinary Tract Infection "Have been struggling with UTIs despite my many and varied preventive measures. Had some backup Bactrim that I tried instead of the Augmentin I was prescribed. On both occasions, within a half hour, I was in massive extreme discomfort, my vagina was on fire. I assumed I had developed a curiously fast yeast infection and treated it that way but with little success. Having done some research, I now see it’s a less common but real side effect, similar to a swollen tongue or hives, the vagina is the area affected. Lesson learned, but terrible that this side effect isn’t mentioned more commonly, a nightmare."

1 / 10
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47 Report
  • Lisaxx
  • November 24, 2015

Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim) for Kidney Infections "Please don't let anyone scare you into not taking this. If you're like me with new medicine, you go online and research every little side effect and review, and convince yourself not to take it. I was really scared to take this as I had bad reactions to Macrobid and Ciprofloxacin, and after reading these reviews, I just knew it was going to be the same way. I'm on day two, no side effects other than a little nausea and a headache. That's the worst of it. We'll see how it goes by day 7, but so far this has been the best antibiotic I've taken."

10 / 10
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69 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • April 4, 2020

Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim) for Bacterial Infection "I have been on Bactrim for 4 days, and my incision is feeling much better. The infection is oozing out, and I’m feeling better. This medicine must be taken with food, and you must drink 6 to 8 bottles of water daily. Not drinking water will cause many side effects."

10 / 10
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41 Report
  • Ans
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 28, 2013

Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim) for Urinary Tract Infection "I was prescribed Bactrim DS 2x a day for 10 days to clear a urinary tract infection. I was having nausea, acid reflux, and intestinal/digestive issues that felt like irritable bowel syndrome or stomach flu by the 3rd day. After the 5th day, I decided to stop taking it, and the infection is gone along with all side effects. I am glad I decided to stop taking it, it seems Bactrim DS 2x a day was a bit too much for me."

5 / 10
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81 Report
  • elletee
  • November 11, 2013

Bactrim DS (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim) for Urinary Tract Infection "Make sure Bactrim is actually the correct medication for your UTI! I took Bactrim for 4 days with no relief before my doctor's office got the results back from my UA and realized that Bactrim is resistant to the bacteria causing my UTI. Now I am taking Cipro and it seems to be doing the trick. I did not have any side effects with Bactrim though, it just didn't work for me."

1 / 10
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79 Report
  • Layla
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • August 9, 2020

For Bacterial Infection "Started taking this sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim antibiotic for a cyst. About two days in, I became very ill with fever and extreme fatigue, horrible headaches, vomiting, and crippling anxiety and panic attacks. I have never had such a traumatic episode of fear and panic as the 6 days it took me to realize it may be the Bactrim making me sick. I thought I was going actually insane until I read these reviews. I took one earlier before I found this and honestly am considering going to the hospital to see if they can help me in any way. I feel so bad."

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  • EJay
  • July 11, 2013

Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim) for Acne "I'm 25 years old and still get those under-the-skin cystic pimples on my face. It is mild but one or two of those monsters just stand out. I've tried Retin-A, every single face wash I can think of, oil-free moisturizers, toners, oil-free makeup. I mean I've done it all, even the DIY remedy for acne. Well, the dermatologist put me on Bactrim, and I have been on it now for about 4 weeks, and my face is CLEAR. I mean I've NEVER seen it this clear! I'm just looking in the mirror all the time because I cannot believe it. Very happy with the results. He said I would have to be on them for a while, but I'm okay with it. It does cause a little nausea, but it's nothing I can't handle and it doesn't last too long. Overall, very happy."

10 / 10
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79 Report
  • Mitsu...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 16, 2016

Bactrim DS (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim) for Urinary Tract Infection "This is an amazing drug. I've never had any side effects besides that one where my bladder infection went away. If you're reading people's posts who have horrible side effects, they probably have an easily upset stomach. Don't eat or drink water. In most people, these don't cause side effects when properly taken. Or allergic! I wouldn't be too worried."

10 / 10
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62 Report
  • khoff...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 16, 2014

Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim) for Bacterial Skin Infection "I was put on this medicine for a skin infection. I was reluctant to start it because of all the horror stories on the Internet. It does make me nauseous, and it gives me a slight headache. Advil and Benadryl help with those side effects. I'm on the fourth day, and my infection is nearly cleared. I was also given a Bactroban skin cream, and that stuff is great. A pleasant side effect has been my skin clearing. I had perfect skin up until I hit 25, and then suddenly I had cystic acne on one side of my face. I was reluctant to take anything because it wasn't that bad, but the Bactrim has pretty much cleared it up."

8 / 10
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71 Report
  • Anonymous
  • April 5, 2013

Bactrim DS (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim) for Urinary Tract Infection "Had a 7-day prescription of Bactrim DS. The first two days, I had a headache. By the 3rd day, I started feeling nausea, which turned into nausea, dizziness, and constant fatigue. I've been off the medicine for 36 hours and still feel extremely exhausted, dizzy, and a little queasy at times."

6 / 10
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78 Report
  • Geane...
  • January 10, 2017

Bactrim DS (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim) for Bacterial Skin Infection "This is my second time taking this medication, both times it was prescribed for an alleged spider bite. The first time I took it, I stopped before finishing because the side effects were terrible. I experienced headache, dizziness, flu symptoms, and flushing. The second time I took it, I had the same experience, so I drank 2 liters of water and symptoms subsided tremendously. This is a double antibiotic, so it is imperative that you drink a very large amount of water when taking it, otherwise, the medication is concentrated in your system, and the side effects will be unbearable."

1 / 10
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58 Report
  • Reese...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 15, 2020

Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim) for Kidney Infections "Went to the ER on Friday, had the worst UTI infection ever, which had spread to my kidneys, and who only knows what other organs because the pain is absolutely unbearable! My 2nd day of Bactrim thus far, pain has subsided some but still there. Haven't had any side effects yet, I guess time will tell. I lost my mom last year to a very bad UTI infection, so for anyone that has one, please don't put off getting help."

5 / 10
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34 Report
  • Anonymous
  • September 20, 2010

Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim) for Bacterial Skin Infection "I have had MRSA 'boils' three times in the last five years. Each time, I have been given a prescription for Bactrim specifically because it's a sulfate-based antibiotic. Each time, the infection made an almost immediate change for the better in size, swelling, and pain associated with those. I was fortunate enough not to experience any side effects, and my overall opinion of this antibiotic is that for me, it's been fantastic in the treatment of MRSA."

10 / 10
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89 Report
  • Cam
  • September 6, 2020

Bactrim DS (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim) for Urinary Tract Infection "Took sulfamethoxazole with trimethoprim for a minor testicular infection. I got very sick. It caused chest pain, shortness of breath, severe headache, and sharp pains all over my body. The doctor told me it was in my head, and I kept taking it. I eventually ended up in the hospital and was so sick I could barely sleep. It’s been a month since I took this drug, and while some of the problems are gone, I still have very bad muscle weakness, cramping in my legs, and sharp pains that feel like nerve damage. I’ve seen many doctors all agree that Bactrim did something to my system. I urge you to not take this drug. I haven’t had any response from my doctor since I called with all my symptoms. It has gotten so severe I’m starting to think my life might never be the same, and I was completely healthy, a 21-year-old before this. DO NOT TAKE THIS."

1 / 10
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35 Report
  • emano
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 26, 2020

Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim) for Urinary Tract Infection "My anxiety and mental health were under control until I got a mild UTI and was prescribed Bactrim. My heart rate skyrocketed for days, it induced panic attacks. I had no idea what was happening to me until I looked up the reviews and realized I was reacting to the Bactrim. My heart rate reached 130 bpm at one point, and I went to the doctor to have my heart checked. I took 4 doses and will never take this again. It ruined my life. Two weeks later, I’m still recovering from the anxiety it caused. I am angry this medication was prescribed to me."

1 / 10
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33 Report
  • Kd0520
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 22, 2020

Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim) for Bacterial Infection "I took Bactrim for a gum infection. It got rid of the infection, and I felt better fast, however, it gave me anxiety and a panic attack. If I had to take it, I would, but if there are other options, I would recommend going with one of those. I also had a pounding heart and leg pain."

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36 Report

Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.