Skip to main content

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim User Reviews & Ratings (Page 4)

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

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim has an average rating of 4.9 out of 10 from a total of 1,703 reviews on Drugs.com. 35% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 47% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim

  • Liv
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 24, 2023

Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim) for Bacterial Skin Infection "I was prescribed Bactrim for a skin infection caused by an ingrown toenail. My podiatrist removed it, then put me on Bactrim DS (double strength) 2x daily for 2 weeks. After reading reviews here, I was terrified to take the first dose. I took it on an empty stomach because anxiety left me with no appetite. I drank plenty of water. Not one side effect. No nausea, no diarrhea, no insomnia, no sleepiness, no increased anxiety, no itchiness, nothing. The only thing was a mild headache on day two; however, I am prone to migraines so that could’ve been the norm with or without Bactrim. Some Excedrin worked, I haven’t had another headache since. I noticed my toe looking so much better with less pain by day 2 on Bactrim. I took one around 7 am, then a probiotic supplement around noon, followed by my second dose at 7 pm. People come here more when something goes wrong than when it works. That’s why I wanted to leave this review after a great experience."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
12 Report
  • emano
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 26, 2020

Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim) for Urinary Tract Infection "My anxiety and mental health was 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. 2 weeks later I’m still recovering from the anxiety it caused. I am angry this medication was prescribed to me."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
31 Report
  • Daish...
  • February 24, 2020

Bactrim DS (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim) for Bacterial Infection "I read the reviews but I really wished I would’ve listened. It seems like it’s helping cure my staph infection but the side effects aren’t worth it. Maybe the medication was too strong of a dose but I had to take 800mg/160mg 2x a day for 10 days. I’m writing my review as I’m taking this medication, it’s making my heart race, it’s making me dizzy and lightheaded, jittery, messing with my stomach, confused, headaches are off the wall. I’m drinking plenty of water and eating plenty of food. I’m also breastfeeding and it seems like it’s making my son sick, he was fine until I started taking it and now he’s vomiting, very fussy, low fevers and sleeping on and off all day. We’re not around people too much so it’s highly unlikely he got sick from somewhere else. I stopped taking it after the third day. I had to call an ambulance because I was home alone with my baby and I felt so off and my heart was racing all day."

4 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
36 Report

Frequently asked questions

  • Sky...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 16, 2021

Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim) for Bacterial Skin Infection "So many negative reviews on this bactrim that it surprised me because it worked great for me and I didn’t notice any adverse conditions whatsoever. Maybe only negative people write reviews and all the positive ones are out playing and don’t have time to write. Thanks Doc. good call on my meds."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
30 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 worse UTI infection ever which had spread to my kidneys & 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 affects yet I guess time will tell. I lost my mom last year to a very bad UTI infection so for anyone that has 1 please don't put off getting help."

5 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
31 Report

Are you taking this medicine?

  • Bjano
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 4, 2019

Bactrim DS (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim) for Bacterial Infection "Worst medication ever. My anxiety is through the roof. I am freezing most of the time when I’m not drenched i sweat. Heart rate is racing. Can’t sleep due to the horrible feeling of not waking. It’s like the spins but different. I swear I was seeing the light! I would be listening to my husband tell me to drink the water next to me but I couldn’t respond or move. It was like I was paralyzed. Very terrifying. If at all costs please find an alternative antibiotic. I wouldn’t wish this on my worse enemy....pure torture. I am prescribed it for 14 days twice daily and I’m only on day 3."

Was this helpful?YesNo
37 Report
  • Anonymous
  • October 9, 2009

Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim) for Urinary Tract Infection "I never had an allergic reaction until I took this medication. Now I learned the hard way I'm allergic to sulfa drugs. After one dose, I had a lot of serious side effects: high fever, intense stomach pain, insomnia, hallucinations, anxiety, non-stop chills/shaking, vomiting, and rash. Needless to say, I ended up in the hospital for 3 days. I think that you need to be careful when taking the drug and be aware of all the serious side effects."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
84 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 6, 2019

Bactrim DS (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim) for Urinary Tract Infection "I've had multiple UTI'S in my life so I know what it feels like when I'm getting one. Tuesday night I had symptoms so I went to the doctor the morning after. Got prescribed Bactrim DS. I did what everyone shouldn't do and googled reviews. I was sooo scared to take it but I felt 100% fine. I was a little dizzy when I first took it but I honestly think that it was all in my head. This is the only medicine I take for UTI'S. I suggest taking it with food to prevent nausea. But no dizziness. No nausea. No fever. And my infection feels better already."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
39 Report
  • Black...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 6, 2020

Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim) for Prostatitis "Bactrim almost finished me. Should have known as it wasn't working anyway and I was getting the DS prescription. Suddenly became very ill, needed to go to the hospital for IV fluids, had a terrible reaction , like the worst flu I ever experienced. 2 weeks later I am still getting ringing in my ears, and watching my skin carefully, fearfully as I broke out with nasty boils all over my arms and legs. If there is permanent damage I am considering the possibility of starting a lawsuit as my health seems to have been permanently damaged. I'd never been this sick with anything like this, and I am 68 years old, have always been in good health until now! I am very angry that a prescribed medication like this could be almost lethal to me."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
34 Report
  • Riley
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 13, 2021

Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim) for Bacterial Infection "I had a breast infection and was prescribed this terrible medicine- it needs to be off the market. I felt real bad 2nd day taking it. It caused a fever, rash, headache, sharp pains through body, no appetite, shaky, dizzy, numbness I felt so out of it scared me so bad I stopped taking it the Bactrim medicine is too strong I definitely wouldn’t recommend!"

2 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
26 Report
  • Nikki
  • December 12, 2015

Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim) for Bacterial Skin Infection "I have just recently got out a living environment with a bunch of roomates, I found a small pimple under my arm and thought nothing of it, after a week it was so swollen and hot to touch I went to the ER. The doctor didn't want to cut the "pimple" open but I begged him to because of the pain-and he was glad he did...the amount of bacteria that came out was astonishing! He put me on bactrim and even though I had some side effects it went away.....but then I got another abcess on my head about 2 months later....took bactrim it went away....then 2 months after that i got another abcess on my finger....took bactrim it when away.....now i once again have 3 abscesses under my armpit and am currently on bactrim again! 4 months later!"

7 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
55 Report
  • Since...
  • September 13, 2019

Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim) for Urinary Tract Infection "I was prescribed Bactrim DS for a UTI. I drank a full glass of water with every dose and continued to drink large amounts of water throughout the day. I also made sure to take this on a full stomach. I’m a healthy 26 year old female and this is my first UTI. After taking Bactrim for 24hrs, I experienced severe side effects. I had debilitating kidney pain and lower back pain, severe gas, foamy explosive diarrhea, bloating, racing heart rate, severe anxiety (almost to the point of paranoia), and brain fog. I could not even hold a simple conversation. I felt like I was dying. After reading many reviews online, I discovered these same side effects have affected so many others while taking Bactrim. Once the drug was out of my system and I discontinued use, these side effects subsided. This antibiotic may work for some, but be aware of the possible severe side effects when you are assessing the risk of taking Bactrim."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
35 Report
  • CB1992
  • April 21, 2015

Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim) for Urinary Tract Infection "This is definitely my favourite medicine to treat urinary tract infections. I have a longstanding history with UTI's, one even sent me to the ER. The best part about this medicine is that it works quickly and feel relief within the first dose, which is great. I tried nitrofurantin once and absolutely hated it because of side effects & will stick with this. Luckily I've never experienced any negative side effects & I've taken with and without food. No nausea, nothing! It's definitely a hefty sized pill though."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
56 Report
  • Manddaa
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 12, 2019

Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim) for Bacterial Infection "This drug was almost the end of me. I had taken it several times before with no issues. However, this time I took three pills, and ended up in the hospital with Steven Johnson’s syndrome - which is serious severe reaction. It started with blisters covering the inside of my mouth. And then it spread all over my face and chest. I felt like I was literally ON FIRE!!! After very large doses of steroids and antihistamines, we were able to save my face. No scarring, thank God. But 2 months later, and I’m still struggling with the feeling of my face and chest getting really hot."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
33 Report
  • Anonymous
  • April 13, 2008

Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim) for Bacterial Skin Infection "I began getting serious boils in the worst places a man could ever get them. A nurse friend of mine, knowing I was diabetic, said that many diabetics get boils in the genital area and suggested I take Bactrim. This drug cleared them up quickly, leaving me to be one happy man."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
85 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • April 20, 2020

For Bacterial Infection "**This sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim is by the far the worst medicine ** I was prescribed this medicine, It works great but the side effects are not worth it, stop taking it immediately. On day 3 of taking it every 12 hrs, almost 10 mins later Irregular heartbeat (fast paced), an increase/enhance in normal anxiety, shortness of breath, fever flushing( random hot/cold flashes) constant thoughts of death(not suicidal) this medicine is a poison, ask you doctor for a different medication, or do natural remedies "

4 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
31 Report
  • Annie...
  • December 17, 2016

Bactrim DS (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim) for Urinary Tract Infection "I was prescribed Bactrim DS for a severe UTI and 7 day twice a day schedule. On the second day of dosage, I began having Flu-like symptoms such as dizzy spells, nausea, aches, weakness, and I felt so sick, I thought I was going to die. I felt worse each day and by the 6th day of dosage, I had to return to my doctor. He said I must have had a severe allergy to this medicine. He gave me a shot of antibiotics and prescription of 500 MG Amoxicillin. I am finally feeling better. The Bactrim did not work on me. They put a note in my chart to not prescribe Bactrim to me again. I think that some people have allergies to this, I know I do. Hope my story helps you."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
48 Report
  • Chell...
  • June 15, 2014

Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim) for Bacterial Skin Infection "If you're ever on antibiotics, it's best to take a probiotic to help with stomach upset. However, I read you should take them as far away from your dose of antibiotic as possible. So, if you have to take it twice a day: take the Bactrim at breakfast and dinner. Then take the probiotics directly between at around lunch time. Taking any antibiotics with food also helps. Certain antibiotics have different food instructions so ask your pharmacist. I'm currently on Bactrim for a urinary tract infection, but I also have an infected hair that's been causing me a lot of pain in my groin so I'm hoping this will help there as well."

5 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
59 Report
  • Marylin
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 26, 2018

Bactrim DS (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim) for Sinusitis "Don’t believe everything you read here. I took this drug for a sinus infection I developed on a plane coming from overseas. Within four hours I started feeling better. Took about five days until I felt completely well. When I went to see the doctor, I had a temperature of 100.3 and felt bad. This drug may not be for everyone but it worked for me. No side effects."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
39 Report
  • Frequ...
  • October 29, 2017

Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim) for Urinary Tract Infection "I used to get UTIs every month or two until I finally started my daily dose of Raw Organic Apple Cider vinegar with “mother” mixed with honey water. It has been the only thing that has helped. I am now on my 8th month of no UTIs! It really surprised me as I’m not big into homeopathic remedies."

Was this helpful?YesNo
43 Report
  • Kell
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 4, 2020

Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim) for Bacterial Skin Infection "I was prescribed Bactrim for 10 day course to treat Staph infection in my skin. I had no issues other than fatigue for first 6 days but by day 7 I woke up feeling dizzy and so tired. I kept pushing on taking the tablets because it was working to clear boils. By day 8-9 I had a rash over my body. I felt so lightheaded. Even laying down my body ached as if I had the flu."

2 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
31 Report
  • Urmoot
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 3, 2017

Bactrim DS (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim) for Urinary Tract Infection "Prescribed generic Bactrim DS, 2x/day for 3 days. Just took my last dose and minimal side effects. I always ate a big substantial meal before taking this medication even though I had loss of appetite (ate food that had tons of starch). Also, drank tons of water after and throughout the day. I was constantly peeing but at least I knew I was drinking enough. Had minor upset stomach and fatigue but still very functional esp when the pain from UTI was gone. Took a day and half to feel relief."

8 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
46 Report
  • Jmich...
  • September 7, 2013

Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim) for Acne "I am 52 with hormonal acne. My cysts were terrible. Did a number on my confidence. I have been on Bactrim for over a year for the cysts and finally something is working. I tried every other medicine with no results. Not sure how long I can be on this but I never want to stop. Afraid if I stop, the cysts will return."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
60 Report
  • Hartmaa
  • September 30, 2020

Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim) for Acne "I’ve been on Bactrim DS for 7 years. I’ll always stay on it, and I’ve had zero side effects. Just 75-95% clearer skin depending upon time of month. My blood work is perfect, I’m extremely fit, so there’s no reason you can’t stay on it for extended periods if it is a serious problem for you and you tolerate it well. I’d rather lose 5 years of life than go back to how I was. I get a special long term prescription and my life has been handed back to me after 15 years of Accutane, tetracyclines, and mycins. Nothing works like this. I’m not on birth control. It gives me the worst acne. This is what’s right for me. 10/10"

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
27 Report
  • samsa...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 17, 2019

For Bacterial Infection "this antibiotic combination medicine sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim is AWFUL. The first two doses I was okay but then I started having really bad anxiety and I couldn’t sleep. My stomach felt like it was in knots and I had shortness of breath. I felt like I was coming down from meth!! I don’t not recommend this."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
31 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.