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Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Kidney Infections User Reviews (Page 2)

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 4.6 out of 10 from a total of 71 reviews for the treatment of Kidney Infections. 28% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 49% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim

  • LSMR
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 20, 2019

Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim) "My Dr prescribed Bactrim for my kidney infection along with Steroids. I'm supposed to take Bactrim twice a day for 7 days. Being told I would feel better after two days. This is day 7 and if anything, I feel worse than before I started the Bactrim. I go back to the Dr on Monday. I'm terrified he will want to hospitalize me."

2 / 10
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  • nick
  • October 31, 2015

Bactrim DS (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim) "I started taking Bactrim 2 days ago for bladder infection and it is terrible because I feel like I have the flu... body aches, headache, nausea. ..I just called the doctor to tell her I'm not taking any more.. the bladder infection is nothing compared to the way this med made me feel!!! It seems like it has been cut with some sort if poison before it gets to the US!!! I just hope I regain strength bc I feel so weak from the pain my body has been through!!!"

1 / 10
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  • Allijo
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 9, 2018

Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim) "I was prescribed bactrim twice daily for a week for a suspected kidney infection. I only got through two and a half days of the medication before I stopped taking it because I was so tired I couldn’t function and my skin became sore in certain places. I was taking 3-4 naps a day and my muscles were so weak I had to sit to even brush my hair. I am 28 weeks pregnant and a mother to a 20 month old so there is no way I could get through a week of not being able to function. I couldn’t even hold my daughter without having to sit down."

2 / 10
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Frequently asked questions

  • Mashi
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 10, 2017

Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim) "I took Bactrim for a kidney and bladder infection. I used to not have any issues with the medication but now for some reason it makes me so sleepy I'm sleeping 90% of the time on it. I refuse to take it an more because I need to be able to function and with this med for some reason now I can't function right."

1 / 10
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  • Belen
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 29, 2020

Bactrim DS (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim) "I was diagnosed with kidney infections on Monday night. They gave me the Bactrim and sent me on my way home and I got the prescription the next day. Tuesday I spent the day throwing everything up. I couldn’t hold my water down. Wednesday I slept all day and spent my time running back and forth to the bathroom for a shower when I got chills or sweats. I was throwing up even what I didn’t have in my stomach. Thursday I’m starving but the look of food disgusts me. 10 days prescribed I’m on day three of treatment I don’t know how long I’ll last. Also I have these extreme pain in my calf muscles for some weird reason and they don’t go away."

4 / 10
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Are you taking this medicine?

  • Dee
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • April 27, 2019

"I waited too long to see my Doctor as I had an upcoming appointment in 3 weeks. I knew something was up with my kidneys. The sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim combo is helping, it’s fighting the infection. It’s the only prescribed med I’m on. Taking Tylenol In conjunction helps with fever and chills. Started med on Wednesday and Thursday was worst day, felt like deep cramps within both kidneys. It is Saturday I’m improving but not able to resume normal activities. I have 5 days left to take of this med. I can guarantee that I will completely take all, as prescribed. Advise: Don’t wait to see your Dr or Clinic, etc. Take the meds as prescribed. Drink plenty of water. Rest, a acetaminophen (Tylenol). Urinate frequently."

10 / 10
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  • Ugh
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 31, 2020

Bactrim DS (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim) "Day two second dose put me out all day. Migraine pulsating throbbing headache was so bad. Threw up twice which caused me to fall down from the immense pain in my head. It was amplified by vomiting. I'm afraid to take another pill as it just calmed down after 10 hours of torture."

1 / 10
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  • marie...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 10, 2017

Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim) "I got sick the day after Christmas. Thought i was just having nausea, but it progressed to a very painful tummy and back so I went to the er with my husband a few days later. I had a kidney infection, so they put me on the generic for bactrim for 10 days. I felt no different till a few days in, and that's when I got some relief but also side effects such as persistant and constant nausea, and headaches. Wasn't too bad. Then I felt excited on my last day because I truly felt better (minus stomach cramps that I didn't think were serious at the time). But then less than 24 hours later I started feeling bad again with my back and tummy, so we went to the ER and they put me on the generic for macrobid. This is day one of that. We'll see how it g"

3 / 10
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  • GoodV...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 16, 2022

Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim) "I was given Bactrim after going to the ER for a rapidly progressing UTI that was making its way to my kidneys (potentially from an infected kidney stone). I was doing okay with Bactrim until day 5-7, when I ran a fever of 101 for 72 hours straight. I went to urgent care on day 6 and asked if the fever might be caused by Bactrim. They said no and pushed that I finish the medication. HOWEVER, on day 8 (after the 7 day dose was complete) I broke out in a full body rash (face and lips included - legs the worst). Though Bactrim DID improve my kidney infection symptoms, I still have a UTI, and now am covered in a rash. If you do have a consistent fever with this medication, and feel like you have the flu (muscle tingling, joint pain, inflamed lymphnod), this could be an early sign of an allergic reaction! I wish I had stopped sooner when I knew something wasn’t right."

5 / 10
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  • k1991
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 5, 2017

"I have been taking a 10 day prescription of this for 6 and 1/2 days now. It was for my kidney infection. I hadn't noticed much relief till day 4, but its been good since then. I have nausea and headaches and a little joint pain, but would so much rather that than the infection. Only reason I'm not giving it 10 stars is because I am a bit scared that my infection might come back after using it, but I know its probably not likely."

8 / 10
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  • Bekka
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 22, 2019

"sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim is worst antibiotic ever, it caused dehydration, kidney/flank pains..dry mouth, itchy skin, back pains & lower back pains, increased my acne, increased sweating..nausea, dizziness, muscle weakness..and oh boy I'm never taking this medication ever again!"

5 / 10
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  • Country
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 16, 2018

"This medication was very effective in treating my kidney infection quickly. The only thing that I could say about this medicine is that after I took it, almost immediately my face would start to tingle. It only lasted for about 10-15 min but it was still odd I thought."

10 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 1, 2024

Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim) "Bactrim seems to work for me. I didn't know it caused vertigo. I found experience that, but it has alleviated my 8-9 out of 10 pain from a UTI/kidney infection. I am on day 7 of 7. I feel like I need it another 3 days. Not all of the symptoms are gone, and I still can't pee long. I think it's working. It's a good alternative because I am allergic to penicillin. Hopefully, I don't have a blocked system because of kidney stone."

8 / 10
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  • Martha
  • August 30, 2017

Bactrim DS (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim) "The first two days were fine... I was diagnosed with a kidney infection and it seemed to work pretty well, despite a little nausea... Day 3 is when all hell broke loose. I started a new job and was running errands. I had left the house, took my medicine, grabbed a water bottle but didn't have time to eat what a mistake. 2 hours after taking Bactrim my head felt like it was going to implode. While I was driving on interstate 95 through northern VA I had a quick onset of nausea. There was no where for me to pull off. I ended up vomiting all over myself. By all over myself I mean all over myself and my car. It continued and has now been 24 hours. Went to ER for severe dehydration and am now spending the night at the hospital. Yay!"

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  • Jano
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 15, 2020

Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim) "Was prescribed B for a male kidney infection. Severe breakout in a very sensitive area, evidently I am experiencing a fixed drug eruption. Cleared the kidney infection in 24 hours but has since returned."

2 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 19, 2018

"I have been suffering with a kidney infection/UTI for almost 4 weeks. One week on amoxicillin did nothing. Now on sulfameth/trimeth twice daily. No terrible side effects to speak of. I take it with a meal, drink plenty of water and take a probiotic mid-day. BUT I’ve had no improvement in symptoms after using it for 7 days. I did have some significant fatigue the first few days and joint pain but both have subsided."

2 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • December 20, 2021

Bactrim DS (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim) "I'm on day 5 taking Bactrim for my kidney infection and I feel just fine. I felt a little nauseous with the first pill but it wasn't bad. I take the morning dose on an empty stomach n more than half a bottle of water. I still get kidney pains here and there though. I hope it's working."

7 / 10
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  • Mekka...
  • July 13, 2016

"It usually works well for my urinary tract infections, but in this case I just got a horrible yeast infection and no relief, my conclusion is that I have a kidney infection and this medication is not strong enough for kidney infections. Ladies: you should always use probiotics while taking antibiotics, it will even out your vaginal ph balance."

2 / 10
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  • Natty
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 7, 2019

"Was prescribed sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim for a kidney infection. I couldn't wait to take it as I was in a lot of pain. 2nd day off taking it the pain was completely gone and felt great. Day 3 is another story. Currently lying in bed with severe anxiety. I actually feel like I'm going nuts. It is now 3.30am and I went to bed at 11.30 and not one bit tired. Have completely lost my appetite. I haven't eaten in 3 days really just nibbles here and there and thats just forcing myself. Do not like this drug at all :("

3 / 10
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  • Flowe...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 30, 2023

"Had to be on this for a kidney infection, for 10 days twice a day. NEVER AGAIN. I take Lexapro for GAD (anxiety), and after the second day, it was like I wasn't even on the Lex. Anxiety through the roof. Horrible. It cleared up my kidney infection but at a miserable cost. Do NOT take this if you are diagnosed with anxiety or depression - it'll be the worst week of your life."

1 / 10
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  • Very...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 15, 2016

"Took this for 4 days. Immediately had the worst stiff neck I've ever had. Stopped taking on day 4, but very painful stiff neckremains. Cannot touch chin to chest and can barely move head side to side. Did clear my urine, though. Very worried about my neck."

2 / 10
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  • Pepper
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 23, 2019

Septra (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim) "Has got to be the worst antibiotics I've ever been on, no pain relief at all on the third day in, I keep getting weird sensations in my body and the constipation is horrible. I've also been told (by people around me) I've been really aggressive and depressed and lashing out ever since it built up in my system."

1 / 10
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  • Never...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 4, 2022

Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim) "So far I’ve taken 10 doses out of 14 and I got an unexplainable bruise. Had even worse kidney pain and trouble urinating make sure you drink even more water then you normally would, as it’s recommended with the meds. Aside from that it’s cleared up but now I’m having muscle and joint pain."

4 / 10
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  • Brown...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 13, 2022

Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim) "Went to ER 3 days ago with a UTI that spread to my kidneys. Was given Bactrim 2 a day for 14 days. I cannot sleep, constant nausea and last night I literally felt like I couldn’t breathe. Kidney infection is much better, but I’m not sure I can’t finish this prescription bc this med is no joke!"

1 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 27, 2021

"I had an awful experience.. although it did get rid of my UTI that turned into a kidney infection, it made my anxiety was the worst it’s ever been. My heart felt like it was pounding, shaky hands and nauseated. Just awful! The side effects were so severe I went to the ER thinking I had sepsis. I'm so glad it’s over with!"

2 / 10
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1 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.

Learn more about Kidney Infections

Symptoms and treatments