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Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim for Sinusitis User Reviews

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

Rating: 5.2

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim has an average rating of 5.2 out of 10 from a total of 74 reviews for the treatment of sinusitis. 41% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 43% reported a negative experience.

10
20%
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9%
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11%
7
1%
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1%
5
8%
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5%
3
7%
2
9%
1
27%

Reviews for Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • Par...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 1, 2019

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim "Like many others, I read review after review on here of negative experiences, making myself terrified of taking this drug. As someone who is so worried about throwing up that I carry anti-nausea medication with me everywhere I go, I was very reluctant to begin 6 weeks of Bactrim after reading all of these reviews. Fortunately, I experienced no major side effects and it seems to be helping with the infection. Some very mild nausea at first that was likely anxiety-induced, and acid reflux which is common with all antibiotics. Yogurt and a probiotic daily helps with this. Anyway, I promised myself that I would write a positive review if I ended up having a positive experience, so here it is. If you're worried like I was, remember that people are way more inclined to post drug reviews online when they have negative experiences, than normal or positive ones. The vast majority of people taking Bactrim feel absolutely fine, and keeping this in mind may help ease your fears as well."

8 / 10
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111 Report
  • Tha...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 30, 2019

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim "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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45 Report
  • Mar...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 26, 2018

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim "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
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41 Report

Frequently asked questions

  • Cig...
  • July 14, 2008

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim "After three days of prescribed use of the generic Bactrim, my headaches and nasal discharge have decreased dramatically. Side effects: insomnia (reason I am writing this review), pain in jaw and throat if not taken with ample water."

8 / 10
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72 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 18, 2017

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim "I was prescribed this medication for ten days after two recent bouts with a sinus infection that never seemed to clear. This did the trick. I was thirsty and somewhat restless but had none of the major possible side effects that the doctor warned me about."

8 / 10
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34 Report

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  • All...
  • September 28, 2020

"Bactrim works best for my sinusitis. Augmentin never seems to help as I believe the bacteria in my sinuses have become resistant to it. I don't have any of the side effects the others speak of on here. Everyone is different. Don't make a judgment based on a review here."

10 / 10
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17 Report
  • Mar...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 31, 2019

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim "I’m currently taking Bactrim twice a day for a sinus infection. I've taken it before for the same thing, and I seem to recall it's just about the ONLY antibiotic that doesn’t feel like it’s really bad for me in the process! I’m also taking a steroid pack at the same time. Don’t be afraid to take it; everyone’s body reacts differently."

8 / 10
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19 Report
  • Big...
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • August 6, 2018

"I start by putting a half of a sulfa DS into a Neti Pot, saline, and warm distilled water. Go slow with it, hold it in my nose as long as I can. Then I take 2 a day for 7 to 10 days. If there’s nothing in your environment recreating the problem, it goes away. I do think Augmentin 860/125 is still the best. The best thing to do is avoid dust, pollutants, and keep your house super clean. I have times where I can go 6 to 10 months with no antibiotics, but they are the only thing that works. In 2008, my ENT gave me a trial nasal mist with Cipro in it, used 2x a day for 4 days, nasal infection done for a year. I went to refill it, and the manufacturer removed it—why? Because it worked. I do use steam machines twice daily as well, distilled water, it helps. I have remedies—feel free to reach out."

9 / 10
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21 Report
  • Sic...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 25, 2018

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim "I have a severe sinus infection that has been lasting on and off for months. Dr. put me on Bactrim for 15 days. I'm on day 12 with zero improvement. Actually, I'm worse. No voice, face hurts, throat swollen, glands swollen. I feel the pill isn't doing anything at all."

1 / 10
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21 Report
  • Chr...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 8, 2019

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim "Developed sinusitis with heavy pressure in ears, drainage, swollen throat/glands, etc. Prescribed Bactrim-DS for a seven-day course, twice daily. Within 12 hours, swelling was nearly gone, pain reduced to minimal. Did experience restlessness, sleeplessness, and some dehydration despite drinking a lot of water. Seems like it dealt with the infection itself, but still dealt with sinus problems (drainage, congestion in ears, and coughing due to drainage) for several days after. Bactrim is a sulfa product, so doc made sure I wasn't allergic before prescribing."

9 / 10
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15 Report
  • Anonymous
  • February 4, 2010

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim "I was given the generic Bactrim for a sinus infection. After 4 days, I couldn't stop vomiting and having diarrhea for 3 days. Almost went to the hospital. It seemed to be making me feel better until the side effects kicked in. I had to stop the medication."

2 / 10
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31 Report
  • Pop...
  • February 21, 2016

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim "Taking 2 pills twice a day every day. Something new for a side effect, great way to lose weight. Don't feel like eating at all, all I do is keep myself hydrated with fluids to thin the phlegm so I can cough it loose and get the rest out of my system. Can't wait till I can stop taking it. Also think it's shredding my red blood cells, feel tired and sometimes dizzy and weak."

4 / 10
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26 Report
  • Vik...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 8, 2018

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim "I just wanted to pop in and say Bactrim is a sulfa drug. A lot of people are allergic to sulfa, and some are allergic to the trimethoprim part as well. Those of you having a reaction, this is probably why. You also need to tell your doctor you're allergic to sulfa drugs or trimethoprim so they don't prescribe you any! Be well!"

9 / 10
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15 Report
  • Meg...
  • March 8, 2014

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim "I have been taking Bactrim for sinusitis for around a week. I have developed painful sores on my tongue that are not visible to the eye. My mouth itches and burns terribly. It worked for my underlying condition, but this side effect is unbearable."

5 / 10
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22 Report
  • Jay...
  • July 13, 2016

"I've had sinusitis for 9 months. Tried to treat it with natural remedies, but it finally affected my lungs, causing a severe chest infection. I've been taking trimethoprim 400 mg twice a day for 3 days, and I can say that I am feeling much better. No major side effects apart from nausea, but eating small amounts of food at regular intervals is helping. No upset stomach or stomach pains, which surprised me due to having IBS. Anyone suffering side effects, always remember that any antibiotic will cause you to feel unwell. You have to persevere with it, and they will ease. Failure to complete the course of medication will result in the infection coming back."

10 / 10
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16 Report
  • Sar...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 13, 2015

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim "Took medication with the warning that it needed to be taken with 'plenty of water.' Woke up in the middle of the night with a severe headache and went back to sleep. Woke up in the morning for work and had debilitating nausea. I really hope this is just a temporary thing and I don't have to do this every time I take it."

5 / 10
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17 Report
  • sca...
  • June 27, 2009

"Used this for sinusitis, cleared it within 36 hours. No side effects noted at all. Took the full course with no problems. Have used this drug for strep as well, and it worked well with no side effects."

10 / 10
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21 Report
  • Mre...
  • September 12, 2015

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim "Started meds on Monday. My arms and legs hurt terribly Tuesday and Wednesday. The headache has been the worst I have ever had. Chills, sweating, nausea, impaired vision, insomnia. I called the doctor's office Wednesday afternoon, and the nurse told me to give it a few more days. Went to a different doctor on Saturday, and he said Bactrim is notorious for headaches and other adverse effects. Off of it now and have to wait 24 hours before I can start a new antibiotic. I'm praying this headache ends soon."

1 / 10
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15 Report
  • suz...
  • January 25, 2012

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim "I took Bactrim DS after the first antibiotic didn't work on my sinus infection. I started to feel better after 4 days, however, I developed joint pain in my hands and knees. I have arthritis from an autoimmune disease, but it's usually controlled very well by a maintenance medicine. On day 8, I noted lots of swollen glands in my neck and a slight temp. After I took my antibiotic that night, my fever shot up to 103, I was shaking, teeth chattering, with severe joint/muscle pain, my face looked sunburned, and my body was red/blotchy. I stopped the Bactrim, but the fever lasted 2-3 days, the arthritis was severe for about a week, and I still have fatigue. Good news is the ENT did recheck, and the infection is gone."

5 / 10
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19 Report
  • Syd...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 10, 2019

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim "This is horrible medication! I was on Bactrim for only 3 days for sinusitis, then on day 4, I had hives and my face was burning from the inside out but no fever. Went off it. Then day 5, 6, and on 7 now, and my jaw aches and my face feels like it’s going to implode. Strangest feeling. I’m dizzy, have a headache, but the facial tightening and burning are making me crazy. This stuff is scary, and I have no idea when it’s going to stop. Never again."

1 / 10
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13 Report
  • Tel...
  • January 29, 2015

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim "I took this for four and a half days. I experienced complete appetite loss, nausea, fatigue, abdominal pain, and anxiety. I had blood work done before I took the Bactrim, and when I got my results back, it turned out I didn't have a bacterial infection at all. All that for nothing. I still haven't completely recovered my appetite, and it has been almost a week since my last dose."

1 / 10
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13 Report
  • Sin...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 3, 2020

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim "Very slow results for sinusitis. Day 5, I was slightly improved, productive cough. Day 10, my green gunk had just disappeared, still coughing and clear phlegm. Day 11, green came back. Went and got a Z-pack. Already feel better the same day."

1 / 10
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10 Report
  • Dea...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 16, 2020

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim "I took this as my 3rd round of antibiotics for sinusitis. After taking Bactrim for 4 days, I have been having horrible hives and rashes. I am literally wanting to itch my skin off, it's so bad. I took 2 Benadryl, and I have stopped taking this rubbish. Definitely calling my doctor about these horrible side effects."

2 / 10
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9 Report
  • MSh...
  • October 4, 2015

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim "I suffer from frequent severe migraines and disclosed this info to the physician during my visit. Recent sinus infections I took a Z-pack and was done, but this time was my first time taking Bactrim DS. Painful headaches, stomach aches, constipation even after drinking water frequently daily. Hoping I don't get the yeast infection or any other issues some patients complain about."

5 / 10
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11 Report
  • She...
  • March 8, 2017

Sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim "I have had a severe reaction to Bactrim multiple times and only just recently put it together. According to my doctor, Bactrim has a super rare side effect in which it can cause drug-induced meningitis. I was prescribed Bactrim last month for a sinus infection and after a single dose was extremely ill and ended up hospitalized with viral meningitis. My intracranial pressure that was read with the spinal tap was 62, and normal readings are under 20. This was the third time I have taken Bactrim, and the reactions increased in severity with each incident."

1 / 10
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10 Report

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Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or remove inappropriate content. Reviews appearing to come from parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any medication and should not replace the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals.

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