Bactrim is a mixture of sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim which are both antibiotics that have been medically approved to treat harmful bacteria that cause infections.
There are patients that are okay with Bactrim while there are those that experience side effects and one of the most common ones are allergic reactions.
These patients that have allergic reactions often have immune systems that react poorly to certain drugs.
Allergic reactions that are associated with the drug range from mild to severe.
Allergic reactions to Bactrim are usually associated with allergic reactions to sulfites. So those who have sulfa allergies should not take Bactrim to avoid reactions. It has been studied that sulfa drugs is not really the major cause of the allergic reactions but rather the sulfonamide molecule that has been metabolized in the body and latched to proteins.
Allergic Reaction to Bactrim Symptoms
Rashes and itching are some of the most common symptoms that patients experience if they have allergic reactions to Bactrim.
Severe allergic reactions include appearance of hives, severe itching, having difficulties in breathing, and a tight feeling in the chest area.
Hoarseness that seems to be happening unusually.
Swelling of the face or particularly swelling of the mouth, lips, and tongue.
There are also adverse allergic reactions that lead to the onset of serious disorders or diseases like Stevens-Johnson syndrome, allergic myocarditis, exfoliative dermatitis, toxic epidermal necrolysis, erythema multiforme, and so much more.
Headaches, confusion, loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting are also some of the symptoms that can be related with allergic reaction to Bactrim. When these symptoms appear, it is best for patients to go and see a doctor immediately.
Runny nose.
Difficulty in swallowing.
For severe cases air passageways will be totally blocked which will prevent breathing. There have been cases of allergic reaction to Bactrim that have led to fatalities.
Treatment for Allergic Reaction to Bactrim
Administration of Bactrim should be immediately stopped if allergic reactions occur.
For allergic reactions that cause the blockage of airways which can be manifested by shortness in breath, chest tightening, and difficulty in swallowing, epinephrine can be given through injections.
Mild allergic reactions like itching and rashes can be dealt with by administering antihistamines.
It is best for patients to consult a doctor when allergic reactions persist even when the symptoms are just mild. This is to ensure that adverse effects of the reactions will not happen.
For severe allergic reaction symptoms like difficulty in breathing, first step to be done is rush the patient to the nearest hospital.
