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Side Effects of Cotrimoxazole

Cotrimoxazole is a medication made up of a combination of sulfonamide and trimethoprim used in the treatment of infections of the body. This medication is used mostly to treat bronchitis, ear infections, urinary tract infections and traveler's diarrhea. As with most medications, there are a number of side effects associated with using this drug.

  1. Common Side Effects

    • As mentioned, there are certain side effects associated with using this medication. Some of these side effects include rash, itching, pale skin, difficulty swallowing, muscle pain and stiffness, fever, sore throat, blistering and peeling of the skin, unusual bleeding and bruising and yellowing of the skin and eyes. While these are considered the most common side effects associated with using the drug, they only affect a small number of users.

    Severe Side Effects

    • Unfortunately, there are also a number of severe side effects associated with using Cotrimoxazole. Some of these side effects include severe stomach cramps and pain, bloody urine, anxiety, diarrhea, sudden confusion, drowsiness, difficulty breathing, fever, dizziness, changes in urination patterns, increased thirst, hallucinations, lower back pain, severe depression and seizures.

    Important Safety Information

    • Cotrimoxazole has been known to cause increased dizziness and drowsiness in some users and it is recommended not to operate any type of machinery (including automobiles) while taking this medication. Consult with your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any type of medication, especially ones used to treat bacterial infections. This medication is safe to consume during pregnancy and has not been shown to cause adverse effects in fetuses.

    Usage

    • Always use this medication exactly as it was prescribed by your doctor and never in dosages that exceed what has been recommended on the label. It is important not to miss any dosages of this medication while treating an infection, as it is very important to have a high level of the drug in both your blood and urine to be effective. Drinking excess water while taking the drug will prevent some of the unwanted side effects from occurring.

    Warning

    • If you experience any of the aforementioned side effects, contact your local doctor immediately for an adjusted treatment method.

      If an overdose is suspected, contact your local poison center and head directly to the nearest emergency room.

      Cotrimoxazole is meant for the treatment of infections only and should never be used for any other medical purpose unless specifically prescribed by your doctor.

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