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Dermatology (Expert Forum)
Bactrim Rash
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center
Brookline - MA
Welcome to the DERMATOLOGY FORUM! Questions in this forum are answered by Dermatologists from St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital, under the direction of Andrew Alexis, M.D., M.P.H.
Bactrim Rash
by aireamdh, Apr 29, 2007 12:00AM
2 weeks ago I began with a bout of laryngitis. This progressed last week and I was seen Wednesday 4/25. Diagnosed now with sinusitis and throat infection. Given Septra DS (bactrim). Have taken this many years no problem. After 2nd dose Thursday morning, noticed uncomfortable feeling on my back. Changing clothes later,saw bright red sunburn-like atreaks and patches all over my back. ALso burning sensation. Also, medium size round red spots with a darker spot in middle. Called after hours nurse, at first told take benadryl, would be fine. Then it spread within 15 minutes to chest and stomach. Told then go to ER immediately. There was given IV steroids, a 6 day dos-pak of prednisolone. Have been taking that since Friday morning. There has been improvement, but at night seems to return, which is upsetting. Friday was bad, last night less so. How long can I expect this to go on, when can I expect rash to dissipate entirely? Is this "normal" course for this type of allergic reaction? Have read some frightening things about bactrim and rashes, told in ER i was "lucky". Am also told take 50 mg benadryl daily. PCP changed antibiotic to amoxicillin 875, which I admit am afraid to begin. Besides, ironically symptoms are abating now. Background: I am 49 yr old F w/ Hashimotos Hypothyroid/ TSH currently .589. Very low ferritin (7), taking iron supplements. Successful craniotomy 2 yrs ago meningioma. Thanks for your input.
Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, Apr 29, 2007 12:00AM
, Apr 29, 2007 12:00AM
Drug rashes take about 5 days to subside. This does sound like a drug reaction, so I think you're pretty much on schedule. It does not sound like one of the serious sulfa reactions, so you are lucky in that respect. The treatment you're on seems right too. You have no reason to fear amoxicillin, which is chemically completely unrelated to sulfa. If your doctor feels strongly that you need it, you ought to take it. I suggest you call to check that point.
Take care.
Dr. Rockoff
Take care.
Dr. Rockoff
Member Comments
by LillieH, May 26, 2008 10:23PM
A related discussion, Bactrim reaction was started.
by anindykid, Aug 27, 2008 06:37AM
A related discussion, Bactrim Rash and Stevens Johnson Syndrome was started.
