Drug ? = This one is probably for Quix, but any info would be good.

[Sailorsong]

As I posted yesterday my new PCP gave me an Rx for an anti-biotic. The rx was for Sulfamethoxazole / Trimethoprim 800/160. I always check out drugs on the internet before taking any. So this morning after going to Walgreens to check it out my first thought was "IS SHE TRYING TO KILL ME"?

The list of side effect and signs of allergic reaction almost match my normal state of health issues. So now I am afraid to take it as how would I know if the dizziness of my normal vertigo or the drug? Or how about the shortness of breath. I'm already short of breath most of the time?

So is this something that would normally be given to someone with a UTI? I'm use to be given Zithromax for my infections (non UTI) in the past. According to Walgreens this is a dual anti-biotic.

Dennis

[tonyad]

   Hey there :)
   Ditto what everyones else has said...I would like to add that as far as 'Side Affects" go.....They are mandated (Drug Manufacturer)  to put down 'Every Single" side affect that has been associated w/ a medication during drug trials.....

    So maybe only 1 percent of the 100 people had dizziness or arrythmia's after taking this particular medication....BUT, they have to put it down as a "Possible" side affect.

     I stopped (ok, I try to stop ..Lol)  reading the warning labels / possible side affects because it makes me panicky......So, I know how you feel  :0

Take Care,
~Tonya

[Tiredofbeingnumb]

Yes, Trimethoprim/sulfa is a common drug for UTIs. I'll try not to get too technical, but Zithromax is prescribed a lot of times for "upper respiratory infections." Generally (although there are exceptions of course), the bacteria that cause things like sinus infections/pneumonia are not the same as those that cause UTIs. Hopefully they did a culture, and determined that the bacteria causing your infection will be killed by the antibiotic (we refer to that as the bacteria being susceptible to that drug).

I am in kind of a similar situation in that I was prescribed nitrofurantion, which is also a common UTI drug. Well, when I read the packet that came with it, it said that some of its severe side effects were optic neuritis, and also neuropathy. It also warned that people with "debilitating" illlness shouldn't take this drug. So what does that mean, lol?? Does MS count? I'm not taking it...BUT, I have agreement with my neuro that I probably don't have a UTI (my urologist prescribed the antibiotics, the whole thing is a long story). Anyway, a lot of antibiotics do seem to have dizziness listed as a side effect, I know Cipro does, too.

Well, if the drug does make you dizzier, at least it will be temporary! And the drug should help you feel better from the UTI. If, after you've finished the medication (even when you are feeling better, take the entire amount!) you don't feel better, definitely call your doctor. Especially if you've been on antibiotics before, it is possible whatever organism is causing your UTI is resistant to that antibiotic. Definitely let your doctor know. Hope you feel better!

[Sailorsong]

Thanks all for the comments. I have had some very bad reactions to some drugs in the past so I do worry about that alot when I start a new one. That is why I always look to see what type of reactions indicate an allergic reaction. It also really seemed like over kill to me since I usually am given Zpaks for infections.

Also I have never been treated for a UTI before so I had no idea that this was the common drug for it. My daughter use to have them all the time and in her case they always gave her Zpaxs as well.

Dennis

[Lulu54]

Dennis,
We would never take another drug in our lives if we had to be worried about all the side effects that are possible.  I think it is hard to find one that doesn't list dizziness as a side effect. LOL

Good luck with working through this one.

Lulu

[jensequitur]

Yeah, it's a heavy-duty antibiotic.  They prescribe it these days because it's more resistant to MRSA than the usual Zithromax Zpak.  

Just don't drink alcohol on it, you'll be fine.

[daisy.girl]

Yes...this is for UTI as well as respiratory infection, middle ear infections, and others.

Brand names of this drug are Bactrim and Septra

hope you feel better soon.