Can bactrim cause muscle cramps?

If you’ve ever taken Bactrim, then you might have experienced some weird side effects. The commonly prescribed antibiotic can be effective in treating bacterial infections but it also has its fair share of drawbacks. One such drawback is the dreaded muscle cramps. So, can Bactrim really cause this nuisance? Let’s dive into the details and find out.

What is Bactrim?

Before we jump into muscle cramps caused by Bactrim, let’s first take a stroll down memory lane and recap what exactly this medicine does [1].

Bactrim or Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) is an antibiotic used to treat urinary tract infections (UTI), respiratory infections like pneumonia, and ear infections among others [2]. It contains two active components that work together to fight off bacterial growth: sulfamethoxazole, a sulfonamide antimicrobial agent; and trimethoprim, which blocks enzymatic steps required for DNA replication in bacteria [3]. By working together synergistically, these drugs make sure that your infection doesn’t get any worse if not cured altogether.

As with most antibiotics though-It may kill both good and bad bacteria therefore contributing to digestive issues.

Now back to the topic at hand!

Possible side-effects of taking Bactrim

When taking any medication – even those as commonly prescribed as antibiotics – there are always possible side effects that could occur. Some of these include:

Common Symptoms -Indigestion/Diarrhea/Sun Sensitivity

Although they’re relatively minor symptoms when compared with other more serious complications reported by TMP/SMX users,indigestion, diarrheaand sun sensitivityhave been associated with use during treatment[4]. Feeling gassy or bloated only adds insult to injury while stuck on toilet seat!

Rarer Symptoms

Other symptoms seen with TMP/SMX use include rash,fever, sore throat and even flu-like systems[5]. These harsher side effects might not seem too extreme on the surface but when you’re already feeling lousy from an infection these added issues can add up real quick.

Potential for Allergies

Medication allergies are no laughing matter. If there’s one thing we’ve learned that in life is to always take potential allergic reactions seriously- so be careful! A potential symptom of immediate importance could be itching,hives/swelling/tightening of throat/lips etc.[6]

And then there’s muscle cramps!

Can Bactrim really cause muscle cramps?

Muscle cramping or stiffness is a commonly reported side effect amongst TMP-SMX users [7]. Patients often complain about experiencing sudden and involuntary contractions in their muscles. Some people describe it as “charley horse” while others liken it to being between a rock and a hard place!

While no specific researches have shown how Bactrim causes this issue, many observers believe that the drug likely disrupts normal electrolyte balance (think minerals like sodium, potassium and magnesium) which may cause your muscles’ electrical impulses to go haywire[8].

If you do experience such discomforting situations though-it’s important that you inform your local prescriber immediately who will most probably order blood tests-The common signs associated with Bactrium toxicity would typically involve mild decreases across all pulmonary functions(Primary focus being Asthmatics).

That said – Normally,muscle pain usually goes away within two weeks after stopping its oral consumption… Phew!

It is also further recommended that if a patient experiences severe pain/stiffness or impaired movements – especially if paired with swollen legs /swollen veins seek medical help immediately due to risks of blockages causing more worries![9].

Risk factors to consider before taking Bactrim

Muscle cramps might be just one of the several side-effects linked with TMP-SMX use, but there are a few other things that you should take into consideration before popping this antibiotic [10]:

1. Allergy- A no-go.

We already alluded to it above-but we can’t stress it enough! If you’ve ever experienced an allergic reaction to Sulfonylurea’s or lugs whose damage has been caused by them then chances are high that you may react similarly toward TMP-SMX(No inquisitiveness here-at-your own risk style)

2. Not for everyone

TMP/SMX isn’t recommended for some certain patients groups in particular due to disagreements between dosages and as such drug utilization must entail maximum monitoring!

Examples would include Asthmatics of course coughs (which could potentially worsen symptoms), while pregnant women and older adults run a higher chance of developing sevear muscle pain/stiffness due to their naturally lower “metabolism engine speed” than younger individuals.

3. Avoid sunlight

With raising summer temperatures comes the prospect buzzing mosquitos who can’t seem not ravage your skin during times when infections could become more likely-so we understand where sunscreen seen to be exempted from situations surrounding short term therapies might give joy.But whilst on using Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole(Septrin) remember unsupervised sun bathing is still truly intolerable![11]

Conclusion

There have been numerous reports linking Bactrim intake with potential side effects like muscle cramps although there is no concrete evidence on how exactly this happens.[12] That said -patients experiencing sudden pain associated with its use need competent care immediately please-cures do exist which involve rehydration.

It also never hurts researching alternative antibiotics that may have fewer side-effects than Bactrim. And if you feel like any drug is causing discomfort that’s simply not worth suffering through, always ask your prescriber for help!

We hope you’ll take heed of our recommendations and minimize the risks associated with taking antibiotics to help ensure a speedy recovery.

> “Don’t be scared to use an antibiotic -but before jumping onto anything- read ‘substances-seen-to-react-with-TMP/PSX’ please?”

References

[1] http://www.drugs.com/bactrim.html

[2] https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a684026.html

[3]https://www.uptodate.com/contents/sulfonamides-and-trimethoprim-for-mrsa-methicillin-resistant-staphylococcus-aureus-infection?source=see_link

[4]http://chemocare.com/chemotherapy/drug-info/Septra.aspx#a12

[5].https://healthool.com/is-bactrim-ds-effective-for-uti/

[6].https://m.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/pdf/HIE%20Multimedia/E/I18.pdf

[7].http://reference.medscape.com/drug/bactrim-sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim-342523#10

[8]- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-5530/BACTRIM+DS–ORAL/details/list-sideeffects

[9]- https:/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/.PMC1037515

[10]- http//drillwedoctorsmedia.blogdetik….Why-you-must-have-precautions-before-taking-Bactro-wrf-nanoredseafisher.blogspot.samep13May20181219AMGMT&bvdevice=smart&dclid=CMHMg5bO29oCFcTGtwodxhECAw

[11]- https://patient.info/medicine/sulfamethoxazole-with-trimethoprim-septrin-co-trimoxazole-proloprim-espripen

[12]-https://symptomchecker.webmd.com/multiple-symptoms?symptoms=muscle-cramps-or-spasms-(painful)|nightmares&symptomids=282|301&locations=48|2

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