Patient was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking Bactrim as follows:
- Discuss with your doctor regarding any previous allergic responses you experienced with antibiotics belonging to the sulfa group, such as, Sulfamethoxazole. Allergy to sulfa is a common finding.
- Patients with history of antibiotic associated diarrhea must be cautious about using Bactrim. Discuss with your doctor regarding your history of the same. Report to your doctor regarding any persistent diarrhea, abdominal pain and cramping, and blood or mucus in the stool. These findings could occur even weeks after discontinuation of Bactrim and must be reported.
- Bactrim carries the risk of causing dizziness and confusion. These responses can significantly increase, if Bactrim were taken with alcohol. Avoid taking Bactrim with alcohol. One should stay away from activities, such as, driving and operating heavy machinery, until they are used to the side effects caused by Bactrim.
- Watch closely for development of any opportunistic infections, such as, oral candidiasis with white patches in the mouth, to be reported to the physician.
- Bactrim intake can increase chances for renal stone formation, thus resulting in abdominal and flank pain. Drink plenty of water to prevent this complication from developing.
