Can Bactrim For UTI Cause Headaches?

Posted on Fri, 19 Dec 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 19 Dec 2014 Answered on

Fri, 16 Jan 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : My 85 year old Father has urine infection (he constantly has them due to nephrostomy tubes..he has bladder cancer, so the tubes are permanent) and has taken lots of anitbiotics over the past few years. The culture showed serratia m. bacteria and bactrim (normal dose, as he has only 30% kidney function) was sensitive. He has taken bactrim before with little side effects. This time, he has developed throbbing headache in his left side temple. He says it is a stabbing pain. We've given tylenol and it only works for a while. Is this type of headache associated with bactrim - even though he has taken the drug many times before? Any ideas on how to relieve the pain?

Answered by Dr. Ivo Ditah (14 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
No...It is not a possible bactrim side effect or reaction!

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.

I am so sorry to hear about what your dad has been going through. These headaches could be related to some other disease condition but not bactrim. Given the recent onset I will suggest that he takes the low dose percocet. Tylenol may not be a very good option given his poor renal function.

I hope this clarifies your doubts. I wish you well. Thanks for using our services and feel free to ask for more information if need be.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar