What Causes Lethargy And Gas Pain After Taking Bactrim For Skin Infection?

Posted on Fri, 23 May 2014

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

Fri, 23 May 2014 Answered on

Thu, 12 Jun 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I have been taking Bactrim for 8 days for a skin infection on the side of my nose that spread to my eye and cheek. I wound up in the hospital first with iv anti-biotics. I think it was a spider bite. Now 8 days later I am lethargic fsoor the last three days, when I swallow it feels like I just ate peanut butter and I can't get it down. and I seem to have gas like pains through my back. I have two days left, I would like to stop it because of all the gas pains. I also started B6 for lithium tremor and I read they could cause the feeling of a ball in the throat. so I am stopping that tomorrow. by the way it worked. so 2 questions can I stop it two days early and what should I do for the gas pains. thank you

Answered by Dr. Charu Bansal (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
take antacids also

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear,
Welcome to healthcaremagic. I have read your query and understood your concern.

Bactrim is an antibiotic that is very often associated with heartburn and gastric upset. I usually advice my patients to take plenty of water and lactobacillus preprations along with it to avoid these side effects.
You have already taken 8 days course of bactrim. You may continue it for one more day and then if required may change the antibiotic after discussing with your treating doctor.
I will advice you to take antacids like pantoprazole 40mg or rabeprazole 20mg empty stomach in the morning for 5-7 days. It will relieve your gas pains too and will help in tolerating the antibiotic.

I hope it helps. If you have any further query you may ask me.
Stay healthy.

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