{"id":626264,"date":"2024-01-18T09:30:25","date_gmt":"2024-01-18T14:30:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=626264"},"modified":"2024-10-25T10:14:52","modified_gmt":"2024-10-25T14:14:52","slug":"bactrim-side-effects-in-elderly","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/bactrim-side-effects-in-elderly\/","title":{"rendered":"What are the side effects of Bactrim for older adults?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you&rsquo;ve ever had a bacterial infection, it&rsquo;s possible your healthcare provider prescribed a medication called Bactrim to treat it. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/bactrim\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bactrim<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/bactrim-ds\/what-is\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bactrim DS<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for the double-strength version)&mdash;which is also sold as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/sulfatrim-pediatric\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sulfatrim<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or Septra&mdash;is the brand name for a combination medication containing two antibiotics: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. It is used to treat various bacterial infections, such as urinary tract infections, bronchitis, traveler&#8217;s diarrhea, and pneumonia.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/bactrim\/what-is\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bactrim<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is considered safe, it can trigger serious adverse effects in older adults, such as hyperkalemia, blood disorders, hypoglycemia, and neurological confusion. Here, we outline all you need to know about the possible side effects of Bactrim in those 65 and older along with precautions you can take for safe and effective use.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"common-bactrim-side-effects\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Common Bactrim side effects<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bactrim, sometimes called co-trimoxazole, is <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3216436\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">well-tolerated<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> by most people, but like most drugs, it can have unwanted side effects. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK513232\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Common side effects<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of Bactrim for people of any age include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Loss of appetite<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tiredness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nausea and vomiting<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Painful or swollen tongue<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dizziness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ringing in your ears<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fatigue<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Trouble sleeping<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Skin rashes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Photosensitivity&mdash;heightened skin reactions on exposure to the sun<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"bactrim-side-effects-in-elderly-people\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bactrim side effects in elderly people<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People 65 years of age and older are more susceptible to the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/drugs-supplements\/sulfamethoxazole-and-trimethoprim-oral-route\/side-effects\/drg-20071899?p=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">side effects of sulfamethoxazole\/trimethoprim<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Because people of that age are more likely to have folate deficiency and age-related kidney or liver problems, they have an increased risk of side effects&mdash;and more serious side effects.<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The following are five serious side effects that may occur with Bactrim use in the elderly:&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"1-hyperkalemia\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1. Hyperkalemia<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hyperkalemia is increased potassium levels in the blood. Older patients are at risk of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/dailymed.nlm.nih.gov\/dailymed\/fda\/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=f59d0c04-9c66-4d53-a0e1-cb55570deb62&amp;type=display\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hyperkalemia when taking Bactrim<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> if they are on drugs predisposing them to hyperkalemia, if they have problems metabolizing potassium, or if they have kidney dysfunction.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4347789\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">large 18-year study<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> found that senior patients taking Bactrim and spironolactone concurrently were at increased risk of being admitted to the hospital for very high potassium levels. &ldquo;Trimethoprim, one of the components of Bactrim, inhibits potassium excretion in the kidneys, leading to an accumulation of potassium in the body,&rdquo; says <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mywholeandhappylife.com\/about-updated\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whitney Prude<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pharm.D., a board-certified pharmacotherapy specialist based in Rochester, Minnesota. &ldquo;This can be particularly concerning in older adults who may already have compromised kidney function and are taking other medications that also affect potassium levels like <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/ace-inhibitors\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs).&rdquo;&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">High potassium levels can cause irregular heart rhythms and sudden death if not treated immediately. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Seek urgent treatment or call 911 if you have symptoms including shortness of breath, confusion, weakness, muscle twitching, irregular heartbeat, numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips&mdash;as these may be symptoms of hyperkalemia, which is sometimes accompanied by hyponatremia (low sodium).&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"2-blood-disorders\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2. Blood disorders<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC1123448\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Older adults<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are often deficient in folate, and people with folate deficiency are at risk of blood disorders if they take Bactrim&mdash;both of which increase their risk of blood disorders such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Hemolytic anemia <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">occurs when red blood cells are destroyed faster than they are made. People with an enzyme deficiency known as glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (an enzyme that protects the red blood cells) are at risk of hemolytic anemia.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Megaloblastic anemia<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a type of anemia characterized by abnormally large red blood cells.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Thrombocytopenia is a condition that causes <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">reduced platelet cells, which may lead to bleeding problems. People taking thiazide diuretics, such as hydrochlorothiazide, are at an increased risk.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Agranulocytosis<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a life-threatening condition in which the bone marrow is unable to produce enough neutrophils (the white blood cells that fight infection in the body).<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"3-hypoglycemia\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3. Hypoglycemia<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/hypoglycemia-without-diabetes\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hypoglycemia<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> occurs when a person has low blood sugar levels. Older adults are at higher risk of hypoglycemia when taking Bactrim if they have kidney dysfunction, liver disease, or if they are malnourished.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"4-digoxin-toxicity\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4. Digoxin toxicity<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/digoxin\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Digoxin<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a medication used to treat certain heart conditions such as failure and atrial fibrillation. Older age, kidney disease, and certain types of medications can <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/treatments\/24910-digoxin-levels\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">increase digoxin blood levels<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. &ldquo;Studies have shown that the coadministration of digoxin and trimethoprim resulted in increases of 30% to 50% of the drug in elderly patients,&rdquo; Dr. Prude says. This is because Bactrim blocks the kidneys from clearing digoxin, which causes increased levels in the body. Small increases in blood levels of digoxin can cause life-threatening toxicity.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to Dr. Prude, symptoms of high levels of digoxin include:&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Appetite loss, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Headache, confusion, anxiety, or hallucinations<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Restlessness, weakness, or depression<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Changes in vision such as blurred vision or seeing halos around bright objects<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat, or palpitations (fast, forceful heartbeats in an irregular rhythm)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you notice symptoms associated with digoxin toxicity, get medical care right away.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"5-neurological-confusion\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5. Neurological confusion<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bactrim crosses the blood-brain barrier and may cause adverse neurological reactions in older people. However, this is a rare side effect that would likely resolve after the drug is discontinued. For example, there is a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3216436\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">case report<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of delirium (serious confusion or disorientation) and gait disturbances (abnormal walking, poor balance, and constant falls) in an <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/19109207\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">82-year-old patient<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> treated with high doses of Bactrim.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"risk-factor-analysis-for-bactrim-side-effects-in-seniors\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Risk factor analysis for Bactrim side effects in seniors<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&ldquo;Bactrim is not contraindicated in older people based on age alone,&rdquo; says <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/patriciaweiserpharmd.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Patricia Weiser<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, Pharm.D., a contributor to SingleCare&rsquo;s <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/author\/patricia-weiser\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Checkup<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. &ldquo;However, older people (ages 65 years and up) have a higher risk of developing potentially severe side effects from Bactrim, such as high potassium levels. Healthcare providers may choose to prescribe Bactrim for an older adult if they feel the benefits outweigh the risks.&rdquo;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before prescribing Bactrim, your healthcare provider will take your medical history and other medications you take into account<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Certain drugs interact with Bactrim; in some cases, the combination cannot be prescribed together, and in others, close monitoring would be required. These meds include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diuretics<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/aldactone#coupons\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Aldactone<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/spironolactone\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">spironolactone<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Digoxin<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/warfarin-sodium\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Warfarin<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/methotrexate\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Methotrexate<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/dofetilide\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dofetilide<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/methenamine\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Methenamine<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/amantadine-hcl\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Amantadine<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/phenytoin\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Phenytoin<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/cyclosporine\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cyclosporine<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There is also the risk of drug-condition interaction if you have medical conditions such as porphyria, severe asthma, diabetes, thyroid problems, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">group A &beta;-hemolytic streptococcal infections<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, or glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency. Other reasons they would avoid prescribing Bactrim include if you have a folate deficiency, a known hypersensitivity to trimethoprim or sulfonamides (any sulfa drug), a history of drug-induced <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">low platelet levels <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">with the use of trimethoprim and\/or sulfonamides, or a certain degree of liver or kidney problems.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"precautions-for-bactrim-use-in-older-adults\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Precautions for Bactrim use in older adults<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you are prescribed Bactrim, it&rsquo;s important to know the precautions to take as an older adult. The following are other tips for safe and effective use of Bactrim:&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Inform your healthcare provider of all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and supplements you are taking.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> It&rsquo;s essential that your healthcare provider know everything that you are taking before they prescribe Bactrim, as it can have interactions.&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Follow the instructions on your prescription label.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Start by reading the package insert, and ask your pharmacist questions if there&rsquo;s anything you don&rsquo;t understand.&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Stay hydrated.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Be sure to drink enough water when taking Bactrim to prevent kidney stone formation or crystals in urine.&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Watch out for diarrhea.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Antibiotic-associated diarrhea, which can occur with any antibiotic, may develop up to several months after discontinuing the medication. Reach out to your healthcare provider right away if you start having symptoms such as watery and bloody stools.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Watch for symptoms of hyperkalemia if you take certain medications.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Patients with heart failure who take spironolactone (or other meds that raise blood potassium, including ACE inhibitors or ARBs) should be monitored regularly to ensure that potassium levels do not rise to dangerously high levels, as this is life-threatening.&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Complete the full course of antibiotics.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Even if you start to feel better, it is important to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/finish-antibiotics\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">finish taking the medication<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> as prescribed. By not completing your antibiotic dose, the effectiveness of the treatment will be reduced, and the bacteria may become resistant to Bactrim or even other antibiotics.&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Follow up with regular lab testing.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Depending on your risk factors and the length of your Bactrim treatment, your doctor may order regular laboratory blood tests, including complete blood cell counts and clinical chemistry tests evaluating liver and kidney function.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"alternatives-for-bactrim\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Alternatives for Bactrim<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you cannot take Bactrim because of an allergy or one of the reasons listed above, the alternative antibiotic prescribed will vary depending on the condition. &ldquo;There is a very long list of drugs that could be used in place of Bactrim, but it would depend on the type of bacteria, the location of the infection, and what the guideline-recommended agents would be for treating those specific types of infections,&rdquo; Dr. Prude says.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Three common alternatives include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/ciprofloxacin-hcl\"><b>Ciprofloxacin<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, an alternative for treating UTIs in older patients. According to one study, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.consultant360.com\/content\/urinary-tract-infections-elderly-patientshow-best-diagnose-and-treat\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ciprofloxacin<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a quinolone antibiotic, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">has a higher cure rate of 96%, compared to 87% for Bactrim. Ciprofloxacin also showed fewer side effects.&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/levofloxacin\"><b>Levofloxacin<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, another option for infections in older adults. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">quinolone antibiotic<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> may be preferred over ciprofloxacin because it has a lower probability of drug reactions.&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/cefuroxime-axetil\"><b>Cefuroxime<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a cephalosporin antibiotic that can be used to treat many types of bacterial infections.&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"the-bottom-line-is-bactrim-safe-for-elderly-people\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The bottom line: Is Bactrim safe for elderly people?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bactrim use in older adults has been associated with rare but serious adverse reactions, including neurological confusion, hyperkalemia, blood disorders, and hypoglycemia. If your provider suggests Bactrim as a potential treatment after age 65, it&rsquo;s important to weigh the benefits against the risks&mdash;especially if you have age-related kidney, liver, or heart diseases. You may need dose adjustment or an alternative to Bactrim. Always seek medical advice from a healthcare professional for any unusual symptoms when using Bactrim.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you&rsquo;ve ever had a bacterial infection, it&rsquo;s possible your healthcare provider prescribed a medication called Bactrim to treat it. Bactrim (or Bactrim DS for the double-strength version)&mdash;which is also sold as Sulfatrim or Septra&mdash;is the brand name for a combination medication containing two antibiotics: sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim. It is used to treat various bacterial [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":135,"featured_media":62456,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4589],"tags":[715,8905,11278],"coauthors":[20915],"class_list":["post-626264","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drug-info","tag-antibiotics","tag-seasonal","tag-singlecare-for-seniors","wpautop"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.4 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Bactrim side effects in elderly adults: Risks and alternatives<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Serious side effects of Bactrim in older adults include hyperkalemia, blood disorders, hypoglycemia, and neurological confusion.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, 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