{"id":626711,"date":"2024-02-14T14:51:53","date_gmt":"2024-02-14T19:51:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=626711"},"modified":"2024-10-25T10:09:17","modified_gmt":"2024-10-25T14:09:17","slug":"bactrim-stomach-pain","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/bactrim-stomach-pain\/","title":{"rendered":"Bactrim stomach pain: Causes and prevention"},"content":{"rendered":"

Bactrim<\/span><\/a> is an antibiotic also known as <\/span>sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim<\/span><\/a>. This prescription medication is available as a tablet or liquid that is taken orally. <\/span>Bactrim<\/span><\/a> is intended for adults and children ages 2 months and older. Bactrim can treat ear infections, respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, and other bacterial infections. Stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting are common side effects when using Bactrim. Learn why Bactrim causes stomach pain, how to prevent or treat Bactrim-related stomach pain, and when to seek medical advice.<\/span><\/p>\n

Why does Bactrim cause stomach pain?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Bactrim, like many antibiotic medicines, disrupts the balance of the gut microbiome. We all have unique gut microbiomes that evolve with factors like diet, age, and use of antibiotics. The <\/span>gut microbiome<\/span><\/a> includes trillions of microorganisms; among these are bacteria. <\/span><\/p>\n

To kill “bad” infection-causing bacteria, antibiotic medicines clear out bacteria in the gut. But antibiotics like Bactrim often also eliminate some “good” bacteria that keep the digestive system, immune system, and other bodily functions on track. This can temporarily upset the balance in the gut microbiome, <\/span>leading to unwanted side effects<\/span><\/a> such as stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.<\/span><\/p>\n

How to prevent stomach pain from Bactrim<\/span><\/h2>\n

Bactrim should be used only as directed by a healthcare provider. This antibiotic medication should be used for the full recommended treatment time at the prescribed dose, even though it’s common to see improvements after a few days. Bactrim side effects may increase if the medication is not taken as prescribed. <\/span><\/p>\n

Bactrim should always be <\/span>taken with 8 ounces of water<\/span><\/a>. Make sure to drink plenty of water daily while using Bactrim, unless a physician recommends otherwise. Staying hydrated can help prevent side effects such as urinary crystals. Bactrim can be taken with or without food. But food might help mitigate nausea, according to <\/span>Sarah Lynch, PharmD, BCACP<\/span><\/a>, a clinical associate professor at the Binghamton University School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Some people may find that Bactrim causes stomach irritation or nausea,” Lynch says. “Taking the medication with a snack or even a glass of milk can help ease the stomach upset.” Registered nurse <\/span>Lauren Thayer<\/span><\/a> seconds this. “To try to avoid some of the common gastrointestinal symptoms, it is best to take Bactrim with a meal or a snack,” Thayer says.<\/span><\/p>\n

Probiotic supplements and foods rich in <\/span>probiotics can also help soothe stomach pain<\/span><\/a> induced by Bactrim—more on that below.<\/span><\/p>\n

How to treat stomach pain when taking Bactrim<\/span><\/h2>\n

Gastrointestinal symptoms should resolve after completing a course of Bactrim. In the meantime, there are several options to treat Bactrim-related nausea. For those who prefer over-the-counter (OTC) medications, nausea medication such as <\/span>Pepto Bismol<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>bismuth subsalicylate<\/span><\/a>) can help. Thayer also suggests ginger, peppermint, or probiotics to soothe an upset stomach. <\/span><\/p>\n

While taking Bactrim, probiotics can help ease nausea and rebalance the gut’s microbiome. “Bactrim and other antibiotics can alter the naturally occurring balance of bacteria in your gut,” Thayer says. “You can initiate the use of a probiotic or increase your intake of common probiotic foods . . . Probiotics can help restore the healthy bacteria in your gut that is altered with the use of antibiotics.”<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>Probiotics 101: What are they? And which are the best?<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

Probiotics are available as OTC supplements, and your healthcare provider can offer medical advice on the right probiotics for your needs. Fermented foods also provide probiotics in varying concentrations. These are some common probiotic foods and drinks:<\/span><\/p>\n