Bactrim Side Effects in Children

If your child has a bacterial infection, such as an ear or urinary tract infection, your pediatrician may prescribe Bactrim to help resolve the symptoms of infection 1. Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim) is an antibacterial medication that works by preventing the replication, growth and spread of bacteria in your child's body 1. Children under the age of two months should not take Bactrim 1. Talk with your child's pediatrician or pharmacist about Bactrim side effects in children before your child begins taking this drug 1.

Stomach Upset

While your child is taking Bactrim, she can develop an upset stomach as a side effect of treatment, explains Roche, the pharmaceutical company that manufactures this medication 1. She may complain that her tummy hurts or that she doesn't feel well. You may notice that she needs to go to the bathroom more frequently due to side effects of nausea or diarrhea. These stomach-related effects may decrease your child's appetite, making her uninterested in eating her favorite snack or meal. Encouraging your child to eat a small snack before taking a dose of Bactrim can help limit the development of upset stomach symptoms in certain children 1. Contact your child's pediatrician immediately if you notice blood in your child's stools or if diarrhea worsens.

Sleeping Difficulties

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You may notice that your child has difficulty staying asleep during treatment with Bactrim, explains Drugs.com, a peer-reviewed, informational drug website for consumers 1. This medication can cause your child to feel anxious or restless, which can cause him to appear unusually hyperactive or energetic. If your child does not sleep well during the night, he may be very tired during the day, which can affect his ability to remain focused or alert during school or while at home. Talk with your child's pediatrician if sleeping difficulties persist or worsen with continued Bactrim use 1.

Mood or Behavior Changes

Bactrim can cause your child to develop abnormal mood or behavioral changes as a side effect of treatment, warn health officials at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration 12. You may notice that your child appears unusually irritable, cranky or confused and can cry or fuss more frequently than usual. These side effects typically subside with recurrent use of this medication.

Skin Rash

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A skin rash can develop as a severe side effect of Bactrim in certain children, explains Drugs.com 1. Your child may complain that his skin hurts or may frequently scratch at the affected skin region. If you notice the appearance of red, irritated or dry patches of skin on any part of your child's body, contact your pediatrician immediately for further evaluation and care.

Yeast Infection

Bactrim is an antibacterial medication that can decrease the levels of naturally occurring bacteria within your child's body, explain Roche medical officials 1. If this occurs, your child can develop an oral or genital yeast infection--a condition also referred to as thrush. An oral yeast infection can lead to the appearance of white, fuzzy patches within your child's mouth. You may notice that your child attempts to scratch at her tongue or refuses to eat due to painful oral sensations. A genital yeast infection may cause your child to recurrently scratch at her genital area. You may also observe unusual genital discharge that is thick or white while you are changing your child's diaper or helping her use the toilet. Contact your pediatrician if your child develops any yeast infection symptoms as additional antifungal medication may be necessary to resolve this infection.