Does Bactrim cause gas?
By
Dr Natalia Marceli Stephanes (PhD)
Author bio
Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes PhD is a Pharmacist with expertise in Drugs Administration and Toxicity; Discovery of New Drugs; Cancer Treatment; Biochemical Analyzes and Hematological Analyzes. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes’ Highlights:
- Pharmacist at the Department of Health of Santa Catarina State, Brazil
- PhD with a focus on oncology treatment
- Years of experience in commercial pharmacy
- Bachelor, Master and PhD degrees in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina
Professional Experience:
From her undergraduate studies to her Master’s and Doctorate degrees in Pharmacy, Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes has participated in numerous scientific studies in the field of oncology and onco-hematology at the University Hospital of the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil. Her research has focused on understanding the molecular and biochemical bases of malignant neoplasms and investigating safer and more effective therapeutic alternatives.
Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes has also served as an assistant professor of haematology for undergraduate students at the Federal University of Santa Catarina. Additionally, she held the position of professor of Hospital Pharmacy at the Qualificar Technical School in Brazil, where she developed instructional materials for use in the Pharmacy Postgraduate Program at the Leonardo Da Vinci University Center.
In addition to her academic experiences, Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes possesses a strong expertise in commercial pharmacy, with in-depth knowledge of medications, their routes of administration, desired effects, adverse effects, and toxicity.
Currently, Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes works as a Pharmacist at the Health Department of Santa Catarina State, where her role entails providing pharmaceutical scientific consulting services to judges.
Education:
- 2016 Bachelor in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil
- 2018 Master in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil
- 2023 PhD in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil
The main publications of Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes are:
Falchetti M ; Delgobo M, Zancanaro H, Almeida K, Das Neves RN, Dos Santos B, Stefanes NM, et al. Bishop Omics-based identification of an NRF2-related auranofin resistance signature in cancer: Insights into drug repurposing. Comput. Biol. Med [Internet]. 2023; 152:106347.
Feuser PM, Matos dos Santos PC, Cordeiro AP, Stefanes NM, Walter LO, Maioral MF, Santos-Silva MC, et al. Antineoplastic activity of free 4-nitrochalcone and encapsulated in poly(thioether-ester) nanoparticles obtained by thiol-ene polymerization in two human leukemia cell lines (Jurkat and K562). J Drug Deliv Sci Technol [Internet]. 2022; 67:102924.
Jacques AV, Stefanes NM, Walter LO, Perondi DM, Efe FL, Souza LFS, Sens L, et al. Synthesis of chalcones derived from 1-naphthylacetophenone and evaluation of their cytotoxic and apoptotic effects in acute leukemia cell lines. Bioorg. Chem [Internet]. 2021; 116:105315.
Duarte BF, Vieira DSC, Lisboa ML, Stefanes NM, Grando LJ, Santos-Silva MC. Características clínico-epidemiológicas de pacientes portadores de carcinoma de células escamosas de boca. Arquivos Catarinenses de Medicina. 2021; 50(2): 232–245.
Machado V, Jacques AV, Stefanes NM, Santos-Silva MC, Biavatti MW. Anti-leukemic activity of semisynthetic derivatives of Lupeol. Nat. Prod. Res. 2021; 35(22):4494-4501.
Bigolin A, Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Mascarello A, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Nunes RJ, Yunes RA, et al. A novel sulfonamide derivative as a strong and selective apoptotic agent against hematological malignancies. Chem. Pap. 2020; 74:2965–2976.
Bigolin A, Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Zatelli GA, Philippus AC, Falkenberg MB, Santos-Silva MC. Cytotoxic mechanisms of primin, a natural quinone isolated from Eugenia hiemalis, on hematological cancer cell lines. Anticancer Drugs. 2020; 31(7):709-717.
Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Neufeldt PD, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Nunes RJ, Santos-Silva MC. Aldehyde biphenyl chalcones induce immunogenic apoptotic-like cell death and are promising new safe compounds against a wide range of hematologic cancers. Future Med. Chem. 2020; 12(8):673–688.
Perondi DM, Jacques AV, Stefanes NM, Maioral MF, Sens L, Pacheco LA, Cury NM, et al. A novel thiosemicarbazone as a promising effective and selective compound for acute leukemia. Anticancer Drugs. 2019; 30(8):p 828-837.
Rengifo AFC, Stefanes NM, Toigo J, Mendes C, Argenta DF, Dotto MER, Santos-Silva MC, et al. PEO-chitosan nanofibers containing carboxymethyl-hexanoyl chitosan/dodecyl sulfate nanoparticles loaded with pyrazoline for skin cancer treatment. Eur. Polym. J. 2019; 119:335-343.
Rengifo AFC, Stefanes NM, Toigo J, Mendes C, Santos-Silva MC, Nunes RJ, Parize AL, et al. A new and efficient carboxymethyl-hexanoyl chitosan/dodecyl sulfate nanocarrier for a pyrazoline with antileukemic activity. Mater. Sci. Eng. C [Internet]. 2019; 105:110051.
Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Bigolin A, Zatelli GA, Philippus AC, Falkenberg MB, Santos-Silva MC. Miconidine acetate, a new selective and cytotoxic compound with synergic potential, induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in leukemia cells. Invest. New Drugs. 2019; 37:912–922.
Srefanes NM, Toigo J, Maioral MF, Jacques AV, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Perondi DM, Ribeiro AAB, et al. Synthesis of novel pyrazoline derivatives and the evaluation of death mechanisms involved in their antileukemic activity. Bioorg. Med. Chem. 2019; 27(2):375-382.
Maioral MF, Bodack CN, Stefanes NM, Bigolin A, Mascarello A, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Yunes RA, et al. Cytotoxic effect of a novel naphthylchalcone against multiple cancer cells focusing on hematologic malignancies. Biochim. 2017; 140:48-57.
You can view some of Dr Natália’s work below and links to her professional profile below.
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Natalia-Stephanes
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliamarceli/
Does Bactrim cause gas?
Bactrim (Sulfamethoxazole/Trimethoprim) does cause gas and other gastrointestinal side effects, like, bloating, upset stomach, diarrhoea, nausea, etc.
These side effects are common with Bactrim and other antibiotics because of how they work. Antibiotics non-selectively target bacteria, including Bactrim (1). That does not only kill infection-causing bacteria but good gut bacteria as well which are essential for normal gut functions.
This can trigger gastrointestinal side effects and they are generally more intense when the antibiotic is taken on an empty stomach (2). Make sure you talk to your healthcare provider if you feel severe pain in your stomach or if you have a gastric or duodenal ulcer.
Some people may crush Bactrim tablets and take them with food for ease of administration. This may also increase the intensity of GI side effects, as crushed powder rapidly gets dissolved and absorbed in the stomach.
What to do if Bactrim causes gas?
The best way to prevent gastrointestinal side effects from Bactrim is to take this medication in between your meals. This can prevent most of the stomach-related side effects.
However, you can take OTC medications like Gas-X to release the trapped gas and related symptoms. It is also important to make sure you avoid foods that can trigger gas and bloating, and keep your diet light.
Eating foods that are easy to digest is the best way to prevent your symptoms from getting worse.
Although this is common with most antibiotics and these side effects are usually nothing to worry about, some people may get severely affected. This is why it’s best to discuss your side effects with your doctor.
It is also important to make sure that you take Bactrim in the best possible way to make the most out of it.
if the medication was purchased/dispensed a while ago, please check for expiry dates. Bactrim can be used for some complicated infections, such as complicated UTIs, and taking expired medication will not provide adequate antibacterial activity.
How to promote good gut health while taking antibiotics?
Promoting good gut health while taking antibiotics is important to maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in your digestive system. Some important tips include:
Never forget Probiotics
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that can help restore the natural balance of your gut microbiota. Consider taking a high-quality probiotic supplement or consuming foods rich in probiotics, such as yoghurt, kefir, sauerkraut, or kimchi. It’s best to take probiotics a few hours before or after taking your antibiotics. (3,4)
Eat a balanced diet
Focus on consuming a variety of nutritious foods that support gut health. Include fibre-rich fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes in your meals. These foods provide the prebiotic fibre that nourishes the beneficial bacteria in your gut.
Stay hydrated
Drinking plenty of water helps maintain proper digestion and supports overall gut health. Aim for at least 8 cups of water per day, or more if needed.
Be mindful of food interactions
Some antibiotics may interact with certain foods or beverages, reducing their effectiveness. Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions regarding food and drink restrictions while taking antibiotics.
Take antibiotics as prescribed
It’s important to complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed by your doctor, even if you start feeling better. Skipping doses or stopping early can lead to antibiotic resistance and disrupt the balance of bacteria in your gut.
If you have specific concerns or questions about promoting gut health during antibiotic treatment, it’s best to consult your healthcare provider.
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References
1.-
Kemnic TR, Coleman M. Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole. 2022 Nov 28. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 30020604. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513232
2.-
Mohsen S, Dickinson JA, Somayaji R. Update on the adverse effects of antimicrobial therapies in community practice. Can Fam Physician. 2020 Sep;66(9):651-659. PMID: 32933978; PMCID: PMC7491661. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7491661/
3.-
Goodman C, Keating G, Georgousopoulou E, Hespe C, Levett K. Probiotics for the prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Open. 2021 Aug 12;11(8):e043054. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-043054. PMID: 34385227; PMCID: PMC8362734. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34385227/
4.-
Fernández-Alonso M, Aguirre Camorlinga A, Messiah SE, Marroquin E. Effect of adding probiotics to an antibiotic intervention on the human gut microbial diversity and composition: a systematic review. J Med Microbiol. 2022 Nov;71(11). doi: 10.1099/jmm.0.001625. PMID: 36382780. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36382780/
