Got Reaction Jaundice, Nausea Since Starting Bactrim. Help?

Posted on Thu, 2 May 2013

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

Thu, 2 May 2013 Answered on

Fri, 24 May 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : I have been taking bactrim then all of sudden had a reaction jaundice and nausea just had a liver function test before starting bactrim all was normal

Answered by Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (1 hour later)

Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic

Jaundice is one of the rare side effects of this medication. One medical study found that 1.6% of persons who use this medication experience jaundice.

It can cause cholestatic jaundice (there is interference of the flow of bile in the liver) and in some cases hepatitis (inflammation of the liver). As a result laboratory tests would show an increase in the liver function enzymes which indicate how the liver is working and also an increase in bilirubin levels (bile).
The changes are not permanent and should decline when you stop the medication.It may take a few weeks or sometimes months in some persons.

Nausea is also one of the possible side effects that can occur.

Your doctor may advise you to discontinue and use another antibiotic if you still need antibiotic therapy. You will also have frequent blood tests to monitor liver function.

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions

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