Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes High Blood Pressure While On Bactrim?
Question: I have fibromyalgia, controlled Hashimoto's thyroiditis, and various oddities diagnosed at age 24. I'm now 39. I almost died from Bactrim antibiotic about 3 years ago, only took 2 days of it. I had 105 fever, high liver enzymes (they kept asking if I drink alcohol which I don't), enlarged spleen, was throwing up, white blood cells under 1000 (leukopenia) Had a bone biopsy that ruled out cancer. A week in the hospital. Their best guess was a sulfa allergy. I've never been the same health wise since then. Since then I've had 4 lipomas removed from my back as they kept me from walking plus excruciating pain. I also have blood pressure that is also not quite what I've understood as normal. Some days I'm completely exhausted and I have a very painful left arm and very tight heavy chest on the left especially when inhaling. I think these could be separate to the fibro. i had this set of symptoms this morning and checked my blood pressure. Sitting 110/82 pulse 105 standing 118/94 pulse 114. There are times it's only had about 10 point difference between the two. These are my resting numbers. No caffeine etc. I've had an Eco and it was fine. Could the bactrim have caused this? Or better yet what could cause all 3 numbers to be so close? I feel awful And have less energy than usual.
Brief Answer:
Discussion follows
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome and thanks for your query.
Bactrim allergy is not the cause of your current symptoms. You have a tachycardia, a heart rate above the normal. When the heart rate increases the output from the heart per beat ( stroke volume) decreases and this is the cause of the systolic and diastolic blood pressure being close ( low pulse pressure). The common causes of this are anemia, fever, hyperthyroidism and anxiety producing increased activity of your sympathetic nervous system pumping adrenaline and nor adrenaline into your system. I presume you don't have fever now. Blood tests may be done to see if you have anemia or hyperthyroidism. If these are negative you have to relax and take things easy. Eat wholesome food avoiding caffeinated beverages, exercise a minimum of 30 minutes a day and practise stress relieving exercises, yoga, meditation etc.
You would also be helped by small doses of betablockers like Inderal if you do not have asthma.
Do get back to me if you have further queries.
Discussion follows
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome and thanks for your query.
Bactrim allergy is not the cause of your current symptoms. You have a tachycardia, a heart rate above the normal. When the heart rate increases the output from the heart per beat ( stroke volume) decreases and this is the cause of the systolic and diastolic blood pressure being close ( low pulse pressure). The common causes of this are anemia, fever, hyperthyroidism and anxiety producing increased activity of your sympathetic nervous system pumping adrenaline and nor adrenaline into your system. I presume you don't have fever now. Blood tests may be done to see if you have anemia or hyperthyroidism. If these are negative you have to relax and take things easy. Eat wholesome food avoiding caffeinated beverages, exercise a minimum of 30 minutes a day and practise stress relieving exercises, yoga, meditation etc.
You would also be helped by small doses of betablockers like Inderal if you do not have asthma.
Do get back to me if you have further queries.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I've actually been battling a low grade fever at various times. Hasn't been over 99.6 but has been present for months. Had 960 eosinophils about 3 months ago. Sounds like I need to get my thyroid checked.
Brief Answer:
Please go ahead.
Detailed Answer:
Checking thyroid and a CBC would be a good idea.
Fast heart rate due to fever occurs at the time of fever and may be considered a cause if the temperature taken at the same time is high.
Do get back with the results.
Please go ahead.
Detailed Answer:
Checking thyroid and a CBC would be a good idea.
Fast heart rate due to fever occurs at the time of fever and may be considered a cause if the temperature taken at the same time is high.
Do get back with the results.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
