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What Causes Itching In Penis After Taking Bactrim Pill?
Question: Within 2 hours of taking a Bactrim pill, I began feeling some minor itching with my penis. A few more hours the tip became very sensative, itching increased, and noticed overall swelling. 10 hours later my penis has swollen to twice it's normal size. I'm also experiencing some burning, and redness in the palms and webbing of my fingers and hands. Does this sound like an allergic reaction?
Brief Answer:
Sulfa drug allergy - Strict avoidance required
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome to Healthcare Magic and thank you for writing to us.
You have developed 2 reactions to Sulfa drugs under which Bactrim falls and you must ensure that you avoid this class of drugs in the future.
If you were not on any other medication at the same time, then the time line you have indicated is in concurrence with significant Bactrim allergy.
Please note that there is no blood test available to diagnose this drug allergy.
Do NOT attempt at 3rd challenge or if anyone advises to offer a skin test to diagnose this allergy.
Immediate management:
Alternative antibiotics
Antihistamines such as Fexofenadine; a short course of oral steroids may be required if the reaction persists - definitely if blood tests suggest liver function tests have become abnormal or you have developed mouth ulcers etc.
DRUGS TO AVOID:
Sulfa drugs
Oral - Septra, Bactrim, Pediazole (Sulphonamide group of antibiotics), Dapsone, Sulfasalazine, Zonisamide
Topical sulfa antibiotics, such as sulfacetamide eye drops/shampoos/creams, silver sulfadiazine cream.
Best Wishes.
Sulfa drug allergy - Strict avoidance required
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome to Healthcare Magic and thank you for writing to us.
You have developed 2 reactions to Sulfa drugs under which Bactrim falls and you must ensure that you avoid this class of drugs in the future.
If you were not on any other medication at the same time, then the time line you have indicated is in concurrence with significant Bactrim allergy.
Please note that there is no blood test available to diagnose this drug allergy.
Do NOT attempt at 3rd challenge or if anyone advises to offer a skin test to diagnose this allergy.
Immediate management:
Alternative antibiotics
Antihistamines such as Fexofenadine; a short course of oral steroids may be required if the reaction persists - definitely if blood tests suggest liver function tests have become abnormal or you have developed mouth ulcers etc.
DRUGS TO AVOID:
Sulfa drugs
Oral - Septra, Bactrim, Pediazole (Sulphonamide group of antibiotics), Dapsone, Sulfasalazine, Zonisamide
Topical sulfa antibiotics, such as sulfacetamide eye drops/shampoos/creams, silver sulfadiazine cream.
Best Wishes.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Answered by
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