AboutMary E Scott, RPh, CGP Expertise I am a certified geriatric pharmacist with over 23 years experience as a long-term care consultant to nursing homes. I also do community-based consulting on an individual basis. My facility-based monthly newsletter on pharmacy topics is read by nurses in over 200 long-term care facilities in 5 states.
Experience I received a BS in Pharmacy in 1980 with post-graduate work in public health. I have had a Consultant Pharmacist license since 1984.
Organizations American Society of Consultant Pharmacists .I received certification in geriatric pharmacy in 1998.
Question I just finished taking Bactrim for a kidney infection I had over a week ago. Last night I had a couple of drinks (not very much at all) and woke up this morning with a rash on my legs (it itches at my ankles) that has since spread to my arms. Is this a normal reaction?
Answer Hi,Lindsey,
Bactrim can cause a rash,though it wouldn't be caused by drinking alcohol when taking it. It can cause a photosensitivity reaction. Were you in the sun/tanning?(Hopefully in a sunnier climate than I am?) LOL.
If it gets worse,and doesn't go away in 2-3 days, call your doctor. It is very rare, but it can cause a serious rash, called Steven-Johnson's syndrome. You can put hydrocortisone cream on the rash for the itching. Hope this helps,,Mary
