Expert: Dr. Tatiana Yatsenko, PharmD - 4/29/2007

Question
Hi Im 24 years old and Im taking smz/tmp ds 800-160 tab the generic form of Bactrim DS but the pain sometimes is too much, can I take Ibuprofen or Tylenol while taking this drug? thank you..

Answer
Hi Andrew,

I see no problem with you taking tylenol or ibuprofen for your pain. It surprises me that your physician did not prescribe you something a bit stronger if your are in so much pain. You could combine both tylenol and ibuprofen together if you'd like, if you're still in pain I would call your physician and have him/her call in a pain prescription to your pharmacy.

However, there are some things you can do at home that may help you be more comfortable in addition to taking the pain meds:
* Sit in a tub of warm water with the water just covering your buttocks, or try a sitz bath.
* Get plenty of rest, and drink lots of fluids. This will make you feel better and may speed your recovery.
* Have a diet full of high-fiber foods, such as fruit, vegetables, and whole-grain breads and cereal, and drink enough water to avoid constipation. Straining to pass a bowel movement may be very painful when your prostate is inflamed, so use a stool softener if necessary.

Good luck!
Dr Tatiana