Compare Flagyl vs. Bactrim
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Treats and prevents bacterial infections.
Flagyl (metronidazole) is very good at treating certain bacterial infections, but you can't have any alcohol while on it since it'll make you throw up a lot.
Kills bacteria.
Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim) is good for treating many bacterial infections and is available as a generic. However, you can be more likely to sunburn.
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3.6/ 5 average rating with 473 reviewsforBactrim
Upsides
- Flagyl (metronidazole) is good at killing a variety of bacteria.
- Unlike many other antibiotics, Flagyl (metronidazole) is less likely to make bacteria resistant to it.
- Most forms are available as a generic, so it's relatively cheap.
- Widely available as a generic product and in a variety of formulations (tablet, capsule, suspension).
- Works well to treat many types of bacterial infections
Downsides
- You can't drink alcohol while on Flagyl (metronidazole), and for at least 3 days after you finish it.
- Side effects can include nausea, headache, stomach upset, and a metallic taste in your mouth.
- If you're taking Flagyl (metronidazole) for a long time, there's a risk of more side effects, such as nerve damage.
- If you're on blood thinners, let your doctor know. Flagyl (metronidazole) can interact with your medicines and make you more likely to bleed.
- Makes you sensitive to the sun.
- Can upset your stomach
- Drink plenty of water or fluids to avoid harming your kidneys
- May cause birth defects
Used for
- Amebiasis
- Infection caused by anaerobic bacteria
- Bacterial vaginosis
- Trichomoniasis
- Balantidiasis
- Bite wounds
- Clostridium difficile infection
- Crohn's disease
- Dientamoeba fragilis
- Giardiasis
- Helicobacter pylori eradication
- Periodontitis
- Pouchitis
- Prophylaxis against sexually-transmitted diseases following sexual assault
- Skin and soft tissue necrotizing infections
- Surgical site infections
- Tetanus
- Urethritis, nongonococcal
- Urinary tract infection
- Traveler's diarrhea
- Inner ear infection
- Chronic bronchitis
- Pneumonia in HIV
- Pneumonia prevention in HIV
- Shigellosis
- Uncomplicated skin and soft tissue infections
- Pertussis (whooping cough)
- Prevention of urinary tract infections
- Treatment and prevention of opportunistic infections in HIV/AIDs patients
- Treatment and prevention of opportunistic infections in transplant patients
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Extended-release pill
- Injection
- Pill
- Liquid
Price
Lowest price
$8.47
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$6.28
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Reviews
Not enough review data.Leave a review
473 reviews so far
59%
saidit'sworth it
49%
saiditworked well
22%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
13possible side effects
- Headache18%
- Nausea10%
- Metallic taste9%
- Genital itching5%
- Dizziness4%
- Diarrhea4%
- Stomach problems4%
- Overgrowth of yeast3%
- Stuffy nose3%
- Menstrual cramps3%
- Abnormal urine3%
- Dry mouth2%
- Urinary tract infection2%
The Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
Risks and risk factors
- Seizure or brain problems
- Taking high doses of Flagyl (metronidazole)
- Taking Flagyl (metronidazole) for a long time
- Nerve damage
- Taking high doses of Flagyl (metronidazole)
- Taking Flagyl (metronidazole) for a long time
- Cancer
- New infection while taking Flagyl (metronidazole)
- Taking Flagyl (metronidazole) incorrectly
- Interaction with alcohol
- Drinking alcohol while taking Flagyl (metronidazole)
- Diarrhea
- Sunburn
- Rash
- Harm to fetus
- Lower kidney function
- Elderly
- Taking other medicines that lower kidney function