Observations placeholder
Transient psychosis in an immune-competent patient after oral trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole administration
Identifier
019468
Type of Spiritual Experience
Background
Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX), also known as co-trimoxazole among other names, is an antibiotic used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. It consists of one part trimethoprim to five parts sulfamethoxazole. It is used for urinary tract infections, MRSA skin infections, travelers' diarrhea, respiratory tract infections, and cholera, among others
A description of the experience
Pediatrics. 2005 Jun;115(6):e739-41. Epub 2005 May 2.
Transient psychosis in an immune-competent patient after oral trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole administration.
Saidinejad M1, Ewald MB, Shannon MW.
- 1Division of Emergency Medicine/Program in Medical Toxicology, Massachusetts and Rhode Island Poison Control Center, Children's Hospital Boston, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA. mohsen.saidinejad@childrens.harvard.edu
Abstract
We describe an adverse reaction to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX; Septra, Bactrim) in an immune-competent female adolescent. She was prescribed TMP-SMX for a urinary tract infection, which she had developed while being treated in the hospital for an extensive leg cellulitis.
Shortly after receiving her third dose of TMP-SMX, she developed an acute altered mental status with agitation as well as vivid visual and auditory hallucinations.
After prompt discontinuation of TMP-SMX, the patient slowly began to improve and was able to return to her baseline mental status within 10 days.
No residual mental status changes were present.
Despite the recent emergence of multidrug-resistant bacterial pathogens, TMP-SMX, one of the first-generation broad-spectrum antibiotics, continues to be widely prescribed, in part because of its low cost and its easy availability. ..... More common toxicities associated with TMP-SMX include hypersensitivity reactions, bone marrow suppression, and gastrointestinal side effects. Central nervous system toxicity is very rare; when reported, it has been in an immune-compromised or an elderly patient.
PMID:
15867013
The source of the experience
PubMedConcepts, symbols and science items
Concepts
Symbols
Science Items
Activities and commonsteps
Activities
Overloads
AntibioticsBladder and urinary tract disease
Urinary and bladder control treatments