Experiences using Bactrim and Rifampin?

Hey Rikky1!-

Rifampin is used for Bartonella, and Bactrim is used for Babesia.

I have not tried this combination of antibiotics. Although I am on Rifampin (150 mg.)as one of my antibiotics and currently taking A-BAB (herbal supplement) for Babesia.

I Wish I could tell you what to expect on these meds. Since everyone is different it is hard to say. I have noticed my heart beating a little harder and faster from time to time while taking Rifampin.

Hope this helps!

I used both Rifampin and Bactrim and they were both good for Bart symptoms. But I haven't used them together but might try them.

Bactrim is for bartonella... Not just for babesia. It also works for Lyme. Most of the abx have some cross over.

It's actually been given a "people choice" award for combos against Bart. The top picks were rifampin + Septra DS, rifampin + azithromycin, clarithromycin + Septra DS.

Girlie... I'm still with the bartonella! Sigh. I keep beating myself up because I almost had it beat twice but stopped my antibiotics prematurely.

I'm functional though and work daily, and do things. But I still can't say Bart is gone for good.

I give the high dose rifampin and clarithromycin a thumbs down. I don't like it anymore and I want to try something else. the rifampin is making my thyroid ache, and sometimes the liver too. I was on it long enough that I should be good by now. Also i don't think the clarithromycin is working anymore... One of the abx stopped working either clarithromycin or rifampin. Or it is just that rifampin causes blood levels of clarithromycin to drop so much that it doesn't do much. Either way something is not working here.

I'm thinking about going back on the sulfa drug Septra DS but it makes my kidneys ache. But it's the only antibiotic that made me symptom free from Bart twice, I just didn't stay on it long enough. I don't like this one though and it makes me feel my kidneys ache... The label says drink plenty of water!

Also I'm going to bring the houttuynia and sida Acuta back into my treatment.

Darn Lymepickle!! I was hoping to read the Biaxin and Rifampin was indeed the magic bullet for you.
After watching that Webinar I got antsy about doing Mino and Rif and am seriously thinking of switching to Biaxin and Rif.

I have been on Mino since mid July and Rif since end of August.
I felt something happening for a month or so - different pains but nothing too bad...but now - I am feeling worse - for the past several weeks - so not sure if it's a delayed herx - although we're not supposed to herx with Bart.
It's so hard to figure it all out.
I'm thinking of trialling biaxin (have some in my arsenal) and then at my next appt asking Dr. C to switch me.
Is Dr. C good at agreeing to what you want?

Hi Mr. Mike.

Ya that rifampin and clarithromycin combo didn't work for me...

After awhile my pee wasn't even turning orangish red anymore, and I couldn't taste the clarithromycin at all in my mouth like I did when not on the rifampin. Also I ended up with an ache in my neck (feels like choking where the thyroid is), so I had a hunch to check my thyroid and it turns out I'm hypothyroid!) There is too much TSH coming from my brain and my thyroid is stressed.

So as of 2 days ago I stopped the rifampin therapy.

I have these setbacks... But really I'm like 90-95% well. And I am so picky about symptoms that I just don't like them and immediately take an antibiotic... Like someone taking a tylennol for headaches I guess.

Good point about taking some time off the abx. But I just can't do it! I'm simply too picky about symptoms and want to feel as close to normal as possible. Plus I'll be worried about losing my progress.

My LLMD has got me to change to the Septra DS and clarithromycin so we will see if this helps. He also wants me to take the sida acuta and houttuynia as well. So I"ll be taking 4 things for bart now.

Good point about the houttuynia though, and indeed I do have the woodland essence kind. I ordered some from 1st Chinese Herbs as Powder form as well though. That is the one Buhner recommends on his website. Do you know about that form?

MM - When I discussed herbs for Bart - awhile back - with my LLND, he suggested to add Crytpo in - he said it was an herb good for all infections.
Don't know if he's correct in that...but thought it can't hurt - especially if I do have Babs -

So, no we don't suspect I have Babs (at this point, anyway...that could change, if things don't change on my Bart treatment - I will not wait 9 1/2 months on it though - like we did with lyme)

Thanks for all the responses its nice to see the thread spin off into other helpful areas. I'm still on Zithro/Malarone along with Cryptolepis and Sida Acuta (30 drops 3x/day for each). Something in this combination is giving me almost daily diarrhea and some upset stomach. Any thoughts on which? When I was on Zithro/Mepron I didn't have any GI issues.

Rikky1 said...
Thanks for all the responses its nice to see the thread spin off into other helpful areas. I'm still on Zithro/Malarone along with Cryptolepis and Sida Acuta (30 drops 3x/day for each). Something in this combination is giving me almost daily diarrhea and some upset stomach. Any thoughts on which? When I was on Zithro/Mepron I didn't have any GI issues.

I just checked the Materia Medica for both herbs in Buhner's coinfection book that includes Babesia. There are no listed side effects for either. However, Buhner speculates that Sida Acuta may break up biofilm which could worsen the symptoms of coinfection.

Nausea and diarrhea are Babesia symptoms so I suspect you're herxing, Rikky1.

Hope you feel better soon!