Trimoxazole and Acne
You may have tried all kinds of possible remedies for your acne---different washes, creams, vitamins---and not obtained satisfactory results. Your dermatologist may have one more trick up her sleeve: antibiotics. Certain types of acne respond well to antibiotic therapy. One antibiotic that dermatologists sometimes prescribe when others do not work is co-trimoxazole (trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole).
-
Antibiotics for Acne
-
Antibiotics work against the bacteria that irritate the skin and cause it to overproduce sebum (the oil that makes your skin feel greasy). Antibiotics also have anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce the symptoms of acne. In combination with topical retinoids or benzoyl peroxide, antibiotics often deliver satisfactory results where topical treatments alone have failed. Tetracycline, doxycycline, minocycline, erythromycin and co-trimoxazole are the antibiotics dermatologists prescribe for acne.
Co-Trimoxazole for Acne
-
Dermatologists prescribe co-trimoxazole for tetracycline-resistant acne. Because of the risk of antibiotic resistance or other undesirable effects, co-trimoxazole is prescribed only when other antibiotics have failed. Acne is not even listed as an off-label use for the drug in the prescribing information on Drugs.com. Co-trimoxazole is intended for certain types of urinary infections, pneumonia, bronchitis and traveler's diarrhea. Off-label uses listed on Drugs.com include cholera and prostatitis.
-
Dosage
-
There are several different formulations of co-trimoxazole on the market, and dosage varies among them. Since the medication is not specifically for acne treatment, your dermatologist will have to determine the best dosage for you and adjust it depending on your response. Dermatologists generally prescribe antibiotics for a three- to six-month period.
Cautions
-
Tell your doctor if you develop fever, skin rash, sore throat or unusual bruising or bleeding. Watch for signs of infection such as fever, vaginitis or oral candidiasis. Avoid direct exposure to sun or use sunscreen and protective clothing, as antibiotics can make you sensitive to light. Symptoms of over-dosage include altered mental status, anorexia, colic, confusion, depression, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, fever, jaundice, nausea and vomiting. Do not use this medication in the late stage of pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Always Consider
-
Your dermatologist will need to know if you have kidney or liver disease or if your immune system is impaired---by cancer or AIDS, for example. Your doctor will also need to know if you have folate deficiency, which is common in alcoholics. Tell your dermatologist about all medications and supplements you are taking, as there are many drugs that interact with co-trimoxazole. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any antibiotic. If your acne does not improve, make sure your dermatologist knows.
-
