Bactrim/Septra : (trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole) Oral Antibiotic

I have had acne to varying degrees since I was about 13. I have tried everything, including accutane (which, for the record, did not really clear my skin, but the doc said it would sort of "re-sensitize it" so that things that previously didn't work may work after taking it). Once I finished the accutane, my doc put me back on low dose Bactrim. I told her we were wasting time because we tried it when I was younger and it didn't work. I was wrong. My skin was perfect in a week, and I was able to keep it that way by taking the Bactrim just once every other day!

I still get a pimple or two but not as frequently and this stuff has really made my skin softer. It took about a month to really kick in though, so stay patient.

Bactrim worked great for me the first couple of times I took it for acne. It cleared my skin relatively quickly during the first two courses (about 10-14 days), but the third course was a complete failure and may have actually exacerbated my acne. Prior to the third course of Bactrim, I had never experienced any known allergic reactions to the drug. However, the third time I took it, about three weeks in, I developed a rash on my chest and behind my ears. I stopped it that day and never went back on the drug. The rash lingered for a couple of days, disappeared and then reappeared for a few days a couple of weeks later (likely because the Bactrim was still in my system). Meanwhile, my acne began noticeably improving (it seemed to only be getting worse while I was taking the Bactrim) and is nearly erradicated as I write this. (No, I do not believe Bactrim was the cause of my acne, but I do think it may have made it worse due to my apparent allergy to the drug). I attribute these signs of allergy to Bactrim because there was no other change in my lifestyle at the time and, indeed, the rash appeared right after I took the Bactrim and long before I had anything to eat that day. There really is no other explanation and rashes are apparently a common side effect of Bactrim (presumably b/c a lot of people are allergic to it). Overall, I think Bactrim is a great drug to take for a short term solution to your acne woes, but I would not say it is a permanent fix given its potential to lose its efficacy and the chance that you may develop an allergy to it over time. Also, long-term use of antibiotics appears to be damaging to the liver and may affect your ability to fight off future infections. I have been told by multiple pharmacists and doctors that Bactrim is one of the antibiotics you particularly do not want to become immune to given that is is used to treat so many different infections (all of which likely pose a greater risk to your health than acne).

Bactrim works, it clears up cystic acne relatively quickly in conjunction with topicals (Benzoyl Peroxide; Retin A). Does increase sensitivity to the sun and has numerous side effects(especially with those persons who are sulphur intolerant).

My acne was fairly severe although it could have been worse. The first drug I tried was Doxycycline and it worked for a little while (not quickly) but then it just stopped working. I have tried most OTC acne creams and also prescription ones....NONE of them worked. I got on birth control to try and help with my skin...it doesn't. I started taking Bactrim in March of this year and was extremely nervous because of the extensive research and some of the very scary and real side effects that come along with this drug. I did hours of research and poured over this site and the reviews over and over to try and make my decision. I decided to try it and see what happened. Well, I was very careful about knowing what the side effects were and watching my body to make sure I didn't have any symptoms. I recommend doing this in case some of the more serious side effects (Steven-johnsons syndrome) happens. It is important to get the blood tests necessary to determine whether it is safe for you to take this medicine. I would say that people should try this drug as a last resort only because of the potential life treatening side effects that people who are alergic to sulfides may experience. It DOES work but your health should be a first priority over the apprearance of your skin.

Yes, Bactrim worked, very well. However, when choosing to take this antibiotic, realize: 1. You can't be on it forever, it can take a toll on your liver. 2. You CAN build a resistance to it. 3. There is a lot of stress involved with taking this pill for fear of the dreaded allergic reaction. I spent the first 2 weeks on this medicine thinking that every little itch, every cough, every sign of anything meant that I was having an allergic reaction. I was dreadfully nervous that I was going to break out in a horrible rash with flu symptoms, and quite possibly end up with "Steven Johnsons Syndrome." This worsened when I got the stomach flu on my 12th day in, and had all the symptoms associated with an allergic reaction. I was terrified, but in the end, it had nothing to do with the pill. Coincidence is a damn thing. All I'm saying is, be smart. If you do choose to take this, monitor yourself. If you really start seeing tell tale signs of the allergic reaction, don't just up and quit right away. First call your dermatologist, see what he/she says, THEN decide whether or not to get off of it. You can self diagnose. Use the internet. Bottom line, if you stick with it and after 2 weeks, don't have any signs of reaction, you're going to have great skin. This worked better than anything has in the past for me, and it made me look great for prom! Good Luck! Hope it works for you readers like it worked for me.

I have only been on it for about two weeks, but noticed better skin clairty and almost no new breakouts. will update again in another two weeks. so far nothing to0 odd to report as far as side effects. I have felt a bit tired lately and the last few days have felt sick. Also, last night at 2am a priest knocked at my door and asked if I believe in the devil..ok, that last part is not true.. Dunno if I can attribute any of this to Bactrim...will see. so far, so good.

Bactrim is a really great medication for acne. My dermatologist prescribed it to me feeling confident that it would help me out. It did. It took a little while to kick in, but it has improved my acne tremendously.

I expressed my dissatisfaction with using topicals for my skin & let the dermatologist know that I was also too afraid to take the leap in going on accutane. In discussing options, I was prescribed Septra, since it helps stop oil production & my skin was very oily. It took about two weeks to kick in but once it did, during my third month I was completely satisfied. Because the reviews here said that my breakouts would come back after I stopped taking this, I told the Derm I wanted to continue past Three months & did, surpassings Six months. Totaling to over a year in use. My breakouts came back due to another issue regarding Sunscreen, but I suggest this to any one suffering from breakouts. Of course, consult your dermatologist & make sure they understand your concerns.

I was amazed at how quickly it worked when I initially started taking it in September 2010. I noticed the difference immediately, and within only 3 days most of my acne was going down. Within 2-3 weeks; however, i developed an allergic reaction to it. It started with headaches and fever, muscle pain. Then I developed a rash that started on my back and spread onto my arms and abdomen. It also became itchy. I discontinued taking it. The improved skin cindition continued for some months, I noticed I would only mildly break out just before my period. This is still the case. Most of the time now, my skin is clear. As the acne scars are fading, I find I don't need to wear make-up daily to cover up anymore. Although GP's tell you to take it until finished, I have now been taking it only for "spot treatments". Although it doesn't work as effectively as the initial impressive result, it does work for me (I take it for 3-4 days only) and I have not experienced any side effects. PS I have been battling adult acne for many years and it was usually moderately severe.