Bactrim/Septra : (trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole) Oral Antibiotic

My derm put me on a combination of Bactrim and a topical retinoid as a last step before Accutane. I've been dealing with nodulocystic acne for about a year now, and I've tried MANY different topicals and antibiotics. None have worked all too well (Duac was the most helpful topical, and no improvement with any antibiotics). Anyway, I went on Bactrim and my very broken-out face immediately cleared within a matter of one week. Unfortunately, on day 12 I had an allergic reaction to it (and discovered that I have an allergy to Sulfa-drugs). I broke out in a minor rash on my arms, legs, back and chest, and my face turned bright red. This reaction occurred over two days, then subsided. While it did give me a rash, it's been the most effective treatment so far. I'm kinda glad that I get to go on Accutane now because antibiotics are never a permanent solution.

I use this regularly and it clears up my acne within a few days. I have sometimes been prescribed to take 1 pill twice a day, and sometimes told 1 pill once a day at the same dosage. I usually only take 1 pill/day as this is a sulfonamide and it dehydrates you. 1 pill seems to do the job for me. I have had dizziness and headaches on occasion, but when I drink more water it stops. Drinking water is always good for clearing skin, but it is ESSENTIAL to drink A LOT of water with this medicine or you WILL get dizzy and have headaches. Due to concerns about long term effects on the liver and the possibility of building up an immunity to this, I only take it when necessary. Usually for about a week around that time of the month. It's a pretty useful antibiotic in fighting respiratory infections and many other things so it would be a shame to develop an immunity from constant use. I highly recommend this, but be careful. Sulfa allergies are quite common. And make sure you drink a lot of water!!!

I really wanted Accutane because I lost hope, but I couldnt afford it so my dermatologist put my on Bactrim & within 2 weeks my acne pretty much disappeared. This is the best option if you dont wanna do accutane.

I was originally on Minocycline pills. I couldn't swallow them, so my dermatologist suggested this. (liquid form) I was reading other reviews that said "skin cleared in 24 hours!" which I didn't believe. however, I woke up in the morning with noticable improvement in my skin! I didn't have ANY new breakouts, and my old ones were drying up! I was shocked! I've been on it for aboutttt.....I'd say 5 days. my skin is almost 100% clear! I've never been happier! I had moderate acne to begin with. I now say I fall under the "very light" section! I am not wearing foundation anymore, just concealer over redness and maybe a light powder. it's the best feeling ever when somebody compliments on your skin! I really recommend you try this!

I took this for maybe 15-18 months a while back, cleared up my mild cystic acne completely. Ever since I stopped about a year ago nothing has been as effective and I now feel I have to go back on it to avoid accutane. Ultimately where other antibiotics fail this will generally succeed and you won't need accutane.

I've had acne since for 20 years. I've been on every prescription and drug store product I could find. Even tried the acne.org regimen. Nothing cleared up my skin completely except for Accutane which I was on when I was 17 yrs old. About 6 months ago my skin started breaking out like crazy with cysts and white heads. I didn't even want to leave the house. I went to a new dermatologist and he gave me two options, Bactrim or Accutane. Due to bouts of depression I wasn't a good candidate for Accutane anymore so I had to settle for the Bactrim, not expecting much. I even considered buying Accutane online, even though that is very dangerous. I'm soooo glad I did. This stuff has really worked well for me and I'm glad I gave it a chance. Plus, it's so cheap. $2.50 with my insurance which isn't that great. No negative side effects either.

Worth it - hopefully will not become immune to it for awhile.

It's a really good drug and a last resort before Acutane. Works great for me.

I've tried almost every treatment on the market. This is the only one that has worked for me. I don't really care if I have to take this for the rest of my life. After dealing with acne so long, it's worth it to me to take a pill everyday to have clear skin.

I love it. I've been using it for 4-5 years now (when I stop for a few weeks I get horrible, painful cystic acne), and I haven't had any long term effects from it. Its not very expensive considering how well it works, and I would definitely recommend it for anyone who has been having trouble with cystic acne. I suppose a con could be that I have had to use it for a long time, but since the alternative was roaccutane, I'm not too upset about this outcome. Taking it twice a day isn't too hard once you get used to it. Anyway, I'd recommend it.