Bactrim/Septra : (trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole) Oral Antibiotic

This antibiotic cleared cystic acne that Solodyn could not. Began working after the first week; cleared all zits by the end of week two. Unfortunately, this drug is not ideal for long-term use and I do not plan on taking it more than one or two months. If necessary, I will get on spironolactone after discontinuing this product since it is probably safer for long-term use and will address what I suspect is the underlying issue for my acne--excess androgens. Additionally, I have had a small, localized rash on my stomach for the past week. At the same time that this occurred, I began getting a sore throat, headache and low fever. The doctor said I did not have strep throat, so I am wondering if I had an allergic reaction to the Bactrim. Fortunately, my sore throat went away, but the rash remains...I may not know what is causing it until I stop using Bactrim in a few days.

I was on this for 3 weeks when i developed a bad rash all over my body. when i stopped taking it i was almost clear though. my acne slowly came back. in about 3 months it was getting pretty bad again. i am now on yaz which is helping, but hasnt cleared me up yet. frustrated. i might start doxycycline soon, but im nervous to start it.

I took this for severe acne all around my chin and cheeks after creams didn't work. I didn't see much happening at first, but after about 3 weeks, my acne got really bad on the right side of my face for a few days, and then didn't come back. The same thing happened the next week on the left side of my face, and after that, I only had occasional pimples in random spots, but it was significantly better than before. I would recommend this, but it's not a permanent fix.

It's worth the side effects of dryness and peeling it is much better than having acne all over your face by far!

I have been using Bactrim in conjunction with Diane 35 for a few months now after developing cysts on my cheeks. Nowadays my skin is 100% clear. I have never had skin this good.

I have used Accutane, Erythromyacin(sp?) and Bactrim for moderately severe acne for more than 20 years. The Accutane worked for only a few years, the Erythro worked but was too expensive, and the Bactrim upsets my stomach unless taken with food, but is the least expensive. I am going to give ProActiv a try. I don't want to keep abusing my body with an antibiotic, but I don't want the pain and hassle of the cysts either. I would suggest Bactrim for short-term use, but not as long term fix. Look for progressive dermatologist to prescribe healthy skincare regimen/diet to control the acne.

I really give it a 4.5/5, but that wasn't an option. I have taken Bactrim before years ago and it did work, but because of my fear of needles I quit after the first blood drawing for lab testing. I'll start by saying I rated my acne before starting Bactim as maybe a 6/10 on my face, and 7/10 on my back, this is me already on the regimen for several years. I started taking Bactrim again about 2 months ago and within 3 weeks 80% of my facial acne had cleared, along with 60% of my back acne (which was more of a reason I started taking it again). Now 2 months in I would say my face is 95% cleared up with maybe a single pimple every week or two popping up, but they only last a short time compared to before. The body acne has reduced further to maybe 80% clear, with only a few really deep and hard to treat cystic bumps remaining. The new bumps on my back that do appear, which is rarely, go away within a week or two compared to maybe months before, and they are less severe. The only thing I really have left now is to worry about how to clear up scars and reduce redness left behind with the scars. My face is still prone to look red and bumpy when I sweat, but they are just scars or damage left behind from years of acne. Same goes for my back, lots of large cystic bumps have left some pretty deep and red looking spots. I think time will heal these. It also doesn't help that I'm pretty pale and need to get out in the sun more. Night shift work doesn't help that. So Bactrim for me worked very well where topical treatments failed me for years. I do still use the benzoyl peroxide and moisturizer regimen, but it never had complete success, it only lessened the severity. the two working together however seems to be very effective. Considering the cost and very minimal side effects, I would highly recommend seeing a dermatologist and seeing what they say about this antibiotic for your acne.

try it! It works really fast.. its been less than a week and im amazed at the way its drying everything up.

Cleared moderate acne almost instantly, was clear for 2 years then I became immune to the antibiotic and it came back twice as bad.. had to resort to accutane which is probably a better decision anyway around $10.00 a month for this, but it was a short time miracle for me-just screwed me in the end.

I am a 22-year-old female and my moderate cystic acne cleared completely within a month of taking this drug. I have been on Bactrim for several months now and have not had a single pimple since I first cleared up. My skin looks beautiful (this is likely also due to the vitamin C,E and zinc I take, daily) and I have even received a few compliments on it from complete strangers. As wonderfully as this drug has worked for my acne, I am discontinuing it due to the damaging effect it can have on one's liver and kidneys over time. I started spironolactone (a hormonal treatment) about a month into Bactrim and plan to continue it with the hope that it will suffice to ward off future breakouts. It is my understanding that spironolactone is much safer for long-term use than oral antibiotics and can be very effective for women whose acne is due to an excess of androgens (male hormones) in the body.