Sulfamethoxazole for Acne

Acne is a skin condition that doesn't just torment us during our teen and adolescent years; it can show up all over our face, back and shoulders throughout our adult years as well. The American Academy of Dermatology estimates that 40 million to 50 million Americans suffer from acne. Topical treatments such as benzoyl peroxide and retinoids are often effective acne treatments, but dermatologists also frequently prescribe oral medication. Sulfamethoxazole, when combined with trimethoprim, is a common oral antibiotic prescribed to combat acne.

Causes of Acne

Hormones are often the culprits of acne, which explains the prevalence of acne among teens. According to the Mayo Clinic, hormonal disturbances also explain the occurrence of acne among women during their menstrual cycles or pregnancy. Sebaceous glands can work overtime, producing too much oil, which leads to breakouts. Blackheads and whiteheads are the result of hair follicles that are plugged up with oil, dead skin cells and bacteria. Propioniacterim acnes is a bacteria that can become trapped within the hair follicle, provoking redness, irritation and infection.

Sulfamethoxazole

Sulfamethoxazole is an oral antibiotic that is FDA approved and used to treat ear infections, urinary tract infections, shigellosis, acute otitis media and Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia. An article by S. Bhambri, J.Q. Del Rosso and A. Desai of the Valley Hospital Medical Center published in 2007 in "Cutis," a peer-reviewed journal for dermatology-related fields, confirms that sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim is commonly prescribed by dermatologists to treat acne. Sulfamethoxazole is classified as a sulfonamide drug, so those who are allergic to other sulfa drugs should avoid.

How Sulfamethoxazole and Trimethoprim Work Together

These two antibiotics work together as a dynamic duo to block the production of folic acid in bacteria. Without folic acid, the bacteria are unable to reproduce and multiply. Trimethoprim enhances the effectiveness of sulfamethoxazole and lessens the occurrence of antibiotic resistance. A 2007 study conducted by Drexel College researchers C.B. Turwoski and W.D. James and published in "Advances in Dermatology," found that sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim, as well as amoxicillin and spironolactone, is an effective acne treatment for those who do not want to use isotretinoin (Accutane).

Brand Names

Sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim is found in the United States under the brand names Bactrim, Bactrim DS, Septra, Septra DS, Sulfatrim and Sulfatrim Pediatric. Gantano is the brand name of sulfamethoxadole without trimethoprim.

Side Effects of Sulfamethoxadole

According to the U.S Department of Health and Human Services, side effects of sulfamethoxadole include rashes, pale skin, increased sensitivity to the sun, achy muscles and joints, sore throat, fatigue, bruising and yellow eyes or skin. Other possible side effects include dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and loss of appetite.
The Mayo Clinic warns that if you suffer from anemia or are pregnant or breast-feeding you should not take sulfamethoxadole. Inform your doctor if you have asthma, allergies, AIDS, G6PD deficiency, or a liver or kidney disease. Always consult a physician before taking an oral antibiotic to avoid harmful interactions with other prescription or over-the-counter medicines.