Some cases of acne just won't yield to over-the-counter treatment. The American Academy of Dermatology estimates that Americans spend around $1.2 billion annually to treat pimples, and most of that goes toward prescription medications. If you have a case of stubborn acne that hasn't responded to other therapies, your physician might recommend you take trimethoprim for it.
Causes of Acne
Acne, which the Cleveland Clinic says is the most common skin condition, develops when the skin's sebaceous glands manufacture too much sebum, the oil that softens and lubricates the skin. This oil can clog your pores, leading to whiteheads, blackheads and pimples. The oil also provides a perfect bacterial breeding ground, and bacteria causes the inflammation and infection present in bad acne.
About Trimethoprim
Trimethoprim, an antibiotic known by the brand name Proloprim, treats bacterial infections in acne and other diseases. If your physician prescribes trimethoprim for you, you should take it exactly according to instructions at the same time or times each day. You can take the medication with or without food, but make certain to tell your doctor about any other medications you're taking, since trimethoprim can react with some other prescription drugs.
Side Effects
Trimethoprim can cause you to become more sensitive to the sun, and you should avoid sun exposure or tanning beds until you know exactly how you react to the medication. Always use sunscreen when venturing outdoors during your course of treatment. In addition, some people develop serious allergies to antibiotics, including trimethoprim. If you get hives, a rash, breathing problems or swelling in your throat and tongue while taking the medication, contact your physician immediately.
Research
Medical research backs the use of trimethoprim in acne treatment. For example, in one medical study reported in 1978 in the journal Dermatologica, clinicians treated 42 patients with a combination of trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole, which commonly are prescribed together to fight acne. The study reported either complete remission or excellent results in 79 percent of patients.
Considerations
Many of the bacterial strains found in acne have grown resistant to the antibiotics commonly used to treat them. The Mayo Clinic warns that you shouldn't skip doses of your antibiotic prescription, or you'll risk developing antibiotic resistance. In addition, your physician may begin weaning you from the drug once your pimples start to clear up in an effort to prevent antibiotic resistance in your acne.
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