Is Long Term Use Of Sulfametoxazole-TMP DS Tablet For Acne Advisable?

Posted on Wed, 18 Mar 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 18 Mar 2015 Answered on

Wed, 8 Apr 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello, I was wondering if it's normal for a dermatologist to prescribe sulfametoxazole-TMP DS tablet to treat acne grade III for 8months when that's what my primary care physician gave me for only 10 days to treat infection. She was a student, not a doctor yet, she asked me what I was taking and I told her, so then she put me on that for 8 months and gave me nothing else. I'm a bit skeptical because what was the point to see a specialist if all I got was the same drug for longer period of time?

Answered by Dr. Tushar Kanti Biswas (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Sulfamethoxazole-TMP DS & Acne

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for your query. I can understand your concerns.
Patients with moderate to severe acne with a prominent inflammatory component benefit from the addition of systemic therapy commonly tetracycline or doxycycline,or Minocycline . Such antibiotics appear to have anti-inflammatory effects independent of their antibacterial effects and has to be continued till acne improves when oral antibiotic is to be stopped and topical retinoids be used.
With increasing resistance of P. acnes worldwide, they are becoming less effective.
Sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim is commonly prescribed by dermatologists to treat acne. You should have discontinued it once the condition improved.

Regards

Dr. T.K. Biswas M.D. XXXXXXX

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D