HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

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

default
Posted on Wed, 8 Apr 2015
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?

doctor
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
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Tushar Kanti Biswas

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :1975

Answered : 1920 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Is Long Term Use Of Sulfametoxazole-TMP DS Tablet For Acne Advisable?

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