Bactrim Medication

Bactrim Medication

Bactrim Medication

While acne is a fairly common issue for teenagers, there are also many people that struggle with breakouts into adulthood. According to the Acne Resource Center, an estimated 25% of men and 50% of women suffer with acne as adults. While there are several over the counter products containing ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, and skin care regimens like Proactive® that can provide some relief from constant breakouts, many cases of moderate to severe acne require the use of prescription medications to successfully combat inflamed acne nodules, comedones, and cysts. There are currently several prescription drugs available, including doxycycline, Bactrim® , and spironolactone, that can help prevent breakouts for prolonged periods of time.

Doxycycline for Adult Acne

Doxycycline is an antibiotic that helps reduce breakouts by decreasing the amount of the acne bacteria, Propionibacterium acnes, on the facial surface. This drug is typically prescribed at 100 mg to 200 mg a day and has been proven effective in both teenagers and adults with moderate acne breakouts. Over time, users can develop resistance to the drug and may begin to notice a recurrance of pimples. However, studies have shown that low doses of doxycycline (40 mg daily) can be effective against breakouts for a prolonged period of time and do not lead to the development of bacterial resistance. Therefore, doctors may recommend starting at low dosages of doxycycline or, if resistance does develop over time, switching to a different prescription medication.