Prescription Oral Medicines

For moderate to severe acne, doctors oral antibiotics are usually prescribed. Oral antibiotics help control acne by halting and decreasing the growth of bacteria. By decreasing bacterial growth they also reduce inflammation and the signs of acne. Prescription oral and topical medicines may be combined. Common antibiotics used to treat acne are tetracycline (Achromycin V), minocycline (Dynacin, Minocin), and doxycycline (Adoxa, Doryx, and Monodox).

• Antibiotics

• Oral Antibiotics

• doxycycline

• minocycline

• tetracycline

• side effects are mainly photosensitivity and GI/stomach upset

• acts by decreasing bacteria and fatty acid levels, which are believed to be the cause of ACNE

Other oral medicines less commonly used are clindamycin (Cleocin), erythromycin, or sulfonamides (Bactrim). Side effects of these drugs include, an upset stomach, dizziness or lightheadedness, changes in skin color, and increased tendency to sunburn. Ttetracyclines may affect tooth and bone formation in fetuses and young children, these drugs are not given to pregnant women or children under age 14. Prolonged treatment with oral antibiotics may be necessary to achieve the desired results.