Antibiotics Used for Acne

If you have moderate to severe acne that does not respond to over-the-counter treatments, your doctor may prescribe oral or topical antibiotics, or a combination of both.

Medications

According to DermNet NZ, the most commonly used oral antibiotics for acne are tetracycline, erythromycin, trimethroprim and cotrimoxasole. Topical preparations include clindamycin and erythromycin.

Effectiveness

DermNet NZ indicates that the antibiotics can be effective in treating acne by reducing the amount of bacteria on your skin and in your follicles. They are also anti-inflammatory.

Side Effects

Common side effects from oral antibiotics include upset stomach, diarrhea, dizziness, hives, skin discoloration and increased risk of sunburn, reports acne.com. Topical antibiotics can result in skin irritation and dryness or contact dermatitis.

Risks

Risks include an allergic reaction to antibiotics, thrush (a yeast infection of the mouth or the vagina), and bacterial resistance from long-term use. DermNet NZ also notes a possibility of decreased effectiveness of birth control pills. Inform your doctor if you have had a bad reaction to an antibiotic.

Considerations

It can take weeks or even months for antibiotics to clear up acne. According to acne.com, you need to keep taking medicine to prevent the acne from returning.

References

• Antibiotics for Acne
• Antibiotic Treatments