Acne

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Related Topics

• What Is Sebum?
• Benzoyl Peroxide
• Comedogenicity

Acne: Oral Antibiotics

Acne Treatment With Oral Antibiotics

Bacteria P.acnes infects the sebum inside the follicle and sebaceous gland. This bacterium is responsible for pus-filled pimples and cysts. Antibiotics are used to kill the bacteria and speed up acne treatment.

How antibiotics work

Antibiotics work by killing the bacteria. They do not cause damage to the cells of the body. By killing the bacteria antibiotics reduce the infection and inflammation.

Antibiotics can be used topically, orally and by injection. In acne treatment, injections are rarely used because oral antibiotics quickly reduce the bacteria population. The antibiotics used orally for acne are: Erythromycin, Tetracycline, Minocycline, Doxycycline and Clindamycin. Some doctors also use the latest antibiotics. Let us find out more about oral antibiotics.

Erythromycin

• Erythromycin is a broad spectrum antibiotic.
• It not only reduces infection but also reduces inflammation.
• It is available as capsule, tablet, long-acting capsule and long-acting tablet.
• Erythromycin is taken two to three times a day for seven or more days. The strength and the dosage will depend upon the severity of the infection.
• Erythromycin can be taken in pregnancy.
• Generally Erythromycin is taken along with or after food.
• Erythromycin may cause diarrhea, upset stomach, vomiting, etc. If such side effects persist, you need to consult with your doctor.

Tetracycline-

• Tetracycline is commonly used to treat acne.
• Tetracycline is available as a capsule.
• The strength and the dosage of Tetracycline will depend upon the severity of the acne infection.
• Tetracycline cannot be taken during pregnancy.
• It should be taken on an empty stomach and should not be taken with any milk products.
• It can cause side effects such as sore mouth, skin redness, diarrhea, upset stomach, etc.

Minocycline-

• Minocycline belongs to the class of medications known as tetracycline antibiotics.
• Minocycline is available as a capsule or a tablet.
• Minocycline cannot be taken during pregnancy.
• It should be taken on an empty stomach and should not be taken with any milk products.
• It can cause side effects such as sore mouth, skin redness, diarrhea, ringing in ears, etc.

Doxycycline

• Doxycycline also belongs to the class of medications known as tetracycline antibiotics.
• It is available as capsule or tablets. If you feel nausea with Doxyclince, take it with food or milk.
• The strength and the dosage duration will depend upon the severity of the acne infection.
• Doxyclcline may cause dry mouth, diarrhea and sunburns.

Clindamycin

• Clindamycin is a good antibiotic for acne.
• Clindamycin may cause colitis.
• Clindamycin is therefore used with care.