Jul
2
Prescription Pills for Acne
July 2, 2009 |
Prescription Pills for Acne
When topical antibiotics don’t do the job, dermatologists may prescribe oral medication to get the antibiotic into the bloodstream rather than just on the surface of the skin. Tetracycline and clindamycin have been widely prescribed, but some acne-causing bacteria have developed resistance to them. Now, dermatologists may be more likely to prescribe minocycline. Although this antibiotic works against acne, it is not clear that it is either more effective than other oral antibiotics or less likely to cause undesirable reactions.
Anyone who is prescribed oral antibiotics needs to know This topical treatment has been flying under the radar for years. Some dermatologists tell us that it should have anti-inflammatory action and may be better tolerated than benzoyl peroxide.
Side effects: Redness, dryness, and burning
Downside: Hard to find, although it is available from many online pharmacies. May take several weeks to work. Physicians and pharmacists seem unaware of its effectiveness, and studies are few.
Cost: Approximately $30 for a 30-gram tube
when to take them and whether they should delay taking other treatments, such as supplements or antacids. Patients should discuss all the pros and cons of oral (systemic) antibiotic therapy with the doctor prescribing it. Certain drugs may cause rare but potentially serious side effects, such as the pseudomembranous colitis that is sometimes seen with clindamycin.
One study found that people using antibiotics (oral or topical) to treat their acne were about twice as likely to come down with an upper respiratory tract infection. Colds, flus, and similar upper respiratory tract infections are usually self-limited and rarely a serious threat to health, but it makes sense to evaluate whether the acne is in fact affecting your life so much that you’d be willing to trade it for a cold. It might not make sense to take an antibiotic for mild acne that is not too bothersome.
After completing a course of antibiotic treatment, acne patients may be able to keep their skin clear by using tretinoin gel or a similar product.” Adapalene or tazarotene gel may also be useful.” Using such a topical medicine as follow-up therapy can reduce the amount of antibiotic exposure.