subject: Antibiotics for acne treatment [print this page] Antibiotics for acne treatment Antibiotics for acne treatment
Thanks to modern medicine, acne can be resolved through a wide variety of medical treatments. Antibiotics for acne are by far the most preferred of such methods. There are different formulations but all have the same goal. Find out more about these common antibiotics for treating acne in this short article.
Tetracycline
This most prescribed antibiotic for acne starts out at a typical dose of 500 mg to be taken twice a day. This dosage is reduced to 250 mg or may be stopped immediately once lesions disappear.
On the other hand, tetracycline is meant to be taken on an empty stomach for maximum potency. This spells bad news for people who eat frequently, pregnant women and children nine years of age and below. For these people, different antibiotics for acne are prescribed.
Erythromycin
This drug shares the distinction of being a common prescription with tetracycline. On the other hand, there are qualities that make it a bit better. For instance, erythromycin lessens the reddening of lesions with its anti-inflammatory properties. Food intake is a must with this antibiotic.
The dosage is almost the same as other antibiotics for acne with 250 to 500 mg taken a day. It is safe enough to be used by pregnant women although it may cause nausea.
Minocycline
This drug is related to tetracycline and has been in used against acne for several decades. It mostly prescribed against pustular type acne and may be taken with food. Absorption is less but not as significant as tetracycline.
This is taken easy at 50 to 100 mg for up to twice a day. Side effects are reported with its intake. This includes vomiting, dizziness, nausea and skin pigmentation which are nothing out of the ordinary. Frequent use leads to skin and tooth discoloration though.
Doxycycline
If you cannot take the first two antibiotics for acne listed above, doxycyline will most likely be prescribed in their place. 50 to 100 mg of this antibiotic is enough but only with food intake to avoid causing nausea. Be prepared for bouts with sunburn when taking this drug as well.
Clindamycin
Whether applied on the skin or taken orally, this antibiotic works just fine. Doctors typically prescribe a dosage of 75 to 100 mg for consuming twice a day. Cases of an intestinal infection called pseudomembranous colitis have been associated with this antibiotic as well.
These are just the tip of the iceberg as far as antibiotics for acne are concerned. There are some that reduce the irritants made by white blood cells. Still, some lessen concentrations of free fatty acid around the sebum. Consult your doctor to know antibiotic works best to solve your acne problem for better skin.
