Antibiotics For Acne - Prescription Acne Treatments

Many different prescription medications are used to treat acne including creams and lotions, as well as shots and pills that are taken orally. There are several classes of prescription acne treatments, and they all have their pros and cons.

 

Accutane or Isotretinoin

Accutane has been used for many years and is very effective as far as prescription acne treatments go. It generally is prescribed for cystic acne or other severe forms of acne and while it is usually safe, there are some risks and side effects. Pregnant women shouldn't take this medication because of the risk of birth defects. Because this medication is a retinoid like Vitamin A, it can be abused so it should only be taken as prescribed.

This prescription acne treatment works by slowing down oil production, unclogging pores, and destroying bacteria. Side effects can include headaches, dry skin, and diarrhea but they are different for every person. Accutane should only be taken under the supervision of a doctor and only once a day for a few months.

Oral Antibiotics

Bacteria are one reason people develop acne. This is why antibiotics are among the prescription acne treatments used. Antibiotics must be used carefully, though. Most dermatologists prescribe tetracycline, which has several derivatives. This is a medication that has been used for years and helps reduce the inflammation caused by acne. This prescription acne treatment usually starts at around 5 to 10 grams per day and is lowered during treatment, which can last a few months. Among the major side effects is sensitivity to sunlight. Erythromycin is another commonly used antibiotics for treating acne. It destroys many different types of bacteria and is very strong. It may irritate the gastrointestinal system.

Topical Prescriptions

There are topical medications that can fight off bacteria when applied directly to the skin. These prescription acne treatments are for more mild and moderate cases of acne and can also treat acne vulgaris. Many of these topical prescription acne treatments are retinoids that are a stronger version of the medication you can buy at your local drugstore. One example is adapalene, which comes in a cream or gel form and starts to work within a few weeks in most cases. The side effects include dry skin and skin irritation but it is effective at unclogging pores. Another retinoid is tretinoin and it works the same way.

There are many prescription acne treatments and over-the-counter medications as well so there's something that can help almost everyone. Talk to your doctor about your options.