Prescription Acne Oral Medicines | Antibiotics for Pimples, Blemishes and Zits

Prescription Acne Oral Medicines

Oral antibiotics will often be prescribed for moderate to severe acne. It is believed that oral antibiotics help control acne by slowing the growth of bacteria and reducing inflammation. Prescription oral and topical medicines are often combined. Common antibiotics used to treat acne are:

• Tetracycline (Achromycin V)
• Minocycline (Dynacin, Minocin)
• Doxycycline (Adoxa, Doryx, Monodox)

Other oral medicines less commonly used are clindamycin (Cleocin), erythromycin or sulfonamides (Bactrim).

Sometimes people taking these antibiotics have side effects. They can range from an upset stomach, dizziness or lightheadedness, to changes in skin color and increased tendency to sunburn. The National Institutes of Health say because tetracyclines may affect tooth and bone formation in fetuses and young children, these drugs are not usually given to pregnant women or children under age 14.

There is also some concern, although it has not been proven, that tetracycline and minocycline may decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills. Therefore, a backup or another form of birth control may be needed.

Treatment with oral antibiotics for an extended period of time may be necessary to achieve the desired results.

If your acne is a severe case, your doctor may prescribe an oral prescription drug called isotretinoin (Accutane). This is a retinoid or vitamin A derivative. You take it by mouth, usually once or twice a day for 15 to 20 weeks. It should not be taken on an empty stomach. Basically, isotretinoin can reduce the size of oil glands and reduce the amount of oil your skin is producing, all of which can help treat your acne. There are dangers with isotretinoin however. Women must take extreme precautions about getting pregnent. Isotretinoin is known to cause birth defects.

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Updated May 2008

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