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Oral Antibiotics

Oral antibiotics are taken by mouth. Antibiotics have been a used by doctors and dermatologist as therapy for moderate to severe and persistent acne for many years. Numerous studies have provided evidence supporting the effectiveness of oral antibiotics. Ask your doctor which acne medication would be right for you.

1) For Moderate to Severe Acne

Doctors often prescribe oral antibiotics for people with moderate to severe acne. Oral antibiotics are thought to help control acne by curbing the growth of bacteria and reducing inflammation. Prescription oral and topical medicines may be combined. Common antibiotics used to treat acne are:

Other oral medicines less commonly used are:


2) For Severe Acne

For people with severe inflammatory acne, your dermatologist may prescribe Isotretinoin - Accutane, a retinoid (vitamin A derivative), if other treatments have not worked. This is a strong medicine that can help prevent scarring and treat active disease. But, Accutane also can cause birth defects. You and your dermatologist can decide whether this medicine is right for you based on the pros and cons listed below.

  • Isotretinoin (active ingredients)
    Accutane ® (brand name) - a retinoid (vitamin A derivative)

    Isotretinoin is an oral drug that is usually taken by mouth once or twice a day with food for 15 to 20 weeks. It markedly reduces the size of the oil glands so that much less oil is produced. As a result, the growth of bacteria is decreased.
  • IMPORTANT WARNING:
    There are a number of side effects associated with Accutane therapy, the most serious side effects being the potential to cause severe birth defects to a developing fetus. Also, there have been a number of reported suicides and suicide attempts in people taking Accutane. Click to read Important Publication about Accutane

References:
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), a part of the Department of Health and Human Services' National Institutes of Health (NIH)
NIH Publication No. 06-4998
January 2006
www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Acne/default.asp

For updates and for any questions about any medications you are taking, please contact:
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Toll Free: 888-INFO-FDA (888-463-6332)
Website: www.fda.gov/

This summary does not include everything there is to know about the medicine mentioned above. Do not use this medicine without first talking to your doctor. Other brand names or generic forms of this medicine may also be available. Side effects other than those listed above may occur. This medicine may be prescribed for other uses. If you have questions or concerns, or want more information, your doctor or pharmacist has the complete prescribing information about this medicine and possible drug interactions.