Antibiotics Used to Treat Acne

How Antibiotics Works for Acne
There are several mechanisms behind the work of Antibiotics. The major factor is the decrease in the number of bacteria in and around the follicle. Antibiotics also work by decreasing the irritating chemicals produced by white blood cells. Finally, antibiotics reduce the concentration of free fatty acids present in the sebum, also dereasing the inflammatory response. The most frequently used antibiotics for acne are summarized here.

Tetracycline
TETRACYCLINE is the most popular and widely prescribed antibiotic for acne. The normal starting dose is 500 mg twice a day continued until a significant reduction in acne lesions is seen. The dose can then be reduced to 250 mg twice a day or discontinued. The main setback for this antibiotic is that it must be taken on an empty stomach without food to be the most effective. Tetracycline should not be given to pregnant women or children under 9 years of age.

Minocycline
MINOCYCLINE is a derivative of tetracycline that has been used effectively for decades as a treatment for acne. It is most importantly useful for pustular type acne. While the absorption of minocycline is reduced with food, it is not as remarkable as the decrease seen with tetracycline. The normal starting dose is 50 to 100 mg two times a day. Significant side effects of minocycline include nausea, dizziness, vomiting, tooth discoloration and skin pigmentation changes. The skin and tooth changes are seen more often in people who have taken minocycline for a long time.

Erythromycin
ERYTHROMYCIN is the most familiar and commonly used antibiotic for treatment of acne. It has several benefit or advantages over tetracycline. First, it possesses anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce redness in lesions, in addition to killing bacteria. Also, unlike tetracycline that is best taken without food, it can and should be taken with food. The dosage of erythromycin varies with the type used, but it is typically prescribed as 250 - 500 mg twice a day. It can cause stomach upset and nausea, and can as well be used by pregnant women.

Doxycycline
DOXYCYCLINE is often used for people who cannot tolerate or respond to erythromycin or tetracycline. The dosage of doxycycline is started at 50 to 100 mg two times a day. It is recommended be taken with food; otherwise it can cause significant nausea. Doxycycline is more likely than tetracycline to increase sensitivity to the sun, or cause sunburns.

Clindamycin
CLINDAMYCIN is mostly used as an oral antibiotic for acne treatment, but it is most widely prescribed as a topical antibiotic. The starting dose is 75 to 150 mg twice a day. The most inherent side effect of clindamycin therapy is strong intestinal infection called pseudo membranous colitis caused by the bacteria, Clostridium difficile.

Side Effects of All Antibiotics
All the above antibiotics can cause Candida vaginal yeast infections in women. The most frequently antibiotic that seems to have this side effect is Tetracycline. All oral antibiotics can also decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills,