Oral Medications for Acne

One of the wonder of modern medicines is that today we have many treatments for something that has been plaguing teens and adults alike since time immemorial: acne.

If you have a stubborn case of acne, you might do well to abandon the over-the-counter medications and the prescription creams, and turn to an oral medication for acne.

One of the first medications your dermatologist or doctor might try for treating your particular case of acne is tetracycline or another antibiotic. While not recommended for use by pregnant women or children under nine years of age, tetracycline is an inexpensive and effective route for most acne sufferers. Minocycline, erythromycin, and doxycycline are other oral medications for acne your doctor has in his toolkit. Be sure to let your doctor know if you experience side effects, as you might have better luck switching from one to another.

Other oral acne medications that have come on the market in recent years have proven very effective in the treatment of acne. Isotretinoin, known as Accutane in the United States, is derived from Vitamin A, and given in pill form. Doctors prescribe it for those with severe acne, to avoid scarring. It is a potent medication, and serves to shrink the sebaceous (oil-producing) glands, thereby reducing the possibility of clogged pores and infection that leads to acne. Be advised that people have reported various side effects, the most serious of which is having thoughts of suicide. In addition, pregnant women need to steer clear of this oral acne medication due to harm it can cause to a developing fetus.

Low-dose birth control pills may help some women who have acne surrounding their menstrual cycles. They contain hormones which may help regulate oil production in the skin. Another hormone-focused treatment is the use of spironolactone, and androgen blocker, which serves to lower the amount of oil produced in the sebaceous glands of the skin.

No matter what oral acne medication you and your prescriber select, you should pay close attention to the instructions for taking it. Take your oral acne medication on time and finish the dose if the prescription calls for it. Ask about and understand the potential side effects; you could experience everything from vaginal yeast infection to reduced effectiveness of your birth control medication to suicidal thoughts as mentioned previously. Be open to switching treatments if necessary; what you are aiming for is healthier skin, but not at the risk of your overall health.