Prescription Medications for Acne

If you suffer from more than just a pimple or two once in a while, it is probably time to consider seeking the advice of a dermatologist or physician to help you with your acne.

Instead of using over-the-counter medications, your prescriber can point you in the direction of prescription creams or oral prescription medications for acne.

Your doctor has a veritable arsenal of prescription medications for acne treatment. The most commonly prescribed oral medications are antibiotics. Although it is not recommended that pregnant women or children under nine years of age use it, tetracycline is an inexpensive and very effective drug for most acne patients. There are other oral antibiotics available in addition to tetracycline, if it does not work for you or if you have trouble tolerating it. Do not be timid about telling your doctor know if you experience side effects; he or she may decide to switch you to something else.

Other prescription acne medications that have become available in recent years have proven their effectiveness in the treatment of acne. Accutane, also known as isotretinoin in America, is a derivative of Vitamin A. It is an oral medication prescribed for those with severe acne, and it helps to avoid scarring. It is a very strong medication, and works internally to shrink the oil-producing glands in the skin, which leads to fewer clogged pores and acne infection. Prescription acne medications such as Accutane have been reported to cause various side effects, the most serious of which is depression or having thoughts of suicide. Anyone who is pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant should avoid prescription acne medications, and consult a doctor even when using over-the counter preparations.

It is common for doctors to prescribe low-dose birth control pills for acne prevention. This type of prescription acne medication may help women who have acne associated with their menstrual cycles. Low-dose birth control pills help to regulate oil production in the skin by influencing hormones. A prescriber may also use spironolactone, an androgen blocker, which helps to lower the amount of oil produced in the skin.

Remember to follow the instructions for taking your prescription acne medication so that it will be as effective as possible. Take prescription acne medication as close to the prescribed intervals as possible, and complete the dose as directed. Note that there may be side effects, so read the literature that comes with your prescription. Be aware that vaginal yeast infection can occur when taking antibiotics if you are a woman, and ask your doctor if you should be eating extra yogurt or taking a probiotic supplement to prevent yeast infections. Prescription acne medications may also reduce the effectiveness of birth control medications.

Lastly, keep the lines of communication open between you and your doctor. If your prescription acne medication does not seem to be working, or if you have side effects you cannot tolerate, your prescriber may want to change the course of treatment.