Prescription Acne Medications

prescription acne medications - preferred treatment for severe cases

Although many people will try to manage mild cases of acne themselves with over-the-counter medicines, when the disease is moderate to severe, a professional doctor should be consulted for advice and treatment.

The usual course of action includes prescription acne medications which are generallly stronger and more effective than what is available over-the-counter. Prescription medicine can be oral or topical or a combination of the two. Antibiotics and retinoids, which are a Vitamin A derivative, are the most common.

antibiotics

Tetracycline is the most common prescribed antibiotic used to treat acne. It kills the bacteria causing the acne and reduces any inflammation. Treatment with antibiotics can take a long time to be effective -- sometimes weeks to months. Also, the treatment probably will have to continue even after the acne condition clears up.

Tetracycline usually causes the skin to be more sensitive to sunlight which can result in severe sunburn. So it is imperative to take proper precautions when outside. Other side effects from this medicine include upset stomach, dizziness and hives. Any unusual or untoward reactions should be immediately reported to your doctor.

Women taking tetracycline often suffer from increased bouts of vaginal yeast. Note: Pregnant women and children under 12 should avoid taking tetracycline altogether because it discolors growing teeth.

Prescribed Antibiotic ointments are not prone to  the complications and side effects seen in oral medicines. And they can be used with good results in killing the acne causing bacteria.

retinoids

 Retinoids are a prescription acne medicine that can be applied directly to the skin in the form of a lotion or cream. Topical retinoid medications are used most often to treat blackheads and whiteheads by helping to open clogged pores. Using this medication, however, can cause the skin to become unusually dry.

Oral retinoids are used for more serious cases of acne that are not responding to other treatments. Oral retinoids work by causing the skin's upper layer to peel which opens pores. Also, they cause the body to produce less sebrum.

Note: Neither oral tetracycline or oral retinoids should be taken during pregnancy. The Vitamin A preparation in particular is recognized as causing birth defects. These harmful birth defects are likely to occur during the very early stages of pregnancy, even befor you are aware you are pregnant. Therefore, it is wise not to use it if you are not using birth control measures

other prescription medications used to treat acne

Birth control pills are sometimes the prescription medication chosen for acne treatment in women. They work by changing the harmone levels in the body and can reduce the acne causing effects of testosterone.

For acne that is out of control, a drug called Isotretinoin may be prescribed. It is the most powerful acne remedy on the market today. It is also the most hazardous. It can cause itching, headaches, muscle pain and hair loss. It also can cause birth defects if taken during pregnancy. So, this prescription acne medicine is not for everyone. But in very severe cases, it can give relief when nothing else can.

In conclusion, if you are suffering with anything more than the mildest bout of acne, you should consult a dermatologist for advice, course of treatment and prescription medications.

For more information about prescription acne medication and other acne treatments, see:

Acne Treatment - The Best Ways To Care For Acne
Safe Acne Treatment During Pregnancy
Clearlight Acne Treatment
Best Acne Treatment - Seek Treatment From Doctors
Acne Scarring Treatment -Best Available Options
Bentonite Clay Acne Treatment - Natural Way to Beautiful Skin
Acne Laser Treatment - Home Laser Treatment for Acne
Source for Acne Information