Using Oral Antibiotics In Treatment Of Acne – An Effective Medication

The use of oral antibiotics in treating acne has gained wide popularity for its effectiveness. Most researches suggest Using oral antibiotics in treatment of acne that may be inflammatory or moderate in nature. The studies reveal that antibiotics such as Clindamycin, Erythromycin or Tetracycline showed clinical effectiveness against acne.

The main action of the oral antibiotics is to inhibit inflammation caused by bacteria rather than a direct bactericidal effect. The side effects associated with oral antibiotics are generally minor and negligible. However, special attention should be taken against the risk of Propionibacterium acne development. The oral antibiotics used for long-term acne treatment are continued for a period of 4 to 6 months.

The oral antibiotics are a mainstay for patients suffering from moderate to severe and persistent acne.
Such antibiotics specifically work to reduce P. acnes population (a contributing factor in acne) that in turn decreases inflammation. These treatments are long-term – begins with a higher dosage, and gradually reduced as the acne problems resolve. Generally, the oral antibiotics are prescribed for six months or less.

Oral tetracycline is largely used in treatment of acne. Normally a typical tetracycline regimen is recommended for treating moderate to severe acne. A long-term low dose of tetracycline therapy for many months is continued to cure acnes. Higher doses may be prescribed for severe acne, with regular monitoring for systemic side effects.

Drawbacks of oral antibiotics treatment

Before taking oral antibiotics the reactions with drugs already being taken by the patients should be considered. Here are certain concerns over oral antibiotics:

An article in Archives of Dermatology revealed that individuals undergoing oral antibiotic treatment for acne are more likely to develop upper respiratory tract infection within one year than those individuals without antibiotic treatment.

Long-term use of oral antibiotics may lead to resistant organisms, that increases the risk of infectious illness,

For those females using tetracycline and planning to get pregnant, it is important to contact a doctor as tetracycline may cause permanent skeletal defects or teeth staining in the fetus. Women with acne who consume oral contraceptives, must be treated with a combined therapy of hormonal treatment and oral antibiotic. Though the general view suggests that oral antibiotics reduce the effectiveness of the oral contraceptives, however the reasons are unfounded according to published research studies.

Further, the issues of photosensitivity caused by the use of tetracycline are well-pronounced.

However, the oral antibiotics have been found to be very effective in treatment of acne. Oral antibiotics treatment is first choice for moderate to severe type acne and those not cured by topical treatment.