In some extreme cases of acne, creams, washes and cleanses are not sufficient for treating acne. Antibiotics will be required to treat acne so that there is a decrease in the bacteria found in and around the follicle.

In addition to this, antibiotics work at reducing the amount of irritating chemicals usually created by white blood cells. They also reduce the concentration of free fatty acids found in the sebum. Of the many antibiotics used for treating acne, these are the most frequently used ones.

The most widely prescribed antibiotic used for treating acne is tetracycline, where the starting dose is 500 mg, twice a day. This is continued till there is a decrease in the amount of acne lesions, wherein the dose is decreased to 250mg twice a day, or is discontinued.

The drawback of this antibiotic is that it has to be taken on an empty stomach for maximum effects. It should also not be given to pregnant women and children under nine years of age.

The safe choice for pregnant women

Erythromycin is another commonly used antibiotic for acne, with several advantages over tetracycline. It has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce lesion redness besides killing bacteria.

Moreover, it can be taken with food. Its suggested dosage is between 250-500 mg, twice a day depending on the condition. Though it can cause stomach upset and nausea, it is a preferred choice in pregnant women.

Minocycline is especially useful for treating pustular type acne where its starting dosage is 50 to 100 mg, twice a day. Its major side effects include nausea, changes in skin pigmentation, vomiting and tooth discoloration, especially with long term use of minocycline.

Doxycycline is prescribed for people who don’t respond or can’t tolerate tetracycline and erythromycin. Its dosage starts at 50 to 100 mg, twice a day and should be taken with food to prevent nausea.

Clindamycin is also a useful oral antibiotic for acne where its starting dose is 75-150 mg, twice a day. It can however cause pseudomembranous colitis that is caused by the bacteria, Clostridium difficile.

Side effects

Most antibiotics can lead to Candida vaginal yeast infections in women, especially tetracycline. Antibiotics can also lessen the effectiveness of birth control pills.