One of the most frequently used prescription acne medication is called Accutane whose active ingredient is isotretinoin. This medication is used by millions to treat some very severe forms of acne which includes cystic acne. Considered to be a strong medicine, there are various side effects associated with this therapy, especially birth defects. Hence pregnant women are not prescribed with this medication. Isotretinoin is a type of retinoid, which has similar properties to vitamin A and is recommended to be taken once or twice a day for about 4 to 5 months. This is in pill form. The other side effects of this treatment includes chapped lips, depression, urinary problems, temporary hair loss, joint and muscle pain, headaches, dry, chapped skin and decrease in night vision.

Because acne is more often than not caused by a particular bacteria called Propionibacterium, doctors often prescribe oral antibiotics. Tetracycline is another form of oral antibiotic which is often prescribed by doctors for treating inflamed acne. The recommended dosage is about 5 to 10 grams a day and the dosage is reduced as situation improves. For many people treatment with tetracycline results in the skin becoming sensitive to sunlight. The other popular antibiotic used for treating acne is erythromycin a broad spectrum medication. Though its mode of action is similar to tetracycline, many side effects of this drug include gastrointestinal disturbance for many users.

It must be remembered that antibiotic topical application creams prescribed for treating acne can work only in simple to moderate cases and not for treating severe forms of acne. Usually these medicines are prescribed when over the counter drugs have not yielded any effective results. Side effects of antibiotic use include: rashes, photosensitivity, gastrointestinal problems, etc. There are many doctors who prescribe oral contraceptive pills for treating acne. Though it may provide effective results, the side effects include: vaginal bleeding, water retention, melasma, increased risk of heart attack, strokes, blood clots and breast cancer and depression.

In case you have tried all the leading brands of over the counter acne treatment products and have failed to make any headway, it is wise to consult your doctor or dermatologist and start on prescription therapy, for assured results, despite the side effect profile for most of these drugs.