When a doctor decides to order oral antibiotics to combat against your acne, he will have to analyze which one will be the most appropriate for you taking into account individual acceptability, possible interaction with any other drugs that you might be taking, and the cost-effectiveness of a drug.
The most prevalent types of antibiotics are listed below:
1. Tetracycline. This drug is reputed as very efficacious and relatively harmless for use. At the beginning of the tetracycline course a higher dosage is generally taken and maintained until any tangible improvements are noticed. Then the dosage should be gradually reduced. The absorption of this antibiotic by the body can be hindered by food and milk products. Therefore it is important to take tetracycline on an empty belly or one hour before having a meal.
Tetracycline can trigger some side effects including mild abdominal troubles, such as vomiting or diarrhea. It may lead to teeth discoloration in children. Tetracycline should also be avoided by expectant mothers.
2. Doxycycline. This antibiotic is similar to tetracycline, however doxycycline can be taken together with meals because the absorption of this drug is not affected by food.
As for side effects, doxycycline can cause digestive trouble and for some people, it can occasionally trigger eruption aggravated by the sunlight.
3. Minocycline. This is another tetracycline antibiotic, and it can be taken with food.
Among common side effects of minocycline are sickness, giddiness and bluish skin pigmentation.
4. Erythromycin. This medicine is as much efficacious as tetracycline and is commonly ordered to those people who can’t use tetracycline. Erythromycin can also be used by women who are planning a pregnancy and also by those who are already expecting a baby.
Side effects of this drug can include abdominal problems such as vomiting, meteorism and diarrhea. But generally, these are rather mild and impermanent. Erythromycin might interact with some medicines for epilepsy or asthma, therefore you should always tell you physician about any other problems with your health before starting an antibiotic course.
5. Contrimoxazole. This is a “backup” antibiotic that is rarely prescribed to fight inflammatory acne due to its side effects among which is cutaneous eruption that can become rather severe.