Oral Acne Medication Options

What causes acne?

When puberty begins, young people begin to experience a wide variety of developmental
physical, physiological and emotional changes. The obvious physical changes include beard
and muscle development in young males, and young females, with the onset of menses, also
start to develop breasts and wider hips. In addition, the normal progressions toward adulthood
produce rapid hormone changes frequently causing mood swings and the often embarrassing
side effect of Acne Vulgaris.

More commonly known as just simply acne, breakouts or pimples, Acne Vulgaris is caused by
an overproduction of the natural skin oil glands. When this excess oil combines with dead skin
cells and surface dust, it forms hardened blockages in the ducts leading to the surface of the
skin-these are usually called blackheads or whiteheads. Sometimes these blockages produce a
localized infection, which manifests as pimples or Acne breakouts just under the surface of the
skin. Of course, there are other factors which contribute to the development of Acne breakouts,
including diet and genetics, but dermatologists have a great many options available to them for
its treatment.

Medical research and breakthroughs

The treatment of Acne has become a multi-million dollar industry. Although Acne may seem
very superficial and irrelevant in comparison to many other diseases, its effects on the
emotional and spiritual wellbeing of adolescents can have far reaching consequences. The
scars left by acne is one of the leading causes of low self-esteem among young adults, and has
long reaching effects even for adults. Because of this, dermatologists and medical researchers
are constantly working toward the development of better treatment options.

Unfortunately, there is no “magic bullet” in the treatment of Acne Vulgaris because there are
many different factors that contribute to its development. However, medical practitioners have
been employing several different oral medications for its treatment. Some of these have
undesirable side effects, and some cannot be used under certain conditions (such as during
pregnancy or before a specific age) but they are often effective in controlling Acne.

Examples of commonly prescribed medications and their effects

The following is a list of commonly prescribed medications for the treatment of Acne. While
these treatments have positive outcomes for many users, there are side effects which should be
considered when taking them. In addition, no one drug will work for everybody, so sometimes
an Acne sufferer may have to try several treatment options. It must be noted that this list is
neither exhaustive nor completely comprehensive but is designed as an overview of currently
available treatment options.
Antibiotic Acne Medication: Taken orally, various antibiotic medications have been employed
in the treatment of acne. Research has shown that many antibiotics ameliorate Acne and are
often prescribed for persistent, moderate-to-severe acne. As with all these medications, they
should be administered only by a qualified physician.
Cortiscosteroids: This potent antibiotic treatment should only be prescribed for very severe
cases of acne, and should only be taken for short periods of time. The metabolic side-effects of
steroids have been well-documented and if taken in large quantities, or for long periods of time,
may have long-term effects on the reproductive capabilities of young people. As a result, they
are not recommended for most cases of acne treatment.
Tetracycline: Tetracycline has been the most commonly prescribed acne treatment for many
years. It has had good results for moderate-to-severe acne. The usual dosages range from
500 to 1000 mg per day, and dosage is decreased as the skin condition improves. Tetracycline
has been associated with decreased bone development and teeth staining, and therefore it is
not appropriate for children under the age of eight. Due to its effects on bone development, it is
also not an appropriate choice for pregnant or nursing women. Other common side effects
include increased sun sensitivity, diarrhea and nausea.
Minocycline and Doxycycline: Derived from Tetracycline, research suggests that these drugs
may be more effective in the treatment of Acne. Both drugs have higher concentrations in the
tissues and have been associated with more effective and more rapid improvements in visible
Acne. Doxycycline may cause sore throats or heart burn and must be taken with large amounts
of water. Minocycline has been associated with drug induced lupus symptoms but is the least
likely of the Cycline drugs to induce photosensitivity. However, skin pigmentation problems do
occur with both these medications. The higher concentrations of both drugs in the tissues may also lead to liver reactions. Neither is appropriate for use in young children or for pregnant or
nursing women.
Erythromycin: Available in both oral and topical applications, is a safer alternative for pregnant
women and young children. It has the advantage antibacterial and anti-inflammatory treatment
results, reducing both the cause and the effects of acne. Its oral form is easy to use but may
cause some gastrointestinal upset. It is also a good alternative for those who are allergic to
penicillin and the cyclines.
Isotretinoin: Derived from Retinoid A, this antibiotic is a revolutionary new treatment that has
been shown to be highly effective in the treatment of severe and treatment resistant Acne.
Clinical trials have shown it to be beneficial for all forms of Acne, but there are many side affects
attributed to Isotretinoin. These include severe effects such as birth defects, excessive dryness
of mucous membranes and the skin, depression, inflammatory bowel disease and erectile
dysfunction. There are several other milder effects which should be thoroughly discussed with a
physician before this drug is prescribed. In addition, there is disagreement among medical
practitioners concerning the dosage levels needed for optimum effects and the long term effects
are still under investigation.