Oral Antibiotics - Vibramycin, Minocin...

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What it is: Antibiotics fight bacteria. Oral antibiotics are taken in pill form usually once per day.

What it does: Oral antibiotics help stop the growth of P. Acnes, the bacteria that causes acne, from the inside out. Tetracycline also has an anti-inflammatory effect.

Things to be aware of while taking it:
(see full story for details)		 Some antibiotics for acne may decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills, and require that women taking it use a second method of birth control.

Some antibiotics cause increased sensitivity to sunlight. Exposure to the sun could cause a rash, itchiness, or redness, and you may be burnt more easily, so you'll want to wear protective clothing and sunscreen.

Side effects may include upset stomach, diarrhea, nausea, headache, vomiting, dizziness, or light-headedness as your body gets used to taking it.

Return to prescription medications

References

Eady, E.A., S.E. Garner, W.A. Li, J. Newton, and C. Popescu. "Minocycline for Acne Vulgaris: Efficacy and Safety." Cochrane Database Systematic Review 1 (2003) Abstract. PubMed. 9 Feb. 2005 link.

Kawabata, S., I. Kurokawa, S. Nishijima. "Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Propionibacterium Acnes Isolated from Acne Vulgaris." European Journal of Dermatology 9.1(1999):25-8. Abstract. PubMed. 15 Apr. 2002 link.

"Tetracycline." MedlinePlus. 2004. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. 2000 link.