Prescription Medications

Listed Alphabetically

Adapalene

Adapalene Effects/Side Effects

What is it: Made under the brand name “Differin,” it is a topical retinoid gel which is applied once a day.1-2 It comes in 0.1% and 0.3% strength. Recently, the FDA approved 0.1% strength for sale over-the-counter. Adapalene is similar to the two other approved topical retinoid prescriptions for acne, tazarotene, and tretinoin. (Learn more from the U.S. National Library of Medicine)

What it does: Acne is thought to be caused by the skin cells inside the follicle accumulating and clogging pores. Differin gel slows down the accumulation of skin cells inside the follicle that plug the pores.1-2 It also has anti-inflammatory effects.3

Considerations: Exposure to sunlight should be minimized.1-2 About 10-40% of patients experience redness, dryness, scaling, burning, or itchiness. Other adverse reactions were also reported.1-2,4 Out of the three retinoids (adapalene, tazarotene, and tretinoin), it causes the least side effects, but may be slightly less effective.

Brand names: Differin

Azelaic Acid

Azelaic Acid Effects/Side Effects

What is it: Made under the brand name “Azelex.” Azelex is a cream containing 20% azelaic acid, a naturally occurring acid found in whole grain cereals and animal products. The FDA has approved sale of up to 10% azelaic acid over-the-counter. It is normally applied twice daily.1 (Learn more from the U.S. National Library of Medicine)

What it does: Azelaic acid is thought to help the skin to renew itself more quickly and prevent the accumulation of cells that can clog pores, therefore reducing acne formation. It also helps to kill acne bacteria,1 and has anti-inflammatory effects.2

Considerations: Side effects are generally mild and short-lived. Most common, in 1-5% of people are itching, burning, stinging, and tingling. Other side effects were reported in less than 1% of people. There have been a few reports from darker skinned people of lightening of the skin. Azelaic acid has not been well studied in people with dark complexions.1

Brand names: Azelex

Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl Peroxide Effects/Side Effects

What it is: Benzoyl peroxide is available in 2.5% – 10% strength in both prescription and over-the-counter medications, in cream, gel, and wash form. It is an anti-bacterial agent that helps peel the skin, and may reduce inflammation.1-2,4-5 (Learn more from the U.S. National Library of Medicine)

What it does: Benzoyl peroxide brings oxygen under the skin surface. Since bacteria cannot survive in the presence of oxygen, when used in an adequate dosage, benzoyl peroxide eradicates 99.9% of these bacteria almost immediately. It also exerts a mild drying and peeling effect, which is thought to help prevent breakouts.1-6 Benzoyl peroxide may also help lessen inflammation.7-9 Several studies have shown that 2.5% benzoyl peroxide is just as effective as higher concentrations with fewer side effects.6,10

Considerations: Benzoyl peroxide is able to produce complete clearing of acne only when used in an adequate dosage and within a properly applied benzoyl peroxide regimen. Some dryness, redness, and itchiness is to be expected in the first few weeks of use.6 Scientists call this initial period the “hardening effect” of benzoyl peroxide. About 1 in 500 people are allergic to benzoyl peroxide and experience skin inflammation and/or severe crusting, and in this case, should stop using the medication.3 However, allergy should not be confused with the “hardening effect” of benzoyl peroxide. Benzoyl peroxide, like any other peroxide, can bleach hair and fabric.1

Prescription names: Benzac AC, Brevoxyl, Triaz, Benzaclin (benzoyl peroxide + clindamycin). Note: Benzoyl peroxide is also available over-the-counter.

Clindamycin

Clindamycin Effects/Side Effects

What it is: Clindamycin is a topical antibiotic which usually comes in a solution, gel, foam, or lotion, at 1% strength, and is normally applied twice daily, and is always prescribed alongside other medications.1-2 (Learn more from the U.S. National Library of Medicine.)

What it does: Clindamycin phosphate is an antibiotic which helps kill C. Acnes (acne bacteria).1

Considerations: Burning, itching, peeling, redness, and dryness are the most reported side effects, particularly at the onset of treatment.1,3 Diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, and inflammation of the colon have been reported.1,3

Brand names: Cleocin T, Clinda-derm, Clindets, Benzaclin (clindamycin + benzoyl peroxide)

Dapsone

Dapsone Effects/Side Effects

What it is: Made under the brand name “Aczone.” Aczone is a 5% anti-inflammatory topical gel that is normally applied twice daily. (Learn more from the U.S. National Library of Medicine)

What it does: Dapsone targets the inflammatory component of acne by helping to inhibit the body’s inflammatory response. It also possesses antioxidant and minor antibacterial properties. Dapsone reduces acne lesion by only a moderate degree, and initial studies point toward better efficacy in female patients than in male patients.1-3

Considerations: Unlike oral dapsone which is sometimes prescribed for leprosy and other skin infections, topical dapsone does not come with potentially dangerous blood related side effects.4-5 Side effects of topical dapsone are normally mild in nature and can include dryness, rash, and burning.3

Brand names: Aczone

Erythromycin

Erythromycin Effects/Side Effects

What it is: Erythromycin is a topical antibiotic that is prescribed alongside other acne medications. It is packaged in gel, ointment, pledgets (little take-along packets), and solutions, and is usually applied twice a day. It is often combined with benzoyl peroxide. (Learn more from the U.S. National Library of Medicine)

What it does: Erythromycin is an antibiotic which kills acne bacteria.1-2

Considerations: Ask your doctor before using any other products on your skin while using erythromycin, as it may be too irritating. This includes other prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines (including those listed on this site), and harsh or abrasive cleansers, perfumes, or makeup. People report burning as the most frequent side effect, and also peeling, dryness, itching, redness, and oiliness, among others.2

Brand names: Benzamycin (erythromycin + benzoyl peroxide), Akne-Mycin, A/T/S, Emgel, Erycette, Eryderm, Erygel, Erymax, Ery-Sol, Erythra-Derm, ETS, Staticin, Theramycin Z, T-Stat.

Isotretinoin (Accutane)

Isotretinoin (Accutane) Effects/Side Effects

What it is: Originally under the brand name “Accutane” but now available only in generic form, isotretinoin is a derivative of vitamin A taken in pill form, normally for 15-20 weeks. Doctors usually prescribe it for people with “severe nodular acne” that does not respond to other treatments. Nodules are large inflammatory lesions with a diameter of 5mm or more. A single course of 15-20 weeks has been shown to result in complete clearing and long-term remission of acne in about two-thirds of people.1-2 (Learn more on the Accutane page of Acne.org)

What it does: Reduces the amount of oil produced by the oil glands.1

Side Effects of Accutane (Isotretinoin) for Acne

Considerations: THERE IS AN EXTREMELY HIGH RISK THAT A DEFORMED INFANT CAN RESULT IF PREGNANCY OCCURS WHILE TAKING ACCUTANE IN ANY AMOUNT AND EVEN FOR SHORT PERIODS OF TIME. FEMALES WHO ARE PREGNANT OR WHO MAY BECOME PREGNANT WHILE UNDERGOING TREATMENT SHOULD NOT TAKE ACCUTANE. There are many other warnings as well.1-3 Side effects of Accutane are many, some of which include dry and cracked lips, dry skin, dry nose and mouth, and mild-to-moderate muscle or joint aches.1-2,4-7

Brand names: Accutane, Roaccutane, Accutane Roche

Oral Antibiotics

Oral Antibiotics Effects/Side Effects

What it is: Oral antibiotics are taken in pill form usually once per day. (Learn more about Doxycycline, Minocycline, Levofloxacin, Co-trimoxazole AKA sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim from the U.S. National Library of Medicine)

What it does: Oral antibiotics help stop the growth of acne bacteria, from the inside out and also have an anti-inflammatory effect.1-4

Side Effects of Oral Antibiotics for Acne

Considerations: Regardless of the type of antibiotic prescribed, only about one half of patients respond. When antibiotics do produce results, these results are moderate at best.5-8 Oral antibiotics should be used for a maximum of 3-6 months. However, even within this short time frame, antibiotics have been implicated in the proliferation of resistant colonies of bacteria. 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 becomes accustomed to it.2 Minocycline is less prescribed because it works no better than any other antibiotic and comes with safety concerns, including the possibility of irreversible skin pigmentation.8-11

Brand names: Vibramycin (doxycycline), Minocin (minocycline), Bactrim/Septra (co-trimoxazole AKA sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim)

Oral Contraceptives (Birth Control Pills)

Oral Contraceptives (Birth Control Pills) Effects/Side Effects

What it is: Birth control pills contain progesterone and estrogen. (Learn more on the oral contraceptives page of Acne.org)

What it does: Birth control pills help decrease testosterone levels, which in turn decreases the severity of acne in females. Studies show on average a 30-60% decrease in total lesions.1-4

Side Effects of Oral Contraceptives for Acne

Considerations: Cigarette smoking with oral contraceptive use increases the risk of serious heart disease.2 There are many negative side effects and positive side effects to taking birth control pills for acne. Talk to your doctor to decide if it is right for you.1-3 While it is a widely held belief, evidence does not show a correlation between pregnancy rates and concurrent administration of birth control pills and oral antibiotics (with the exception of anti-tuberculosis drugs like rifampin).

Brand names: All oral contraceptives likely produce similar efficacy, but the three FDA-approved oral contraceptives for acne treatment are: Ortho Tri-Cyclen, Estrostep, Yaz

Sodium Sulfacetamide

Sodium Sulfacetamide Effects/Side Effects

What it is: Sodium Sulfacetamide is a “sulfonamide,” which was a wonder drug before other antibiotics and penicillin came into existence. It is still used for its antibacterial activity. It is used topically on the skin.1-3 (Learn more from Wikipedia)

What it does: Sodium Sulfacetamide curbs the growth of acne bacteria. It also has anti-inflammatory effects.1-4

Considerations: People have died due to severe reactions to sulfonamides, although rarely.4 Side effects in clinical trials were experienced by less than 2% of patients, and include irritation, stinging and burning.4

Brand names: Klaron, Novacet, Sulfacet-R

Spironolactone

Spironolactone Effects/Side Effects

What it is: Spironolactone is an oral anti-androgen, which means it suppresses the production of male hormones that are present in both males and females, which can in turn lessen acne. It is almost never prescribed to males because it can cause feminization of the male body, including breast growth.1 (Learn more from the U.S. National Library of Medicine)

What it does: Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic that has been used as an androgen-receptor blocker to treat acne and hirsutism (excessive hair growth) in females.1-2

Considerations: Side effects include muscle weakness, pain or cramps, lack of energy, loss of appetite, unusual bleeding or bruising, and more.1

Brand names: Spironolactone, Aldactone

Tazarotene

Tazarotene Effects/Side Effects

What it is: Made under the brand name “Tazorac.” Tazorac is a retinoid gel that contains tazarotene, a vitamin A derivative, in 0.05% or 0.1% concentration and is usually applied to the skin once per day. It is used for both psoriasis and acne.1 It can be used in conjunction with other topical treatments.2 (Learn more from Wikipedia)

What it does: Like other retinoids, tazarotene is thought to help pores from becoming clogged as well as lessening inflammation.3-6

Considerations: Wind or cold may be more irritating when taking tazarotene. Side effects occurred in 10-30% of patients and included dry peeling skin, burning, stinging, dry skin, redness, and itchiness. Out of the three retinoid medications (adapalene, tazarotene, and tretinoin), tazarotene causes the most side effects, but may be slightly more effective.

Brand names: Tazorac

Tretinoin

Tretinoin Effects/Side Effects

What it is: You may have heard of tretinoin in reference to “Retin-A” wrinkle treatments. Like adapalene and tazarotene, tretinoin is a topical retinoid, and comes in various strengths in creams, gels, and liquids for topical use on the skin. It is used to treat acne and also to treat sun damaged skin or wrinkles and is usually applied once per day.1 (Learn more from the U.S. National Library of Medicine)

What it does: It is thought to help unplug follicles and keep pores clear. It also helps reduce inflammation.2

Considerations: Despite the frequent referencing of an initial flare of acne when starting is tretinoin, there is no scientific evidence to back this up. You should not expect an initial worsening of acne.3-4 Exposure to sunlight should be minimized as you may be more sensitive to its rays. Side effects can include skin irritation, swelling, lightening or darkening of the skin, excessive redness, and crusted or blistered skin.

Brand names: Retin-A, Retin-A Micro, Avita, Renova

Using Acne Medications in Combination

Since acne is a complex disease, effective treatment often means attacking the disease on several fronts. Research suggests that, depending on the severity of your acne, it may be beneficial to combine a prescription medication with an over-the-counter treatment, such as taking retinoids and also using benzoyl peroxide. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe multiple prescription medications that address different aspects of acne as well.1-4

How to Wash Your Face

Whatever medication or combination of medications you decide to use, it is important to properly wash your skin before treating.

Wash your face only twice per day, morning and evening. Excess washing can cause irritation.

Use only your bare hands to wash, and wash for 10 seconds or less. Washcloths and hand-held cleansing devices are unnecessarily irritating. Consider the act of washing as simply prepping your skin for medication, nothing more. Washing itself does not clear breakouts since dirt does not cause acne, so there is absolutely no need to scrub.

Pat dry. Do not rub dry. Rubbing the skin is irritating, and excess irritation can perpetuate the acne cycle. Gently pat dry.

References

Adapalene:

  1. Adapalene. MedlinePlus (2008). American Society of Health System Pharmacists, Inc. 2011. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a604001.html
  2. Noble, S., Scott, L. & Waugh, J. Adapalene: A Review of its Use in the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris. Drugs 64, 1465-78 (2004). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15212561
  3. Irby, C., Yentzer, B. & Feldman, S. A review of adapalene in the treatment of acne vulgaris. J. Adolesc. Health 43, 421-424 (2008). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18848668
  4. Poulin, Y. et. al. A 6-month maintenance therapy with adapalene-benzoyl peroxide gel prevents relapse and continuously improves efficacy among patients with severe acne vulgaris: Results of a randomized controlled trial. Br. J. Dermatol. 164, 1376-1382 (2011). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21457209

Azelaic Acid:

  1. Azelaic acid topical. MedlinePlus (2008). American Society of Health System Pharmacists. 2011. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a603020.html
  2. Thiboutot D. Versatility of azelaic acid 15% gel in treatment of inflammatory acne vulgaris. J. Drugs Dermatol. 7, 13-16 (2008). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18246693

Benzoyl Peroxide:

  1. Benzoyl Peroxide. MedlinePlus (2010). American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. 2011. https://medlineplus.gov/ashpdisclaimer.html
  2. Berger, et. al. Andrew’s Diseases of the Skin. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders Company, 2000. https://www.elsevier.com/books/andrews-diseases-of-the-skin/james/978-1-4377-0314-6
  3. Lindemayr, H. & Drobil, M. Contact Sensitization to Benzoyl Peroxide. Contact Dermatitis 7, 137-140 (1981). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6456108
  4. Ives, T. Benzoyl Peroxide. Am. Pharm. 32, 33-38 (1992). https://www.japha.org/article/S0160-3450(15)31030-8/fulltext
  5. Weinberg, J. M. The Utility of Benzoyl Peroxide in Hydrophase Base (Brevoxyl) in the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris. J. Drugs Dermatol. 5, 344-349 (2006). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16673802
  6. Sagransky, M., Yentzer, B. & Feldman, S. Benzoyl peroxide: A review of its current use in the treatment of acne vulgaris. Expert Opin. Pharmacother. 10, 2555-2562 (2009). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19761357
  7. Dutil, M. Benzoyl peroxide: Enhancing antibiotic efficacy in acne management. Skin Therapy Lett. 15, 5-7 (2010). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21076800
  8. Harper, J. Benzoyl peroxide development, pharmacology, formulation and clinical uses in topical fixed combinations. J. Drugs Dermatol. 8, 482-487 (2010). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20480791
  9. Tanghetti, E. & Popp, K. A current review of topical benzoyl peroxide: New prospectives on formulation and utilization. Dermatol. Clin. 27, 17-24 (2009). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18984364
  10. Fakhouri, T., Yentzer, B. & Feldman, S. Advancement in benzoyl peroxide-based acne treatment: Methods to increase both efficacy and tolerability. J. Drugs Dermatol. 8, 657-661 (2009). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19588642

Clindamycin:

  1. Clindamycin. MedlinePlus (2010). American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. 2011. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682399.html
  2. Shalita, A. R., Myers, J. A., Krochmal, L. & Jaroshinsky, L. The Safety and Efficacy of Clindamycin Phosphate Foam 1% Versus Clindamycin Phosphate Topical Gel 1% for the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris. J. Drugs Dermatol. 4, 48-56 (2005). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15696985
  3. Zouboulis, C. C. et. al. A Multicentre, Single-Blind, Randomized Comparison of a Fixed Clindamycin Phosphate/ Tretinoin Gel Formulation (Velac) Applied Once Daily and a Clindamycin Lotion Formulation (Dalacin T) Applied Twice Daily in the Topical Treatment of Acne Vulgaris. Br. J. Dermatol. 143, 498-505 (2000). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10971320

Dapsone:

  1. Kircik L. Harnessing the anti-inflammatory effects of topical dapsone for management of acne. J. Drugs Dermatol. 9, 667-671 (2010). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20645528
  2. Tanghetti, E., Harper, J. C. & Oefelein, M. G. The efficacy and tolerability of dapsone %5 gel in female vs male patients with facial acne vulgarism: gender as a clinically relevant outcome variable. J. Drugs Dermatol. 11, 1417-1421 (2012). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23377510
  3. Tan, J. Dapsone 5% Gel – A New Option in Topical Therapy for Acne. Skin Therapy Lett. 17, 1-3 (2012). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22949131
  4. Stotland, M., Shalita, A. & Kissling R. Dapsone 5% gel: A review of its efficacy and safety in the treatment of acne vulgaris. Am. J. Clin. Dermatol. 10, 221-227 (2009). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19489655
  5. Fleischer, A., Shalita, A., Eichenfield, L. F., Abramovits, W., Lucky, A. & Garrett, S. Dapsone gel 5% in combination with adapalene gel 0.1%, benzoyl peroxide gel 4% or moisturizer for the treatment of acne vulgaris: A 12-week, randomized, double-blind study. J. Drugs Dermatol. 9, 33-40 (2010). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20120423

Erythromycin:

  1. Berger, et. al. Andrew’s Diseases of the Skin. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders Company, 2000. https://www.elsevier.com/books/andrews-diseases-of-the-skin/james/978-1-4377-0314-6
  2. Erythromycin. MedlinePlus (2008). American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. 2011. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682381.html

Isotretinoin (Accutane):

  1. Isotretinoin. MedlinePlus 2011. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. 2011. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a681043.html
  2. McLane J. Analysis of Common Side Effects of Isotretinoin. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2001; 45(5): 188-94. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11606952
  3. Erikson J, Honein M, Paulozzi L. “Continued Occurrence of Accutane-Exposed Pregnancies.” Teratology. 2001; 64(3): 142-7. Abstract. PubMed. 2002. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11514944
  4. Bewley A, et. al. “Isotretinoin Causing Acute Aseptic Arthropathy.” Clinical and Experimental Dermatology. 1995; 20(3): 279-281. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7671431
  5. Campanella M, V De Francesco, Stinco G. “Acute Arthritis During Isotretinoin Treatment for Acne Conglobata.” Dermatology. 1997; 194(2): 195. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9094477
  6. Ceyrac, Lehucher D. “Acute Arthritis After Isotretinoin.” Dermatology. 1999; 198(4): 406-07. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10449946
  7. Cunliffe W, Goulden V, Layton A. “Long-Term Safety of Isotretinoin as a Treatment for Acne Vulgaris.” British Journal of Dermatology. 1994; 131(3): 360-3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7918010

Oral Antibiotics:

  1. Kawabata S, Kurokawa I, Nishijima S. “Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Propionibacterium Acnes Isolated from Acne Vulgaris.” European Journal of Dermatology. 1999; 9(1): 25-8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9920982
  2. “Tetracycline.” MedlinePlus 2008. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. 2011 https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682098.html
  3. Mays RM, et al. “New antibiotic therapies for acne and rosacea.” Dermatology and Therapy. 2012; 25(1): 23-37. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22591497
  4. Perret LJ, and Tait CP. “Non-antibiotic properties of tetracyclines and their clinical application in dermatology.” Australasian Journal of Dermatology. 2013; [ahead of print]. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23808657
  5. Torok HM. “Extended-release Formulation of Minocycline in the Treatment of Moderate-to-severe Acne Vulgaris in Patients Over the Age of 12 Years.” The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology. 2013; 6(7): 19-22. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3718751/
  6. Leyden JJ, et al. “A randomized, phase 2, dose-ranging study in the treatment of moderate to severe inflammatory facial acne vulgarism with doxycycline calcium.” Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. 2013; 12(6): 658-63. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23839182
  7. Kawaya A, Wada T, and Oiso N. “Clinical effectiveness of once-daily levofloxacin for inflammatory acne with high concentrations in the lesions.” The Journal of Dermatology. 2012; 39(1): 94-6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21545499
  8. Chiou WL. “Oral tetracyclines may not be effective in treating acne: dominance of the placebo effect.” International Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 2012; 50(3): 157-61. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22373829
  9. Garner SE, et al. “Minocycline for acne vulgarism: efficacy and safety.” Cochrane Reviews. 2012; 15: 8.M https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22895927
  10. Kim SJ and English JC. “Minocycline-Induced Hyperpigmentation.” Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology. 2011; 25(1): 77-78. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/26664011_Minocycline-Induced_Skin_Pigmentation_An_Update
  11. Johnston S. “Feeling blue? Minocycline-induced staining of the teeth, oral mucosa, schlerae and ears – a case report.” British Dental Journal. 2013; 215(2): 71-3. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/252324955_Feeling_blue_Minocycline-induced_staining_of_the_teeth_oral_mucosa_sclerae_and_ears_-_A_case_report

Oral Contraceptives:

  1. Berger, et. al. Andrew’s Diseases of the Skin. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders Company, 2000. https://www.elsevier.com/books/andrews-diseases-of-the-skin/james/978-1-4377-0314-6
  2. Salvaggio HL and Zaenglein AL. “Examining the use of oral contraceptives in the management of acne.” International Journal of Women’s Health. 2010; 2: 69-76. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2971728/
  3. “Estrogen and Progestin (Oral Contraceptives).” MedlinePlus. 2011. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. 2011 https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601050.html
  4. Bettoli, et. al. Fast Facts-Acne. Oxford, UK: HealthPress Limited, 2004. https://www.karger.com/Article/Pdf/491115

Sodium Sulfacetamide:

  1. Bettoli, et. al. Fast Facts-Acne. Oxford, UK: HealthPress Limited, 2004. https://www.karger.com/Article/Pdf/491115
  2. Fulton, James E. Acne Rx. James E. Fulton Jr., M.D., PhD: 2001.
  3. “Sodium Sulfacetamide Topical.” Drugs.com. 2009. Cerner Multum, Inc. 1996-2006. https://www.drugs.com/mtm/sulfacetamide-sodium-topical.html
  4. Draelos Z. “The multifunctionality of 10% sodium sulfacetamide, 5% sulfur emollient foam in the treatment of inflammatory facial dermatoses.” Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. 2010; 9(3): 234-236. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20232584

Spironolactone:

  1. “Spironolactone.” MedlinePlus 2009. American Society of Health System Pharmacists, Inc. 2011. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682627.html
  2. NH Shear. “Help for Recalcitrant Acne — A Role for Spironolactone?” Journal Watch Dermatology (October 2000). 8 April 2008. https://www.jwatch.org/jd200010100000003/2000/10/10/help-recalcitrant-acne-role-spironolactone

Tazarotene:

  1. “Tazarotene (Topical).” MedlinePlus 2006. Thomson Healthcare. 2000. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a616052.html
  2. Del Rosso JQ and Tanghetti E. “A status report on topical tazarotene in the management of acne vulgarism.” Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. 2013; 12(3): s53-78. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23545935
  3. Chivot M. “Retinoid Therapy For Acne: A Comparative Review.” American Journal of Clinical Dermatology. 2005; 6(1): 13-9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15675886
  4. Berson S, et. al. “Tazarotene Cream in Acne Clinical Study Investigator: Effects of Tazarotene 0.1% Cream in the Treatment of Facial Acne Vulgaris: Pooled Results from Two Multicenter, Double-Blind, Randomized, Vehicle-Controlled, Parallel-Group Trials.” Clinical Therapeutics. 2004; 26(11): 1865-73. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15639698
  5. Berson D, et. al. “Once-daily Tazarotene 0.1% Gel Versus Once-Daily Tretinoin 0.1% Microsponge Gel for the Treatment of Facial Acne Vulgaris: A Double-Blind Randomized Trial.” Cutis. 2002; 69(2): 12-9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12095064
  6. Feldman SR, Werner CP and Alio Saenz AB. “The efficacy and tolerability of tazarotene foam, 0.1%, in the treatment of acne vulgarism in 2 multi center, randomized, vehicle-controlled, double-blind studies.” Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. 2013; 12(4): 438-46. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23652892

Tretinoin:

  1. “Tretinoin.” MedlinePlus 2010. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. 2011. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a608032.html
  2. Zaenglein A. “Topical retinoids in the treatment of acne vulgaris.” Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery. 2008; 27(3): 177-1832. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18786495
  3. Yentzer B, McClain R, Feldman S. “Do topical retinoids cause acne to flare?” Journal of Drugs in Dermatalogy. 2009; 8(9): 799-801. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/26804921_Do_Topical_Retinoids_Cause_Acne_to_Flare
  4. Leyden JJ, et al. “Effects of topical retinoid therapy on acne lesions: a psychometric assessment.” Cutis. 2012; 90(1): 46-50. https://mdedge-files-live.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/files/s3fs-public/Document/September-2017/090010046.pdf

Combining Acne Medications:

  1. Fu, L. W. & Vender, R. B. Newer approaches in topical combination therapy for acne. Skin Therapy Lett. 16, 3-6 (2011). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22089505
  2. Oon, H. H., Wong, S. N., Aw, D. C. W., Cheong, W. K., Goh, C. L. & Tan, H. H. Acne management guidelines by the Dermatological Society of Singapore. J. Clin. Aesthet. Dermatol. 12, 34-50 (2019). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31531161
  3. Kantikosum, K., Chongpison, Y., Chottawornsak, N. & Asawanonda, P. The efficacy of glycolic acid, salicylic acid, gluconolactone, and licochalcone A combined with 0.1% adapalene vs adapalene monotherapy in mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris: a double-blinded within-person comparative study. Clin. Cosmet. Investig. Dermatol. 12, 151-161 (2019). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30858720
  4. Blaskovich, M. A. T., Elliott, A. G., Kavanagh, A. M., Ramu, S. & Cooper, M. A. In vitro   antimicrobial activity of acne drugs against skin-associated bacteria. Sci Rep. 9, 14658 (2019). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6787063/