Many healthcare providers prescribe minocycline for acne treatment. Because the drug can help control the growth of bacteria and reduce inflammation, fewer pimples and less redness are often the result. Although several other oral antibiotics are available, minocycline for acne is usually the preferred option, because it usually responds better than other antibiotics, is easier to take, and generally has fewer side effects.
Minocycline for Acne: An Overview
Minocycline is a prescription antibiotic that is licensed to treat moderate to severe pustular acne. It is part of a class of antibiotics called tetracyclines.
Minocycline is not recommended for the treatment of other
types of acne.
What Is Acne and What Are the Effects of Minocycline for Acne?
Acne is a disease that affects the skin's oil glands. When the follicle of a gland gets clogged with oil, skin cells, and bacteria, it's called a pimple. Several pimples occurring in the same area are known as acne. If left untreated, acne can present a number of problems, including:
- Surface pain
- Infections
- Scarring.
Minocycline is thought to help control acne by curbing the growth of bacteria and reducing inflammation, which results in fewer pimples and less redness.
How Does Minocycline for Acne Compare to Other Antibiotics?
Several acne treatment options are available, depending on the severity of the condition. One treatment for moderate or severe acne is oral antibiotics. Common antibiotics used as acne medicine in addition to minocycline include:
Minocycline has proven valuable for the treatment of acne because it usually responds better than other antibiotics used to treat the condition. It also tends to be easier to take and generally has fewer side effects than other antibiotics. It is, however, typically more expensive than other antibiotics.
Several different brand name and generic versions of minocycline are available. Depending on the type of minocycline, it may be taken once or twice a day, in either a tablet or capsule form. Treatment may be needed for up to 12 weeks.
You can read more about various acne treatment options by clicking the following eMedTV articles:
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