Tablet Treatments for Acne – What are Your Choices?

There are two basic types of tablet treatment, prescribed by your doctor for acne, the first being one of a range of antibiotics and the second a hormonal treatment. Which is prescribed will depend, largely on the specific type of acne you are suffering from, along with consideration of your previous medical history and the success of acne treatment to date.

Antibiotics are by far the most common oral treatment for acne, and usually supplemented by a topical treatment, which may contain the same antibiotic preparation as is being given in tablet form. This is thought to be important in order to ensure that the acne causing bacteria do not become resistant to, two types of antibiotic. Erythromycin is a common antibiotic used in treating acne, and is usually the first one used. Sometimes the specific type of bacteria causing your acne maybe resistant to this treatment, and may require a different course of action. As is always the case with antibiotics, it is important to follow the instructions of the prescribing doctor, in order to maximise effectiveness, while minimising any side effects or adverse risks.

The second type of tablet treatment is a hormonal treatment called Dianette, which contains a drug called co-cyprindiol. This drug is designed to help decrease the excess oiliness of the skin, which as we know is a key contributor in the acne formation process. It is critical that a female taking this drug does not become pregnant, as the active ingredient can cause damage to the unborn child. This particular tablet contains oestrogen which acts as a contraceptive, and is used as such, when a combined acne treatment and contraceptive is requested.

There are a number of other acne treatments in tablet form, some of which are only prescribed under the supervision of a dermatologist. You should never take any form of oral medication for acne or any other illness, unless under the strict supervision of a medical expert. This is very true of some of the more powerful acne drugs, which can have very strong side effects.