Acne Treatment with Systemic Antibiotics

Tetracycline and Erythromycin - Systemic Acne Treatment

Tetracycline and erythromycin decrease the number of P. acnes on the skin's surface and have anti-inflammatory effects.

They often are given to acne sufferers in initial doses of 500 to 1000 mg/d orally (250 to 500 mg bid) and adjusted to higher or lower doses according to the skin and individual's response.

The most common side effects of tetracycline include mild photosensitivity, staining of permanent teeth in children under 9 years of age, and candida vulvovaginitis.

Erythromycin causes no photosensitivity but may cause gastrointestinal upset and candida vulvovaginitis.

Most acne patients can tolerate these agents, but not all compliant patients experience clinical benefit.

Although the risk is small, tetracycline should not be administered to pregnant women and young children.