ABSTRACT
This chapter presents classification & mode of action, indications & dermatological uses, formulations/presentation, dosages & suggested regimens, baseline investigations, considerations & monitoring, contraindications, cautions, important drug interactions, adverse effects & their management, use in special situations, and essential patient information of Acne Antibiotics. Certain antibiotics are widely prescribed in the treatment of acne. Antibiotics work relatively slowly in acne and it may improve adherence if patients are advised accordingly. As acne is a chronic complaint, once inflammatory lesions have resolved, maintenance topical treatment should be prescribed. Although all tetracyclines appear to have comparable efficacy against inflammatory acne lesions, lymecycline and doxycycline are preferred due to their lack of interaction with milk and once-daily dosage. The additional anti-inflammatory actions of antibiotics may be of importance in their effectiveness in acne. Trimethoprim is unlicensed for the treatment of acne, and therefore considered a third choice antibiotic to be used under specialist recommendation.
