Oral medication to treat acne requires a doctor's prescription. While over-the-counter medications exist, these medications aren't available in oral form; they're typically creams, toners or washes. Oral medications can treat a variety of acne conditions very effectively. A dermatologist can assess your skin and determine the appropriate oral medications to treat your condition.
Isotrenoin
Known by its brand name, Accutane, isotrenoin is very effective at treating cystic acne, which is acne in its most severe form. Isotrenoin is a synthetic form of vitamin A. It is typically prescribed for 16 to 20 weeks. Most patients require only one course of isotrenoin to cure their acne, as the medication works on all acne issues--clogged pores, excess oil, bacteria and inflammation.
You must be carefully monitored while on this medication, as severe birth defects can result if you become pregnant while on Accutane. In addition, isotrenoin can cause dry mouth, eyes and skin as well as problems seeing while driving at night. Your doctor may also require regular blood tests to check liver enzymes while on Accutane. Notify your doctor if you feel overly sad or overwhelmed and unable to cope while using Accutane, as it has been linked to increased feelings of depression.
Contraceptives
For some women, acne is hormonally based, and so can be treated with oral contraceptives. The Mayo Clinic notes that contraceptives that include both norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol (carried under the brands Ortho-Cyclen and Ortho Tri-Cyclen) are most effective. However, contraceptives may not be an appropriate choice if you smoke or have a history of blood clots. In addition, they can cause headaches, depression and nausea.
Antibiotics
Erythromycin is an antibiotic used to decrease the bacteria P. acnes. It can irritate the digestive tract, however. Tetracycline is an antibiotic that decreases inflammation of pustules. It comes in two forms: doxycycline and minocycline. Doxycycline is particularly effective at treating inflammation, and minocycline has proven effective at treating stubborn acne that is not responsive to other antibiotic treatments. Tetracycline can be prescribed for long-term acne management in low doses.
Most antiobiotic regimens are combined with a topical treatment to decrease or eliminate the bacteria. Most regimens last for six months to avoid creating antiobiotic-resistant bacteria. Additionally, most antibiotic prescriptions start at a high dose and tail off as the period of treatment comes to a close.
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