Rosacea refers to a chronic skin condition that affects the nose, cheeks, forehead and eyelids. MedlinePlus indicates that signs of rosacea include acne-like skin problems, a red bulbous nose, a red face and blood-shot eyes. Fortunately, drugs for rosacea exist.
Sulfacetamide/Sulfur
Sulfacetamide/sulfur, commonly sold as Avar, is a medication specifically prescribed to treat rosacea. Drugs.com says that this medication also treats acne and seborrhea (another skin condition). This medication acts as an antibiotic and keratolytic. It eliminates bacteria and removes the top skin layer.
Sulfacetamide/sulfur's common side effects include stinging, burning or irritation of the skin. Inform a doctor when these effects remain for greater than five days.
This medication can lead to such serious effects as dry skin, joint pain, diarrhea and yellowing of the eyes or skin. Additional side effects include mouth sores and blisters on the skin. Sometimes, this drug can lead to an allergic reaction. Signs of this include trouble breathing, chest tightness and swelling of the tongue, face, lips or tongue. Call 911 when sulfacetamide/sulfur leads to any of these effects.
This drug may interact with silver sulfadiazine and methanamine.
Sulfacetamide/sulfur is a cream applied to the face once a day.
Azelaic Acid
Azelaic acid, commonly sold as Azelex Cream, also treats rosacea. It also treats acne. Drugs.com says that azelaic cream is a topical antibiotic medication that prevents bacteria from growing.
This medication's less serious side effects include itching, redness, dryness and stinging at the treated site. Call a physician when azelaic acid's less concerning side effects remain for longer than five days.
Azelaic acid's serious side effects include changes in skin color, skin inflammation or irritation. This medication can also lead to an allergic reaction. Signs of an allergic reaction include difficulty breathing, hives and facial, lip or tongue swelling. Call 911.
This medication is meant for skin use only and should not be taken by mouth.
Apply azelaic acid onto the face daily or as prescribed.
Minocycline
Minocycline is another medication used to manage rosacea. MedlinePlus indicates that this medication can also treat respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, meningitis (brain infection) and genital infections.
Minocycline's less concerning side effects include diarrhea, dizziness, rectal or vaginal itching, hearing loss, changes in skin color, a black tongue and lightheadedness. Inform a doctor when minocycline's side effects remain for longer than five days.
Taking such medicines as methotrexate, isoniazid, rifampin or penicillin may require a change in minocycline's dose.
Minocycline is a tablet or capsule typically taken two times a day or as prescribed.
