Are Oral Acne Medications Good For Your Skin And Overall Health?


What do antibiotics do to your health?
What do antibiotics do to your health?
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For moderate to severe acne, short-course oral antibiotics reduce bacteria and fight inflammation, says Dr. Sonia Badreshia-Bansal, UCSF clinical instructor. Doxycycline (brand names include: Doxy 100, Novaplus Doxy 100) has anti-inflammatory properties but can cause stomach upset, so patients often take it with food, says Dr. Buka. It also might result in some sun sensitivities. Minocycline (brand names include: Dynacin, Minocin) is less likely to cause stomach problems, says Dr. Buka. Because patients may develop antibiotic resistance, these treatments are typically used for a short time, usually no longer than three to four months [Mayo Clinic]. They may also decrease the effectiveness of oral contraceptives, so if you're taking these, be sure to let your doctor know!

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