List of Prescription Acne Medications

The below is a list of acne treatments that you can only get through a doctor. These are typically kept off store shelves due to the strong side effects and potential risks involved.



Known as: Accutane

The most effective acne treatment currently available, curing most cases of acne permanently in less than 6 months. However, it is also considered one of the most dangerous due to the many side effects it can have. It is often only used as a last resort and only for severe acne. It works by permenantly changing the hormones in your body and causes the oil glands in your skin to produce less oil.

Side effects: dry skin, dry lips, pain in lips, severe itching, pain in joints, damage to vision, dry eyes, hairloss, liver damage, dry mouth, nose bleeds, muscle pain, back pain, stroke, seizures, damage to hearing and more.



Known as: Tetracycline, Minocycline, Doxycycline, Bactrim

These are taken orally and prevent the growth of acne causing bacteria. There is a risk of bacteria becomming immune to antiobiotics if they are taken on a regular basis.

Side effects: diarrhea, nausea, headache, stomach pains, vomiting, dizziness



Known as: Differin, Teva, Pimpal, Gallet

Typically prescribed with clindamycin, since they enhance each other's ability to treat acne, but at the cost of more side effects. It works mainly through exfoliating and preventing pores from clogging.

Side effects: Burning, itching, may make acne worse in some cases, sensitivity to sunlight



Known as: Retin-A

Along with acne, it is often used to get rid of wrinkles. Retin-A works by causing your skin to renew itself faster, preventing dead skin from having a chance to clog your pores. Most people will experience increased breakouts as it forces any acne in your skin to the surface very quickly.

Side effects: sensitivity to sunlight, flaking, dry skin, crusted skin, red skin, irritation



Known as: Tazorac

Comes in the form of a cream and is quite effective in treating acne. However, it is a very strong cream and can be quite irritable.

Side effects: irritation, burning, dry skin, flaking


Azelaic Acid:

Known as: Azelex

This cream works by killing bacteria and causing skin to renew and repair faster, preventing acne.

Side effects: minor irritation, very few side effects



Known as: clindamycin, cleocin T, Benzaclin

Comes in the form of washes, lotions, and gels, it directly kills acne causing bacteria. It is often combined with adapalene or benzoyl peroxide.

Side effects: Dry skin, burning, itching

Related links:

Over the counter (OTC) acne treatements that you can find at your local drugstore

How to pick a acne treatment