Many dermatologists and doctors prescribe a tetracycline acne treatment for their patients with moderate to severe acne. In most cases this is used as an extra strength countermeasure for acne that is persistant and refuses to give in initially to milder treatments or for those who are especially distressed about their severe acne. The idea is to hit the acne with an oral antibiotic such as Tetracycline in combination with a topical antibiotic. This takes longer so patients may not notice a change immedietely but there will hopefully be dramatic results after a couple weeks.
Unfortunently Tetracycline is a broad spectrum antibiotic used in the treatment of many other conditions besides acne, such at the dreaded Typhus Fever and Pneumonia. This widespread use increases the likelihood of creating super bacteria resistant to antibiotics. So doctors are much less likely to give a prescription for antibiotics to treat acne these days.
If you are prescribed a tetracycline acne treatment you will probably be kept on it for up to six months to give the antibiotic a chance to work its way to where its needed. After that you will gradually be weaned off the oral dosage and continue with topical creams.
There are side effects to using this antibiotic so make sure your doctor describes them in detail. A few of the more common side effects can be anemia, blood disorders, blurred vision and headaches. Though rare some can develop a severe allergic reaction. If you develop any unusual symptoms discontinue use and call your doctor. It should not be used during the last half of pregnancy or given to children under the age of eight. It can also damage developing teeth and cause discoloring of them. Typically however most people experience little problem with the antibiotic and successfully complete their treatment programs.
By: Martin H.