Prescription medication for acne

Treating Blackheads and Small red pimples

For non-inflammatory acne (blackheads and papules) the treatment of choice is the prescription drug tretinoin (Retin A, retinoic acid), a vitamin A derivative, or adapalene (Differin), also a vitamin A derivate prescription cream, or benzoyl peroxide 5% (Panoxyl) in the evening.
Both Retin A and Panoxyl may cause redness, burning and scaling (the irritation effect), and sensitivity to sunlight. When this occurs, apply the medication every second evening until the skin settles.

Tretinoin should never be applied with over-the-counter medication. Note that benzoyl peroxide can be bought over-the-counter or as per prescription.

Other drugs that can be used include salicylic acid (OTC), tazarotene, and topical antibiotics.

Treating red and yellow pimples

For mild inflammatory acne (papules and a bit of pustules) a topical antibiotic such as Eryderm, Ilotycin, Benzamycine, Zynaryt or clindamycin may be added for application in the morning.

Alternative topical antibiotics include erythromycin and sulphonamides.

Treating pimples

For moderate inflammatory acne (pustules) a systemic (oral) antibiotic, such as Oxytetracycline, is the treatment of choice. Minocycline is preferred by most dermatologists (dosage 50 mg to 100 mg per day) or doxycline and trimethoprin.

Topical treatment (tretinoin included) should be continued to combat inflammation.

Be aware though that antibiotics may make women susceptible to yeast infections.

For resistant cases, oral minocycline may be prescribed. The tetracycline group of drugs causes yellow teeth of the foetus if taken after the third month of pregnancy.