Oral Antimicrobials For Acne
Page by: E.J. Mayeaux, Jr., M.D.
Louisiana State University Medical Center Shreveport, Louisiana
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Drug Dosage Comment
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Doxycycline hyclate* 50-200 mg/d More photosensitizing than
minocycline or tetracycline.
Can be taken with food.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Erythromycin 500-1,000 mg/d Should be taken with food
Contraindicated with
for patients taking
asternizole (Hismanal) or
terfenadine (Seldane).
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Minocycline HCl* 50-200 mg/d Least photosensitizing
of the tetracyclines. Can
be taken with food. May
cause dizziness or light-
headedness. Long-term use
can cause skin pigmentation.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Tetracycline* 750-1,000 mg/d Must be taken 1 h before
or 2 h after meals. Avoid
dairy products. Causes -
photosensitivity;
Can cause skin pigmentation.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Trimethoprim/ 160-320 mg TMP/ May be useful in patients
sulfamethoxazole 800-1,600 mg SMX who don't respond to
(TMP/SMX) daily erythromycin or tetracycline.
Watch for sulfa allergies.
*Can lower the efficacy of oral contraceptives and cause permanent
tooth discoloration to children if administered to pregnant women.
Return to The Intern in the Middle of the Night Home Page
Return to LSUHSC-S
Family Medicine Home Page
Return to the LSUHSC-S Home Page.