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Acne Medications

- Summary
- About acne medications
- Types and differences
- Conditions treated
- Conditions of concern
- Potential side effects
- Drug or other interactions
- Symptoms of overdose
- Pregnancy use issues
- Child use issues
- Elderly use issues
- Questions for your doctor

Reviewed By:
Kimberly Bazar, M.D., AAD

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Types and differences of acne medications

Many factors influence which type or combination of acne medications are prescribed. Dermatologists will consider the severity of the condition and the types of lesions present, as well as the patient’s age, skin type and lifestyle.

Acne medications available without a prescription include:

Generic Name	Brand Name
benzoyl peroxide (topical)	Benzagel Brevoxyl Desquam-E PanOxyl
salicylic acid (topical)	Clearasil Noxzema OxyClean
sulfur	Cuticura Ointment Finac Fostril Lotion Lotio Alsulfa Sulpho-Lac

Prescription medications for acne include:

Category	Generic Name	Brand Name
Retinoids	tretinoin (topical)	Avita Renova Retin-A
	adapalene (topical)	Differin
	tazarotene (topical)	Tazorac AVAGE
	isotretinoin (oral)	Accutane Roaccutane
Azelaic Acid	azelaic acid (topical)	Azelex Finacea
Antibiotics	clindamycin (topical or oral)	Cleocin
	erythromycin (topical)	Akne-Mycin A/T/S Del-Mycin Erycette EryDerm Erymax Ery-Sol Erythra-Derm Staticin T-State Theramycin Z
	erythromycin (oral)	E-Mycin Eryc Ilosone PCE Robimycin
	trimethoprim/ sulfamethoxazole (oral)	Bactrim Septra
	tetracycline (oral)	Novotetra Panmycin Robitet Sumycin Tetralan
	minocycline (oral)	Dynacin Minocin
	doxycycline (oral)	Bio–Tab Doryx Vibramycin
Antiandrogens	spironolactone	Aldactone

There are a wide variety of oral contraceptive pills that contain estrogen and/or progestin. Physicians will decide which type is most appropriate for use on an individual basis. These medications are often used in combination with other forms of acne treatment.

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Review Date: 02-25-2008