My Account of Broad Spectrum Antibiotics - Do They Cure Acne?

I'm Declan and I have been an acne sufferer for over a decade - but in the last 12 months I have been clear of pimples and cysts. I have tried many different products and I have been prescribed cabinets full of medicines trying to get my skin clear, one of those medicines was Minocycline. Minocycline is an antibiotic used to treat skin infections like acne - my experience was a success at first, but ultimately it ended in failure - Minocycline did not help my acne - However something much better did.
I was diagnosed as having moderate acne and therefore I was prescribed 50mg of Minocycline to be taken twice a day. I was told that the antibiotic would work after a certain period of time (6-8 weeks). I started my course confident that the drug would work, at the time my acne was pretty bad - I had cystic lesions on my neck, shoulders and my face - which was becoming a social nightmare. The first 2 weeks saw very little to no improvement to the acne at all, but after 5 weeks I had noticed the cysts on my back had gone! I thought this was incredible. Most of the spots and pimples on my face and neck were still there, but they were no longer red or sore.
After 12 weeks the doctor started me on my second course of Minocycline. This was when I would start to get thrush, in my view it was worth it for all the good the tablets were doing. I have since learnt that thrush is thought to be a common symptom of Minocycline and many other antibiotic treatments. After 24 weeks my cystic acne had almost gone, but unfortunately this was as good as it got...
When I stopped the antibiotic treatment (As advised by my doctor), the spots started to come back, but this time it was much worse. The cystic acne on my back began to spread to a larger area and my neck was incredibly red and swollen. As expected, the doctor increased the dosage to 100mg, but there was little effect... Antibiotic resistance was thought to be the cause.
What I had experienced was an antibiotic resistance to Minocycline - this occurs because certain bacteria quickly evolve and become resistant to the drug, they then continue to multiply until the acne returns - this is much like the phenomenon of natural selection.
Fortunately only 6 months after giving up on the Minocycline and trying something else I was able to become acne free, but this treatment was not antibiotics - it was something much easier, and unlike antibiotics - it's still working to this day.

Antibiotics for Acne - One Of Many Types

Minocycline is a type of medication that many professionals prescribe for patients with acne concerns. This is a type of antibiotic and it can help to reduce the amount of harmful bacteria that is able to continue growing. Such bacteria is a big reason that many people suffer from chronic forms of acne. By reducing the bacteria, redness, irritation, and inflammation can be reduced. This in turn often means fewer pimples.
There are plenty of types of antibiotics that a professional can recommend for acne treatment. However, studies show that Minocycline seems to be one of the best oral options that a person can use. It seems to be a type of medication that helps clear up acne in less time than others. It is also one that seems to work on a variety of patients and that is very important.
There can be side effects associated with any types of medications that someone uses. With Minocycline, those side effects seem to be significantly lower than what someone may experience with the use of other types of medications. This is also important because patients want to clear up acne without adding new concerns to their list.
It is very important to pay close attention to the instructions for use with Minocycline. It should never be taken by anyone other than the patient it was specifically prescribed for. Some patients will take this medication once a day and others will take it twice. It is offered in a tablet or capsule form. There are some generic versions of it as well that can work just as well.
Minocycline seems to work best for patients with mild to moderate forms of acne. The cycle of treatment is typically for a period of 12 weeks. Patients need to take this antibiotic every single day, even when their acne is clearing up. If they stop taking it early, then there is the risk that the bacteria won't be completely gone and the acne problems can resurface again.
This antibiotic can be used by either males or females that have acne concerns. It is also one of the types of products that professionals offer to teenagers that are struggling with acne concerns. Nausea is a common side effect with this antibiotic, but that tends to be reduced when it is taken with food rather than on an empty stomach.
Other side effects that a user of Minocycline may experience include diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, or sores in the mouth. They should go away within a few weeks of use. If they linger, make sure you talk to your doctor about them. Don't operate any vehicle or machinery under the influence of any drug until you find out if it will make you drowsy or not.
If you experience any serious side effects such as a rash, trouble breathing, or numbness then you need to seek immediate medical attention. Make sure you tell your doctor about any other medications you may be taking. This includes over the counter products and natural supplements.

Minocycline for Acne: Should You Use It?

Have you ever been told about using minocycline for acne? Don't feel bad if you haven't heard about it. Not many people have. It's not that popular of an acne treatment, but it can be beneficial for some acne sufferers.
Minocycline derives from the tetracycline family; thus, it works similarly to these drugs. Minocycline is an antibiotic, which acts as an antibacterial within the body to combat the bacteria that form pustules and cysts on your skin.
How do you use minocycline for acne?
Minocycline comes in two forms: topical and internal. The internal variation is a pill, much like the tetracycline pills you can get at the pharmacy. These generally cost more than tetracycline, however, and aren't always as effective. So it might not be worth your while to take it.
Minocycline might be applied topically as a cream, gel or liquid, depending on what the doctor prescribes. Oh, and perhaps I should have mentioned before - you can get minocycline for acne by prescription only. Thus, you'll have to make a doctor's appointment to procure any for the topical or internal variation.
How much does minocycline cost?
Minocycline is about 10 times the cost of tetracycline. Ouch, right? Tetracycline might only cost $4 or $5 per bottle. But minocycline costs at least $40, and that's just for the pills. It's definitely not the most cost-effective method of getting rid of acne.
Is minocycline effective?
Yes and no. Minocycline is thought to be good for moderate acne, perhaps too strong for mild acne, and not strong enough for severe acne. And at $40 a pop, there are more effective options for moderate acne if that's all you have.
Is it safe?
As with any prescription treatment, there are always risks. Taking minocycline for acne can lead to mild side effects, like itching, peeling, redness and irritation. You might experience vomiting if you don't take it with food, so take it with lunch or before dinner! You'll only waste money if you throw the stuff up. Plus, vomiting is no fun.
And of course, there are plenty of severe reactions. Difficulty swallowing, rashes and death are just three that are on the list. But as with most medications, very few people experience the really severe reactions, so don't let that hold you back if you're thinking it's a good option for your skin.
Over time, minocycline can build up inside your body and create purple blotches beneath your skin. Make sure you regularly see a doctor to make sure you don't get this buildup, and that you can clear it if you do contract it.