Which oral antibiotics are best for acne?
The Journal of Family Practice. 2011 May;60(05):290-292
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TABLE 2
Safety and adverse-effect profiles of acne medications8
| Medication | Adverse effects | Pregnancy category | Lactation safety | Appropriate age range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Doxycycline hyclate | Photosensitivity, GI disturbance, elevated BUN | D | Avoid | >12 y |
| Minocycline | Tooth discoloration, dizziness, hypersensitivity syndrome | D | Avoid; milk effects possible | >12 y |
| Erythromycin base | GI disturbance, nausea | B | Safe | FDA-approved for children |
| Azithromycin | Abdominal pain, GI disturbance | B | Minimal risk | Extended-release formula not FDA-approved for children |
| BUN, blood urea nitrogen; GI, gastrointestinal. | ||||