Antibiotics???

Question

I went to the dermatologist for my acne. She perscribed an antibiotic, Tetracycline. Has anyone had this or another antibiotic for acne? What should I do to promote bacteria into my system while taking it? And, has anyone had any complications with these drugs? Are there any side effects?

Answer 1

You should always eat a lot of yogurt or take probiotics while you are on antibiotics.

Tetracycline
Tetracyclines are oral antibiotics often used to treat skin
diseases. There has been over 50 years' experience with these medications, which were originally derived from soil bacteria Streptomyces aureofaciens.

What are they used for?
Tetracyclines are broad spectrum antibiotics often used to treat skin, chest, urethral and pelvic infections.

Dosage
Treatment of bacterial infection is generally for one to two weeks, but tetracyclines may be taken for longer if required.

Patients differ in the amount of tetracycline they need to control inflammatory skin diseases. A full daily dose of tetracycline is generally prescribed for the first few weeks or months to see how well it controls the skin problem. This full dose should be continued for most patients with acne. However, those with rosacea and perioral dermatitis may be able to reduce their dose at approximately monthly intervals.

Tetracycline: 250-500mg four times daily
Oxytetracycline: 250-500mg four times daily
Demeclocycline: 150-300mg twice daily
Doxycycline: 50-100mg once or twice daily
Lymecycline: 300-600mg once or twice daily
Minocycline: 50-100mg once or twice daily

Precautions
Tetracycline should be stored in a cool place out of direct sunlight. Outdated capsules or tablets should not be taken as they may cause kidney damage.

Tetracycline must not be taken by pregnant or breast-feeding women, or by children under twelve years, because it discolours growing teeth and may cause enamel hypoplasia (malformed permanent teeth). It can stain permanent teeth but this effect is usually temporary.

The base medication, tetracycline, should be taken with a glass of water on an empty stomach, half an hour before, or two hours after meals. This is because food prevents absorption of tetracycline into the bloodstream. Some people find this inconvenient, and others get indigestion unless it is taken with food. Minocycline and doxycycline are not affected by food and can be taken at mealtime. The water is very important to prevent ulceration of the oesophagus. Tetracyclines should not be taken at the same time as antacids and iron. If required, these can be taken at another time of day however.

Allergy is uncommon; it results in various types of skin rash, and rarely, liver disease. Tetracyclines may cause tummy upsets (nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea). Minocycline may occasionally cause severe headaches (raised intracranial hypertension) and has been reported to precipitate arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus, especially in young women. Minocycline is also very rarely associated with potentially fatal severe drug hypersensitivity syndrome, in which there is prolonged rash, fever, swollen lymph glands and internal organ failure (liver, lungs, heart, kidneys).

Tetracycline may make the skin more sensitive to sunlight (photosensitivity); this effect depends on the variety of tetracycline and the amount taken. It is most likely with doxycycline and least likely with minocycline. If unexpected sunburn does occur, take the medication in the evening and avoid excessive sun exposure.

Because of fewer bacteria in the vagina, in women, tetracycline occasionally produces thrush, an overgrowth of candida yeasts. This results in genital inflammation, irritation and discharge. Oral thrush is less common. The antibiotics can usually be continued with appropriate treatment of the thrush with over-the-counter or prescribed vaginal antifungal cream, or if necessary, oral agents.

Effect on contraceptives
There is little evidence that tetracyclines reduce the efficacy of the oral contraceptive pill unless they cause gastrointestinal upset. However, to be absolutely safe, extra precautions should be taken, particularly in the first four weeks of starting the antibiotics. Discuss this with your doctor.

If you develop side affects, advise your doctor. You may need to stop taking tetracycline or change brand.

Answer 2

I would do like the Dr said and take it.. You should know within 24 hrs of taking the medication if its helping or not. All kids are different, some get sick more than others. I have 3 and 1 of mine seems like he's always sick, but the other 2 are pretty healthy. Antibiotics are not a bad thing, a lot of ppl think they can do severe damage but, I had Kidney reflux disease as a child and was on antibiotics every day for 10 yrs... When I went off of them, my body was not used to have to fight off infections, and I had strep throat like 5 times that year, but my body did eventually start building up immunities and today I'm perfectly fine. So if I was on antibiotics for 10 yrs and there hasnt been any damage, then I'm sure it would be completely safe to be on them, even if you're not sure if it's viral or bacterial. Better to be safe than sorry. Good luck!

Answer 3

As a healthcare provider I order antibiotics for acne. Tetracycline is frequently prescribed. The only side effect worth noting is that it should not be taken by pregnant women. I personaly took it in my teen years for acne and it worked well. I was on it for over a year. It is very safe and has been around for a long time , which means its safety and effectiveness is well established.

Answer 4

you can try a natural medicine called tarnsfer factor...6236592.my4life.com see this testimony:
For five years I was on antibiotics for a severe case of acne. I still broke out about 20%. After 6 weeks on Transfer Factor my acne completely cleared up. My dermatologist asked me to bring him some information on whatever I was taking." Marsha S.

Answer 5

I had acne bad and Yes I use Proactive it has been a blessing to me. Look into this for yourself. I swear by it.

Answer 6

google side effects...a friend of mine was on it and it rotted her teeth! good luck! try dabbing urine on them, or tea tree oil soap.

Answer 7

Proactive is the best one.

Answer 8

i just use proactive =]