Oral antibiotics are used in the management of moderate to severe acne. They work primarily by their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. They work more rapidly than topical preparations to improve your acne.

Over time the P. acnes bacteria can become resistant to the antibiotic being used to treat it. When this occurs, the acne is not controlled and another treatment agent can be prescribed.

The main oral anitibiotics used are:

• Doxycycline
• Minocycline
• Erythromycin
• Trimethoprim-sulfasoxaxole