{"id":630648,"date":"2024-12-05T19:17:29","date_gmt":"2024-12-06T00:17:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=630648"},"modified":"2024-12-05T19:17:29","modified_gmt":"2024-12-06T00:17:29","slug":"amoxicillin-for-acne","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/amoxicillin-for-acne\/","title":{"rendered":"Can amoxicillin be used for acne?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/amoxicillin\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Amoxicillin<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a generic antibiotic that treats bacterial infections over the course of a few days. It comes in three forms: tablet, capsule, and oral solution.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Amoxicillin<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can be used to treat certain kinds of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">acne vulgaris<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (more commonly known as acne), but this is not usually the first-line treatment of choice.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"does-amoxicillin-help-with-acne\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Does <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">amoxicillin<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> help with acne?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/amoxicillin\/dosage\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">amoxicillin<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> dosage<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can reduce acne by slowing the growth of acne-causing bacteria and reducing inflammation, according to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/drbusso.com\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dr. Mariano Busso, MD<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a board-certified cosmetic <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dermatologist<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s also a relatively safe and well-tolerated prescription drug. According to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dermla.com\/dermatologists-northridge\/justine-park-md\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dr. Justine Park, MD<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a board-certified dermatologist at Skin and Beauty Center, people who are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or nursing can typically take it. She says people allergic to other <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">antibiotics<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can also usually take this one, and it has few interactions with other medications.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At the same time, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">amoxicillin<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is not necessarily a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dermatologist<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2019s first choice. \u201cFor acne that isn\u2019t responding to <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">topical treatments<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, some antibiotics can offer relief, but <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">amoxicillin<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> isn\u2019t the \u2018go-to,\u2019 <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">tetracycline<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is,\u201d Dr. Busso says.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6116810\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2018 <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">International Journal of Women\u2019s <\/span><\/i><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dermatology<\/span><\/i><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> study states that <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">amoxicillin<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> may be \u201ca valuable second-line <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">treatment option<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in inflammatory acne.\u201d While it was successful for many participants, it wasn\u2019t a quick fix. The post-treatment assessment in that study showed that 84.6% had a positive treatment response at the first follow-up visit, approximately 90 days after taking the medication.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As an antibiotic, it\u2019s more helpful in some cases than others. \u201cIt is quite efficacious in the inflammatory type of acne (e.g., pimples and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">pustules<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">) but not for comedonal acne (e.g., <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">whiteheads<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">blackheads<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">),\u201d Dr. Park says.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"side-effects-of-amoxicillin\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Side effects<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">amoxicillin<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Generally speaking, there are <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">side effects<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of using broad-spectrum antibiotics, such as <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">amoxicillin<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, long-term. For one, broad-spectrum antibiotics kill both good and bad bacteria, and it can <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/medicine.yale.edu\/news-article\/antibiotics-for-acne-groundbreaking-study-shows-why-one-works-best\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">take up to two years<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for the good bacteria in the gut to recover.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">healthcare providers<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> prescribe antibiotics, they may also encourage the consumption of extra <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/probiotics-do-they-work\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">probiotic-rich foods<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, such as yogurt, kefir, and buttermilk.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Besides killing good bacteria, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">amoxicillin<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> has other <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/amoxicillin-side-effects\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">side effects<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The most <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">common side effects<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> include skin rash, diarrhea, headache, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, tongue discoloration, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">yeast infection<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, elevated liver enzymes, and high white blood cell counts.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Serious <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">side effects<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (that are less common) include superinfections, clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea, liver problems, blood disorders, seizures, swelling of the brain and spinal cord membranes, and severe <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">allergic reactions<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-to-use-amoxicillin-for-acne\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to use <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">amoxicillin<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for acne<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">First, Dr. Busso says <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">amoxicillin<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> should only be considered for <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/acne-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">acne treatment<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> when other means have failed\u2014especially since it can kill good bacteria. \u201cUsing <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">amoxicillin<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or any other antibiotic too frequently (or for the wrong reasons) can lead to bacterial resistance, which becomes problematic when your body no longer responds to even the most powerful antibiotics,\u201d he says.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dr. Park also recommends the shortest course necessary for that reason; however, this is tough since acne is a chronic condition. According to Dr. Busso, the antibiotic may take three to four months to clear the skin.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Additionally, Dr. Park explains that \u201cone of the most important factors to consider is that monotherapy with just an <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">oral antibiotic<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is never ideal for the acne patient,\u201d so it is best if amoxicillin is not used alone. \u201cThe <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/acne-causes\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cause of acne<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is multifactorial, therefore, it is crucial that other treatments, such as topical medications and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">skincare<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, are employed in the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">treatment of acne<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in addition to the use of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">oral antibiotics<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> when needed.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Again, be sure to talk to a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">healthcare provider<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> before starting, stopping, or changing the dosage of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">amoxicillin<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (or any other medication). The provider can ensure the use and dosage are safe and effective for you specifically.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Talking to a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dermatologist<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or another medical professional is especially important, given <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/amoxicillin-interactions\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">amoxicillin<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2019s interactions<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> with other foods and medicines. While on <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">amoxicillin<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, avoid blood thinners, gout medications, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">antibacterials<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">birth control<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> pills, alcohol, oral live vaccines, bromelain, and guar gum.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"amoxicillin-vs-other-antibiotics-for-acne\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Amoxicillin<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> vs. other antibiotics for acne<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With so many antibiotics able to treat acne, which one should people go for first?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dr. Park says a medication in the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/tetracyclines\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">tetracycline<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> class<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2014such as <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">doxycycline<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">minocycline<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2014is often the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">first-line<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">oral antibiotic<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u201cdue to its high safety profile, limited use for other indications, and specificity for the bacteria that cause acne pimples.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As far as <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">topical treatments<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, she lists <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">clindamycin<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">erythromycin<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, dapsone, and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">minocycline<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. \u201cDepending on the patient\u2019s needs, one of these generally should be used in combination with <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">oral antibiotics<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for acne,\u201d she adds.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The \u201cbest\u201d option also depends on the severity of the acne. \u201cFor mild to moderate acne, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">topical antibiotics<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> like <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">erythromycin<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can be applied to the skin as a lotion or gel,\u201d Dr. Busso says. \u201cFor more severe cases, the most prescribed antibiotic is <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">tetracycline<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, but if you are allergic to it, pregnant, or suffer from kidney or liver issues, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">amoxicillin<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a good option.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For those who have had no luck and have had these treatments fail, Dr. Busso says the most potent drug is <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/isotretinoin\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">isotretinoin<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a retinoid. He explains that it slows the production of sebum, the natural substance that lubricates the hair and skin and is also the primary cause of acne.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aad.org\/news\/updated-guidelines-acne-management\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">American Academy of Dermatology<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (AAD)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> also recommends <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">isotretinoin<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for patients with <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">severe acne<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or for whom oral and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">topical antibiotics<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> haven\u2019t worked. When oral or <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">topical antibiotics<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are taken, the AAD suggests combining them with <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">benzoyl peroxide<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which can also prevent the development of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">antibiotic resistance<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Additionally, according to that same 2018 study, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">systemic antibiotic therapy<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> plus <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">topical retinoids<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">benzoyl peroxide<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hormonal therapy<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/topical-antibiotics\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">topical antibiotic<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> use<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is indicated for <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">moderate-to-severe inflammatory acne<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<table class=\" singlecare-table\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th><span class=\"title\">Comparing antibiotics for acne<\/span><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr class=\"header-row\">\n<td><b>Drug name<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Form<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Dosage<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Savings options<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Amoxicillin<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Oral\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">500 mg every 12 hours or 250 mg every 8 hours<\/span><\/td>\n<td><a class=\"cta-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/amoxicillin\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Amoxicillin<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> coupons<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tetracycline<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Hcl<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Oral\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">250 to 500 mg every six hours<\/span><\/td>\n<td><a class=\"cta-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/tetracycline-hcl\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tetracycline<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Hcl coupons<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ery-Tab (<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">erythromycin<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Topical<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Apply 2% topical solution or gel twice a day<\/span><\/td>\n<td><a class=\"cta-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/ery-tab\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ery-Tab coupons<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><a class=\"cta-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/erythromycin\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Erythromycin<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> coupons<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Absorica Ld, Claravis, Amnesteem, Zenatane, Accurate (<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">isotretinoin<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Oral<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1 mg per kg of body weight per day, taken in two divided doses\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td><a class=\"cta-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/absorica-ld\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Absorica Ld coupons<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><a class=\"cta-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/claravis\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Claravis coupons<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><a class=\"cta-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/amnesteem\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Amnesteem coupons<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><a class=\"cta-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/zenatane\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Zenatane coupons<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><a class=\"cta-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/accutane\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Accutane coupons<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><a class=\"cta-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/isotretinoin\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Isotretinoin<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> coupons<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cleocin (<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">clindamycin<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Hcl)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Topical<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3 to 12 grams a day<\/span><\/td>\n<td><a class=\"cta-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/cleocin\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cleocin coupons<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><a class=\"cta-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/clindamycin-hcl\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Clindamycin HCl coupons<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Aczone (dapsone)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Topical\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Apply a thin layer once a day<\/span><\/td>\n<td><a class=\"cta-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/aczone\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Aczone coupons<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><a class=\"cta-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/dapsone\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dapsone coupons<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Minocin, Solodyn, Minolira, Dynacin (<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">minocycline<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Oral<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1 mg per kg of body weight a day for 12 weeks<\/span><\/td>\n<td><a class=\"cta-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/minocin\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Minocin coupons<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><a class=\"cta-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/minocycline-hcl\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Minocycline<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Hcl coupons<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2 id=\"the-bottom-line\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The bottom line<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Amoxicillin<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can be used to treat acne, especially inflammatory acne, such as pimples and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">pustules<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. It can also be a helpful option for people who are pregnant or have liver or kidney issues. The first-line treatment for acne is usually a tetracycline medication, and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">amoxicillin<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is usually a second-line treatment.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People who take <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">amoxicillin<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for acne need to be aware of its <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">side effects<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. The common ones include killing helpful bacteria, a skin rash, diarrhea, headache, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, tongue discoloration, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">yeast infection<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, elevated liver enzymes, and high white blood cell counts.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ultimately, the best step for people with acne is to talk to a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dermatologist<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> who can provide an individualized, specific, comprehensive <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">treatment plan<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Amoxicillin is a generic antibiotic that treats bacterial infections over the course of a few days. It comes in three forms: tablet, capsule, and oral solution. Amoxicillin can be used to treat certain kinds of acne vulgaris (more commonly known as acne), but this is not usually the first-line treatment of choice.\u00a0 Does amoxicillin help [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":137,"featured_media":630649,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4589],"tags":[650],"coauthors":[21001],"class_list":["post-630648","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drug-info","tag-acne","wpautop"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.4 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Amoxicillin for acne: Efficacy and side effects<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Amoxicillin can be used to treat acne, but it is not typically a first-line treatment. However, as a well-tolerated antibiotic, it may be the best option for some.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/amoxicillin-for-acne\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Can amoxicillin be used for acne?\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Amoxicillin can be used to treat acne, but it is not typically a first-line treatment. 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