Oral antibiotics may be used for infection, acne, rosacea, or other inflammatory skin conditions.
Some side effects to look out for:
- Increased sun sensitivity (sunburn): Wear sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen with SPF 30. Re-apply sunscreen every two hours when outdoors. Do not forget about protecting your hands, chest and rest of your body (not just the face!).
- Drug interactions: DO NOT TAKE if you are on coumadin / warfarin, Accutane, or other antibiotics. It is ok to take with birth control. We always recommend using a backup method of birth control. Please ask your nurse practitioner if you are worried about any potential interactions and inform your nurse practitioner of all medications and supplements you take by mouth.
- Upset stomach, nausea, esophagitis: Always take these pills with lots of water! A pill stuck in the esophagus can cause significant irritation. Avoid “popping” a pill right before bed or laying flat and stay upright for at least thirty minutes to one hour after taking a pill.
- Yeast infections: If you are prone to yeast infections, you may want to take a probiotic.
- If you develop a severe headache, vision changes, rash, discoloration/staining of your teeth or skin, lupus-like-syndrome, or severe nausea, please send your nurse practitioner a message via our Patient Portal immediately.
The antibiotics used for pregnant or breastfeeding or if under the age of 8 is different and we may refer you to a dermatologist for acne management of these groups of patients.
Other points to keep in mind:
We always advise taking doxycycline / minocycline with food, but please avoid taking it at the same time as taking calcium (antacids, milk), magnesium (laxatives), iron, potassium, or any multivitamins.
Please note: our goal is always to avoid the use of long-term antibiotics. Your nurse practitioner will discuss alternative long-term treatment solutions with you if your course has exceeded several months duration.
If you have any questions or concerns:
If you have any questions about antibiotics that are used for the treatment of skin conditions including their common side effects, our nurse practitioner would be happy to help you. Please message us on the Patient Portal and we will get back to you within 24-48 hours.
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