Frequently acne is inflamed because of infection by Propionibacterium acnes bacteria. This bacterium infects the sebum and rapidly multiplies inside the gland. With infection, the gland gets inflamed and the infection spreads to dermis and the cells deeper in the skin.To stop this antibiotics are a great help.

How antibiotics work against acnes bacterium ?

They do not cause damage to the cells of the body. By killing the bacteria antibiotics reduce the infection and inflammation. Oral antibiotics are the fastest way to treat such infections. One thing you should know about antibiotic treatment is that it may take up to a few weeks or even months to see the effect. The common antibiotics used for this : Erythromycin, Tetracycline, Minocycline, Doxycycline , Clindamycin and others.

Let us discuss about them:

Erythromycin

This is a broad spectrum antibiotic often used for people who have an allergy to penicillins. It is available in capsule, tablet, long-acting capsule, long-acting tablet forms. It is commonly prescribed to be taken two to three times a day for seven or more days. The strength and the dosage duration depend upon the severity of the infection. It can be used in pregnancy. It not only reduces infection but also reduces inflammation. Generally it is taken along with or after food. Erythromycin may cause diarrhea, upset stomach, vomiting etc. If such side effects persist, you need to consult with your doctor.

Azithromycin
(brand names Zithromax, Vinzam, Zitromax, Zmax, Sumamed, Aztrin, Zitrocin, Azibiot) is one of the world's best-selling antibiotics, and is derived from erythromycin. Azithromycin is generally well tolerated, most common side effects are diarrhea or loose stools, nausea, abdominal pain, and vomiting.

Tetracycline

Is the most common antibiotic used to treat your acne condition. Tetracycline (brand names Sumycin, Terramycin, Tetracyn and Panmycin) is commonly available as a capsule. The strength and the dosage duration depend upon the severity of the infection. The usual starting dose is 500 mg twice a day continued until a significant decrease in acne lesions is seen. The dose can then be decreased to 250 mg twice a day or discontinued. Tetracycline cannot be taken during pregnancy. It should be taken on empty stomach and should not be taken with any milk products. It can cause side effects such as, increase your skin?s overall sensitivity to sun light, dizziness and stomach upset.

Minocycline

Minocycline belongs to the class of medications known as tetracycline antibiotics. Minocycline (discovered by Lederle Laboratories and marketed under the brand name Minomycin (Minocin)) is commonly available as a capsule or a tablet. The strength and the dosage duration depend upon the severity of the infection. Tetracycline cannot be taken during pregnancy. It should be taken on empty stomach and should not be taken with any milk products. It can cause side effects such as, skin redness, diarrhea, ringing in ears etc.

Doxycycline

Doxycycline also belongs to the class of medications known as tetracycline antibiotics. Doxycycline (brand names Monodox, Microdox, Periostat, Vibra-Tabs, Doryx, Vibrox, Adoxa, Doxyhexal and Vibramycin) available as capsule or tablets. If you feel nausea with Doxyclince, take it with food or milk. The strength and the dosage duration depend upon the severity of the infection. Doxyclcline may cause dry mouth, diarrhea and sunburns.

Clindamycin

Clindamycin brand names Dalacin, Clinacin, Cleocin, Duac, BenzaClin, Arcanya and Ziana (with tretinoin).
Antibiotic ointments generally have lesser complications as compared to oral antibiotics.
When the ointments are used in conjunction with other treatments like benzoyl peroxide, the bacteria may not develop resistance to the antibiotics.

Clindamycin is used as an antibiotic for acne but because it may cause colitis, it is commonly used in topical form. If your doctor has prescribed Clindamycin oral, discuss the side effects in detail.