Tetracycline Alternatives

• Tetracycline is only one of a larger group of medications that can be used to treat acne. Some patients who are allergic or intolerant to tetracycline may be able to take antibiotics from the same family, including doxycycline (Vibramycin) or minocycline (Minocin), without having an allergic reaction.
  
  

Erythromycin

• Erythromycin (E-mycin, Erytab) is an alternative to the use of tetracycline. It is commonly used as an oral antibiotic and is also available in topical form for the treatment of acne vulgaris.
  
  

Clindamycin

• Clindamycin (Cleocin) is another antibiotic sometimes used effectively for the treatment of acne. It is available in both oral and topical form.
  
  

Isotretinoin

• Isotretinoin (Accutane) is a derivative of Vitamin A, which treats severe acne by reducing skin formation in and around the oil glands. It cannot be taken by those who may become pregnant as it has been shown to cause birth defects.
  
  

Oral Contraceptives

• Birth control pills, also called oral contraceptives, are often effective in reducing acne in women. The hormones contained in oral contraceptives may help reduce the excessive oil production that occurs at certain times during the menstrual cycle and that is thought to contribute to acne formation.