Although topical therapies alone can be very effective for milder acne, there are often cases for
which oral antibiotics are needed to control disease. Through both antibacterial and antiinflammatory
effects, oral antibiotics in combination with other drugs such as retinoids and benzoyl
peroxide can be highly effective in the treatment of more severe disease. Patients and their
parents often have many questions regarding the safety and efficacy of long-term antibiotic use.
It is important for the physician to have a thorough understanding of the antibiotics at their
disposal as well as their side effects. Through careful discussion, antibiotic compliance can be
optimized and side effects minimized ultimately resulting in treatment success.
Semin Cutan Med Surg 27:183-187 © 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Although topical therapies alone can be very effective for milder acne, there are often cases for
which oral antibiotics are needed to control disease. Through both antibacterial and antiinflammatory
effects, oral antibiotics in combination with other drugs such as retinoids and benzoyl
peroxide can be highly effective in the treatment of more severe disease. Patients and their
parents often have many questions regarding the safety and efficacy of long-term antibiotic use.
It is important for the physician to have a thorough understanding of the antibiotics at their
disposal as well as their side effects. Through careful discussion, antibiotic compliance can be
optimized and side effects minimized ultimately resulting in treatment success.
Semin Cutan Med Surg 27:183-187 © 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.