Acne pills

Acne pills are a hot topic, because it is so unpleasant when inflamed bumps of various sizes appear on the skin, especially on the face, which in some cases do not respond to any ointments or creams.

Dermatologists say: if topical remedies do not help with acne, you need to look for the cause and act on it from the inside.

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Antibacterial drugs for acne treatment

Antibiotics have a positive therapeutic effect when bacteria begin to multiply rapidly in the clogged sebaceous ducts and inflammatory infiltrates form. The main thing is that the drugs act on these bacteria.

Tetracycline tablets for acne, active against a large number of bacteria, can be used for pustular and large conglobate eruptions, as well as folliculitis. The standard daily dosage of this drug for acne is 10-15 mg (in 2-3 doses); it is also permissible to use Tetracycline every other day for 21 days.

Acne tablets Doxycycline (Doxacin, Vibramycin, Novacycline, Unidox, etc.) belong to the tetracycline group and are used for various infectious and inflammatory pathologies, including purulent lesions of the skin and soft tissues in severe forms of acne. The daily dose of this drug prescribed by dermatologists is 0.5 g; the tablets should be taken once a day after meals with a glass of water.

Erythromycin for acne tablets (synonyms - Adimicin, Ilozon, Sinerit, Eomycin, Eriderm, etc.) refers to macrolides and in dermatological practice is used in the same extreme cases as all other antibiotics. For adults, the standard single dose of the drug is 0.25 g (with a maximum permissible daily dose of 2 g).

The use of Levomycetin tablets for acne can be explained by the wide spectrum of its antimicrobial action (from pneumonia and dysentery to purulent otitis and peritonitis), but still it is not taken internally for skin infections, since dermatitis is listed among its side effects. Although levomycetin mixed with an alcohol solution of salicylic and boric acid is part of a popular suspension for lubricating acne.

Metronidazole acne tablets and its synonym - Trichopol acne tablets - have the same active ingredient - a nitroimidazole derivative (generics based on it - Metroseptol, Metrovit, Trikaside, Rozeks, Flagyl). This is a remedy against protozoa (Trichomonas, Giardia) and anaerobic bacteria (Bacteroides spp., Fusobacterium spp.). It is prescribed for the development of abscesses of the lungs, brain and abdominal organs, with general sepsis. Oral administration of these drugs in the case of acne treatment is not provided for by the instructions, but there are forms for external use - Metrogil gel, Rozamet cream, etc.

Side effects of acne pills with antibacterial properties are numerous and are expressed in dyspeptic phenomena, changes in the composition of the obligate intestinal microflora (dysbacteriosis), a decrease in the number of red blood cells and platelets in the blood, liver dysfunction, various neuropathic and allergic reactions, and the development of superinfections. And an overdose can lead to irreversible liver dysfunction and hearing loss.

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What pills help with acne?

Before we start listing the names of acne pills, it should be noted that, firstly, among organotropic drugs that affect the skin, you will not find such a category, and, most likely, these will be drugs for the treatment of acne.

Secondly, non-inflamed comedones require only external treatment and proper skin care. But with purulent acne, inflamed papular, pustular and large conglobate (very dense) pimples, with ostiofolliculitis or sycosis (caused by staphylococci), you cannot do without complex therapy using drugs for oral administration, which should be determined by a specialist in dermatological diseases after determining the etiology of acne. And the main indications for the use of pills for acne are the appearance of acne due to hormonal imbalance in adults, intestinal problems, as well as the presence of foci of bacterial infection. So, acne remedies aimed at eliminating the causes of their appearance help.

Regarding the disruption of hormone production in the body, it should be clarified that hormones (progesterone in women, testosterone in men) largely determine the functioning of the sebaceous glands and the volumes of sebum they synthesize. And a pimple pops up exactly in the place where excess lipid secretion of the sebaceous gland has accumulated and has not come to the surface, as it should, to perform its functions - to increase the acidity level of the skin and protect it from microbes.

As for bacterial infection, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus and Propionibakterium acnes are involved in the appearance of acne (acne vulgaris, acne conglobata, etc.).

It should be remembered that the use of acne pills during pregnancy is completely unacceptable.

Hormonal pills for acne

Hormonal pills for acne on the face are only allowed to be used by women (and girls after menarche), and so-called physiological (juvenile) acne is under no circumstances treated with hormones.

With increased synthesis of the androgenic hormone testosterone by the ovaries and adrenal cortex, acne may appear in women of childbearing age, and due to estradiol deficiency, this problem occurs either with ovarian cysts or during menopause, when the production of this hormone gradually decreases. In addition, experts attribute adrenal pathologies to hormonal causes of acne, leading to increased synthesis of cortisol (hypercorticism).

Hormonal acne pills Cyproterone (Androcur) have an antiandrogenic effect, i.e. they reduce testosterone levels, which leads to a temporary (for the period of taking the drug) decrease in sebum production and to the cessation of pathological hair growth in women (hirsutism). The drug is also intended for the treatment of malignant neoplasms of the prostate gland in men. Cyproterone has many side effects, in particular, dryness and peeling of the skin (xerosis), abdominal pain, nausea, swelling, liver dysfunction, fatigue and increased absent-mindedness.

Hormonal pills for acne on the back Drospirenone are used to improve the condition of women during menopause. Taking these pills helps to get rid of acne and oily seborrhea, but can lead to such undesirable consequences as thrombophlebitis and vascular thrombosis, increased blood pressure and heart rate, cholecystitis, swelling of soft tissues, deterioration of vision, pain and formations in the mammary glands, convulsions, sleep disorders.

In addition, Drospirenone is a part of oral hormonal contraception - in combination with estradiol (or a synthetic analogue of estrogen, ethinyl estradiol). But birth control pills for acne can only be prescribed if a woman - based on a biochemical blood test - has been found to have excess testosterone. Such drugs include Jess acne pills, Angelique pills, Diane-35, Yarina, Janine, Midiana, etc. The method of administration and dosage of such drugs are described in detail in the attached instructions, since they are taken according to a schedule depending on the woman's monthly cycle.

Contraindications to the use of acne pills based on sex hormones include varicose veins, a tendency to form blood clots, diabetes mellitus, vascular pathologies of the brain, liver and kidney failure, gynecological neoplasms, etc.

Roaccutane for acne

Acne pills Roaccutane (Isotretinoin, Aknekutan, Dermoretin, Sotret, Isotroin, Amnesteem, Claravis, Absorica) are systemic retinoids that affect tissue metabolism. According to dermatologists, these are the best acne pills available today and the latest advance in acne treatment, especially for severe cystic acne and acne that does not respond to other drugs.

The active substance of the drug - 13-cis-retinoic acid - is a metabolite of retinol (vitamin A) and acts, as expected, by binding to the retinoid receptor (RXR). The pharmacodynamics of retinoids is not fully understood, but the result of their action is the suppression of the production of sebum by the sebaceous glands. In addition, the gland ducts and follicles are not clogged with dead keratocytes, since retinoids block the proliferation and desquamation of cells, i.e. prevent the development of follicular retention hyperkeratosis. Thus, all factors of comedones and acne formation are eliminated.

The daily dose of Roaccutane is determined at the rate of 0.5 mg per kilogram of body weight, the tablets are taken once a day (with food). As tablets for acne on the back and other parts of the body, Roaccutane is recommended to be taken in a higher dosage. Usually the course lasts 8-10 months. In cases of hormonal etiology of acne (in women aged 20-30 years), a course of treatment with systemic retinoids can significantly improve the skin condition without the need for constant use of hormones.

Side effects of acne pills Roaccutane: dermatitis, dry lips (cheilitis), xerosis, blepharitis, keratoconjunctivitis sicca, dry nose and nosebleeds, nasopharyngitis, muscle and joint pain, anemia, thrombocytopenia, increased liver transaminases, ulcerative colitis, increased cholesterol and glucose levels in the blood, osteoporosis (in adolescents, there may be a violation of the growth of skeletal bones).

Roaccutane has a teratogenic effect, so women of childbearing age should use the most reliable contraception not only while taking these pills, but also for a month after completing treatment. According to the FDA, from 1982 to 2003 in the United States, more than 2,000 women became pregnant during treatment with this drug: most of the pregnancies ended in miscarriage, about 160 children were born with birth defects.

Intestinal pills for acne

Intestinal pills for acne are intended, on the one hand, to normalize intestinal microflora, and on the other hand, to adsorb and remove all metabolic products and, first of all, excess cholesterol. And also to reduce the absorption of fats by binding and removing free bile acids from the body. In this way, enterosorbents (adsorbing intestinal drugs) can help in the fight against acne.

Most often, doctors recommend such adsorbent tablets for the stomach against acne as Karbopect (activated carbon, pectin, microcrystalline cellulose), Laktrofiltrum (hydrolytic lignin with lactulose) or Filtrum-STI (based on hydrolytic lignin).

Method of administration and dosage: orally, 2-3 tablets (they can be crushed beforehand) - three times a day, an hour and a half before meals, with 150-180 ml of water. Enterosorbents are not used in case of exacerbation of chronic gastrointestinal pathologies and intestinal atony. Overdose can cause constipation and abdominal pain.

Brewer's yeast for acne

By using Brewer's yeast tablets for acne, you strengthen your body with thiamine (vitamin B1), riboflavin (B2), pyridoxine (B6), cyanocobalamin and, very importantly, biotin (vitamin B7).

What does this give for the treatment of acne? Firstly, it helps to strengthen the immune system. Secondly, the vitamins of brewer's yeast participate in the synthesis of the bactericidal protein enzyme lysozyme, which not only protects cells from damage and accelerates the healing process, but also creates conditions for normal lipid-carbohydrate metabolism in the body.

Thirdly, biotin, a coenzyme of fatty acid metabolism, regulates sebum secretion, and leucine contained in yeast ensures skin cell regeneration. In addition, Saccharomyces boulardii brewer's yeast bacteria restore and normalize intestinal biocenosis, and then the synthesis of endogenous biotin is resumed and, accordingly, fat metabolism is improved.

Dermatologists recommend taking brewer's yeast tablets two tablets three times a day (after meals), for children 5-12 years old - one tablet once a day.

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Zinc tablets for acne

Zinc is associated with the production of somatotropin (growth hormone), somatomedin (insulin-like growth factor) and the main male sex hormone testosterone. So, when the body lacks this microelement, the level of cortisol, which regulates carbohydrate metabolism, decreases, but, most importantly, testosterone synthesis decreases. And this not only negatively affects the male sexual sphere (in terms of erection), but also leads to acne. For this reason, acne pills for men are drugs that contain zinc compounds.

It is recommended to take Zinc Vital lozenges two tablets once a day (after meals). Effervescent tablets Zincit should be dissolved in water and taken in the morning before breakfast - once a day, for at least 30-40 days.

Zincteral or zinc sulfate (in tablets of 1.24 g) is prescribed 1-2 tablets twice a day (an hour before meals); children aged 10-14 years - one tablet per day. Duration of treatment is up to two months. Side effects of acne tablets with zinc include nausea, diarrhea, heartburn, metallic taste in the mouth, sore throat, and increased body temperature.

Instead of the listed medications, dermatologists may recommend taking vitamins with zinc for men.

Acyclovir and Traumeel for acne

Those who think that Acyclovir is a pill for acne are mistaken. This is an antiviral drug for Herpes simplex - the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1 and HSV-2). And those "pimples with yellowish liquid inside" on the lips or in the nasolabial fold area are not pimples, but vesicles (bubbles) with serous fluid.

So, Acyclovir is useless for acne. But for herpes rashes, you can’t do without it, since this drug stops the replication of the virus’s DNA and thus prevents the appearance of new vesicles on the skin – very contagious ones.

Acyclovir is taken for five days - 20 mg (one tablet) five times a day, preferably every 4-4.5 hours. The tablet should be swallowed whole and washed down with water. This drug is also available under the trade names Herpevir and Zovirax.

Traumeel is a homotoxic (homeopathic) preparation of plant-mineral composition; in relation to soft tissue damage of various etiologies, it exhibits anti-inflammatory, hemostatic and regenerative properties, relieves swelling and pain. Among the indications for use are such dermatological diseases as furunculosis, hidradenitis, eczema, diaper rash. A furuncle is a purulent inflammatory focus in the hair follicle and sebaceous gland, so, most likely, Traumeel is also suitable for simple acne. The method of its use is sublingual (under the tongue), the dose is one tablet three times a day.

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Masks from pills for acne

Among the remedies for acne, there are masks made from acne pills. To prepare them, aspirin pills are used in combination with cosmetic clay, natural honey, kefir and aloe juice.

It is enough to crush a couple of tablets of acetylsalicylic acid and mix them with clay powder (1:1), then dilute with boiled water to a paste, adding a few drops of chamomile, geranium or lavender essential oil. This acne mask is kept on the skin for 15 minutes.

Another composition: aspirin tablets crushed into powder are mixed with honey and aloe juice, and in the third option you need to prepare a homogeneous mixture of aspirin with kefir.

Mumijo for acne in tablets can also be used for a healing mask. For example, one tablet of mumijo should be diluted in slightly warm boiled water (two tablespoons), and then this liquid should be added to a mixture of ingredients such as steamed oatmeal or oatmeal, potato starch or grated fresh cucumber.

Masks made from acne pills should be kept on the face for no more than a quarter of an hour, and it is best to wash them off with an infusion of pharmacy chamomile at room temperature.

The same medications can have different effects on different people. That is, it helped some, but not others. That is why the reviews of acne pills are so varied. The only thing they have in common is the complete certainty that it is almost impossible to deal with acne…

But we must not forget the most important thing: we must look for the cause and act on it not only from the outside, but also from the inside, using acne pills recommended by the doctor.