About Prescription Acne Medication
Acne is a very common skin condition amongst all ages. Suffering from acne can be stressful, and it is not just the face that can be affected. Most people suffer from mild to moderate acne, which can be targeted by acne spot treatment. Severe acne, also called nodular acne or cystic acne, which can require antibiotic treatment.
There are many treatments available, ranging from over the counter to prescription medication. Many pharmacies sell acne medication online, but it is important to check if the pharmacy is UK registered. Skin acne treatment is available as oral antibiotics and topical medicines, which target bacteria that cause spots. They can be very effective if used correctly. However, acne is often not treated for long enough to see results; we recommend treatments should be used for at least three months for a noticeable difference.
Some people with mild acne may look for a home remedy for pimples or natural acne treatment. Some acne skin care tips that may help are to wash and shower if the skin becomes sweaty from exercise, avoid tight and restrictive clothing where acne is present, and use oil-free (non-comedogenic) products. Also, avoid picking spots and pimples as this can cause scarring.
Prescription Acne Medication for Adults
There are several types of prescription acne medication for adults, and the best treatment for acne depends on its severity. Some people think there are quick-fix treatments for acne removal, but this is not the case, and acne treatments should be used carefully following all instructions from your prescriber and the patient information leaflet for your specific acne medication.
Mild Acne Treatments
Most sufferers of mild acne should use spot treatment products which are applied directly to the acne spots. If acne symptoms are mild, they can be treated with over-the-counter (OTC) topical acne treatment. These mild face acne treatments do not require a prescription, but they typically contain benzoyl peroxide, which works by preventing dead skin skills from blocking pores and hair follicles. There are numerous Benzoyl Peroxide spot treatment products such as Acnecide, a facial acne gel containing benzoyl peroxide.
Moderate to Severe Acne Medication
Moderate to severe acne treatment usually requires a prescription acne cream medication containing much higher levels of benzoyl peroxide and other active ingredients or oral antibiotics.
Prescription Acne Medication
There is a wide range of prescription acne medications available for effectively treating acne, from topical antibiotic creams and tablets to combined treatments, depending on the severity of your acne.
Prescription Antibiotics for Acne
Oral antibiotics may be required to treat bacteria caused by acne. Prescription antibiotics for acne can be used alongside other acne treatments, like acne creams and gels, but make sure your pharmacist or GP has advised you on how to use these together so you don’t inflame your skin and make your acne worse.
Prescription Acne Medication Creams
Acne prescription creams vary depending on the severity of your acne, your skin sensitivity and any other skin conditions you may have. This is why you need a prescription for acne creams and stronger ones are not available over the counter. Typically, prescription creams for acne are made up of one of the following:
Topical Antibiotic Creams
Topical antibiotics also work to treat the bacteria on the skin, and are available as solutions, gels and lotions. Creams that contain antibiotics, like Duac Gel, are applied directly to the skin.
Topical Retinoid Creams
Topical retinoids are another skin acne treatment, such as Differin cream. These work by reducing the number of dead skin cells and the amount of sebum produced by the skin.
Online Acne Treatment from Click2Pharmacy
Below is a table of some popular prescription acne medications and treatments available at Click2Pharmacy. Acne prescription medication creams, gels and antibiotics can be purchased through the online acne clinic.
| Medication Name | Aknemycin | Differin | Acnecide | Duac | Zineryt | Skinoren | Finacea Gel | Epiduo | Tetralysal | Doxycyline |
| Active Ingredients | 40 mg of erythromycin and 0.25 mg of tretinoin | Adapalene 0.1% w/w | Benzoyl Peroxide 5% w/w | 10 mg clindamycin phosphate
50 mg benzoyl peroxide |
40 mg/ml erythromycin and 12 mg/ml zinc | 20% azelaic acid. | 15% azelaic acid. | adapalene 3 mg benzoyl peroxide 25 mg | Lymecycline | Doxycycline |
| Key Benefit | Contains antibiotic | Anti-inflammatory properties | 1st step treatment Kills 95% bacteria |
Dual action – contains an antibiotic | Can be easily applied to large areas | Has antimicrobial action | Can also treat acne and rosacea | Combination product with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity | For wide spread or severe acne 12 week course |
For wide spread acne 12 week course |
| Type of medication | Solution | Cream Gel |
Cream | Gel | Solution | Cream | Gel | Gel | Oral Capsules | Oral Capsules |
| Dosages available | 40mg/0.25mg | 0.1% | 5% | 3% 5% |
40mg/12mg | 20% | 15% | 0.3% / 2.5% 0.1% / 2.5% |
300mg | 100mg |
| Do you need a prescription? | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| When or how should it be used | Apply to affected areas once or twice daily | Apply to affected areas at night | Apply thin layer once or twice daily | Apply once a day in the evening | Apply twice daily for 10 -12 weeks | Apply morning and night. Rub in gently | Apply morning and night. Rub in gently | Apply once in evening | One capsule a day | One capsule a day |
| Common side effects |
Dry skin Redness Peeling Burning sensation Itching |
Dry skin Redness Peeling Burning sensation Itching |
Dry skin Redness Peeling Burning sensation Itching |
Dry skin Redness Peeling Burning sensation Itching |
Dry skin Redness Peeling Burning sensation Itching |
Dry skin Redness Peeling Burning sensation Itching |
Dry skin Redness Peeling Burning sensation Itching |
Dry skin Redness Peeling Burning sensation Itching |
Feeling sick Abdominal Pain Diarrhoea |
Headaches Rashes Upset stomach |
