Antibiotics are prescription medications used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections, commonly prescribed in pill form. Bacteria can become more resistant to antibiotics over time, so they should only be used to treat infections that will not clear on their own.
Clindamycin
Chemically, clindamycin is a semisynthetic antibiotic produced from its parent compound lincomycin. When used orally, clindamycin treats bacterial infections as well as infections of female reproductive organs and internal organs. For the treatment of acne, clindamycin can be taken orally, but it is more commonly applied topically to treat mild to severe acne.
Minocycline
Minocycline is an oral antibiotic commonly prescribed to treat acne. It is part of a group of antibiotics called tetracyclines. Minocycline can be more expensive than other tetracyclines, but it can effectively treat acne even when other antibiotic treatments have failed.
Minocycline is especially effective in treating inflammatory acne. It is often prescribed alongside a topical acne medication for a one-two punch against acne.
Doxycycline
Doxycycline is a tetracycline antibiotic that works to stop the growth of bacteria. It is used to treat bacterial infections like urinary tract infections and some sexually transmitted diseases. It’s also used to treat moderate acne. Doxycycline is also sometimes prescribed to people who are traveling out of the country and may be at risk of Malaria. Doxycycline is not intended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Azithromycin
Azithromycin is a macrolide-type antibiotic that is used to treat moderate acne. It is also used to treat bacterial infections by stopping the growth of bacteria. It is often prescribed to treat urinary tract infections and some sexually transmitted diseases. Azithromycin is not intended for older women who have a history of heart problems or women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Don’t worry, if Azithromycin is not for you, one of our Nurx™ healthcare providers can help you find a better option.
Flagyl
Flagyl (metronidazole) is an antibiotic medication that is used to stop the growth of bacteria and parasites that are common in some sexually transmitted diseases. Metronidazole is also sometimes prescribed in combination with other medications to treat bacterial stomach and intestinal ulcers. Flagyl (metronidazole) is not currently available through Nurx™.
Flagyl (metronidazole) is not intended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. You should also avoid the use of alcohol when taking this antibiotic. Talk to your healthcare provider if you think you may need a prescription for Flagyl (metronidazole) or something similar.