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Should You Take Amoxicillin For Acne?

Know how to use this strong antibiotic the right way to treat excessive breakouts.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Farhaad Riyaz, MD, FAAD, FACMS
Written by Annie Jangam, MSc

Edited by Ramona Sinha, MA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach

Fact-checked by Monomita Chakraborty, MA (Journalism & Mass Communication), Certified Skin Care Coach • Jul 11, 2023

Image: Shutterstock

Anyone who has had acne issues knows how annoying, painful, and itchy it can get. Most of you have tried a lot of medicines and remedies to get rid of it. Some might have shown good results, while some have worsened the issue. Using amoxicillin for acne is one of the best ways to address the condition.

Amoxicillin is an antibiotic used to treat infections. Since acne is often caused due to hormonal changes, excess sebum, and bacteria, amoxicillin may help manage the skin condition.

Keep reading to know more about amoxicillin and how it helps minimize acne breakouts.

Trivia

Amoxicillin was discovered in the year 1958. The US approved its usage for medical purposes in 1974.

In This Article

What Is Amoxicillin?

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Amoxicillin is an antibiotic from the penicillin family. It is a broad-spectrum antibiotic and works against various bacteria. Doctors generally prescribe the medicine to treat various bacterial infections, especially the infection of the upper respiratory and urinary tracts.

Your doctor may also prescribe an antibiotic for treating inflammatory or recurring acne that is not responding to topical treatments. Sometimes, amoxicillin is used as a second-line treatment for acne if other treatments don’t work. However, amoxicillin is usually not recommended for mild to moderate cases of acne that could be treated with topical therapy. And taking antibiotics when they are not needed increases your risk of getting an infection later that could resist antibiotic treatment. Any type of oral antibiotic should only be used for inflammatory acne, the kind that causes pustules and cysts (moderate-severe).

In the following section, we will look into the major benefits amoxicillin has for acne.

Top Benefits Of Amoxicillin For Acne

Before and after pictures of treating acne with amoxicillin

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1. Can Be A Safe Systemic-Antibiotic

Treating moderate to severe inflammatory acne involves the use of topical retinoids and benzoyl peroxide, in addition to systemic antibiotic therapy. However, some individuals may be allergic to these treatments (like pregnant women or those dealing with drug intolerances).

Amoxicillin is more tolerable than other common drugs administered for acne treatment (1). It is also considered safe for pregnant women in prescribed doses. However, amoxicillin’s efficacy in treating acne needs to be established with further studies.

2. May Help Treat Resistant Acne

Using antibiotics and OTC medicines for an extended time for treating acne can make your skin resistant to them. Many bacteria also develop a resistance to commonly prescribed antibiotics. In such cases, amoxicillin may prove useful. In studies, patients have responded well to the antibiotic when administered alone or in combination with two other anti-acne treatments (2).

3. Can Reduce Severe Acne In Other Parts Of The Body

A girl with back acne before using amoxicillin

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Pimples or blackheads may not occur only on your face. Depending on how severe your acne is, you may experience breakouts on your chest, back, or shoulders too. Research shows that systemic antibiotics can help treat severe acne occurring on the chest, back, and shoulders (3).

Amoxicillin may prove useful in treating acne. But your dermatologist will only recommend it for the shortest time possible to prevent any potential side effects. We list some of these negative effects in the next section.

Common Side Effects Of Amoxicillin

Woman experiencing itching as a side effect of using amoxicillin

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Amoxicillin has better tolerability than some other antibiotics commonly prescribed for acne treatment. However, it may cause certain side effects you need to be aware of (4). Some of these side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, stop taking amoxicillin and call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:

Fever
Rash
Skin blisters or peeling
Itching
HivesⁱXItchy and red bumps on the skin due to allergic reactions triggered by certain medications or foods.
Related: 10 Home Remedies For Hives And Treatment
WheezingⁱXA high-pitched whistling sound during breathing caused by a partially-blocked airway due to asthma or cold.
Difficulty swallowing or breathing
Swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, and eyes
Severe diarrhea (watery or bloody stools)

Other possible side effects include:

Drowsiness
Nausea
Vomiting
Vaginal yeast infection

These side effects are generally mild and tend to subside on their own. However, some may experience more severe hypersensitivityⁱXRefers to the sudden undesirable reactions in the body triggered by exposure to allergens like medicine, food, or dust. symptoms, including flu, fever, body aches, sore throat, blisters, etc.

Liver damage is rarely reported but could be a potential side effect (5). Its symptoms include pain in the abdomen, fatigue, and yellowing of skin and eyes.

Discuss your concerns with your dermatologist before including the medicine in your treatment plan. As amoxicillin is a prescription drug, you should only take it as advised by your doctor to avoid any complications.

If you are considering amoxicillin for acne, consult your doctor for the right way of use and dosage. The following section can give you an idea.

How To Use Amoxicillin For Acne

Woman taking recommended dosage of amoxicillin for acne

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The usual recommended dosage of amoxicillin for an adult is 500 mg every 12 hours, or as advised by your doctor. Typically, the dosage will depend on your medical condition. You must follow your doctor’s instructions while taking this medication by mouth. As with any oral antibiotics for acne, it should not be continued longer than 3-6 months.

You may be asked to have the antibiotic with or without food. Plenty of fluid intakes is usually recommended. It is also advisable to space out your dosage evenly throughout the day and take the medication at the same time every day.

To avoid developing bacterial resistance, your doctor will only prescribe amoxicillin for the shortest time possible. However, be sure to continue the medication until you finish the full prescribed amount (even if your symptoms have disappeared). Discontinuing the medication too early might allow the bacteria to regrow in some cases, resulting in a re-infection.

Quick Tip

It is advised to store amoxicillin in the refrigerator to maintain its effectiveness. You can also keep it at room temperature between 68℉ and 77℉.

Infographic: Benefits Of Amoxicillin For Acne

Amoxicillin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic used for treating inflammatory or recurring acne. It is usually used when topical treatments fail to produce results. It works against various bacteria and helps manage hormonal acne, bacterial infections, and excess sebum production. However, one must also be aware of its downsides before opting for it. Check out the infographic below to learn about the benefits and side effects of Amoxicillin.

benefits of amoxicillin for acne (infographic)

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

Amoxicillin can treat inflammatory or severe acne. When bacteria cause the condition, though, it works fairly well. However, more research is needed to confirm amoxicillin’s usefulness in treating acne. On the other hand, mild cases of acne are frequently better managed with a light skin care routine and the food and lifestyle changes that your dermatologist recommends. If your doctor has prescribed amoxicillin, make sure you address the potential side effects and any allergies you may have to avoid issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for amoxicillin to start working for acne?

Amoxicillin may take 8-10 days to start treating acne. However, it may take a few months to see complete benefits.

Is amoxicillin good for cysts?

Yes, sometimes doctors prescribe amoxicillin for treating infected cysts. However, it is best to consult your doctor before using it, as a dermatology prescription can vary from patient to patient.

What should you avoid while taking amoxicillin?

There are no food restrictions while taking amoxicillin, but certain other medicines may not interact well with amoxicillin. Therefore, discuss your medications with your doctor.

Is amoxicillin good for skin abscesses?

Mild amoxicillin may be good for treating skin abscesses. Always consult your doctor before taking any antibiotics.

Can I drink alcohol on amoxicillin?

Yes, you can drink alcohol while on amoxicillin. However, most doctors would advise limiting the intake for fast healing.

Key Takeaways

Amoxicillin is an antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections and recurring or inflammatory acne.
It reduces severe acne in other parts of the body and may help treat resistant acne.
A few side effects of amoxicillin are body aches, sore throat, nausea, drowsiness, and diarrhea.

Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team

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Are you tired of battling stubborn acne? Discover the surprising power of amoxicillin, a simple antibiotic that tackles acne from within. Say goodbye to blemishes and hello to clear, confident skin.

References

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