Prescription Acne Medication

Dapsone gel is a topical medication primarily used to treat acne. It works by reducing inflammation and targeting bacteria that contribute to acne formation. Dapsone is part of the sulfone class of antibiotics, and its anti-inflammatory properties help decrease the number of acne lesions and promote clearer skin. It is applied directly to the affected areas and is typically well-tolerated, with mild side effects like skin dryness or irritation in some cases.

Tazarotene cream is a topical retinoid used to treat acne, psoriasis, and signs of skin aging. It works by regulating skin cell growth and reducing inflammation, which helps unclog pores, smooth rough patches, and promote even skin tone. As a vitamin A derivative, tazarotene increases cell turnover, leading to clearer skin over time. Due to its potency, it may cause dryness, redness, or peeling, so using a moisturizer and sunscreen is recommended during treatment.

Tazarotene gel is a topical retinoid used primarily to treat acne and plaque psoriasis. It works by normalizing skin cell growth and reducing inflammation, which helps clear blocked pores and reduce scaling or thickened patches of skin. Applied directly to affected areas, tazarotene can improve the appearance of skin over several weeks with consistent use. As with other retinoids, it may cause dryness or irritation, especially when first starting treatment, and sun protection is recommended during use due to increased skin sensitivity.

Tretinoin (Retin-A®) is used for the treatment of mild to moderate acne. It is a topical retinoid which has shown to significantly improve acne and the appearance of skin.  

Sulfacetamide and sulfur topical cleanser is an antibiotic wash used to control acne, rosacea and seborrheic dermatitis. Sulfacetamide is an antibiotic which works to inhibit the growth of acne-causing bacteria while sulfur works as a keratolytic to remove flaking, soften and smooth the skin.

Tretinoin topical gel is a prescription medication used to treat acne and reduce the appearance of fine wrinkles, dark spots, and rough skin. It is a form of vitamin A (retinoid) that works by increasing skin cell turnover, helping to unclog pores and promote smoother, clearer skin. Tretinoin can also improve skin texture and tone over time, but it may cause dryness, redness, and peeling during the initial weeks of use as the skin adjusts.

Clindamycin pledgets are a topical antibiotic treatment used to treat and manage acne. The active ingredient, clindamycin, is effective against bacteria on the skin that contribute to acne formation. The pledgets are convenient, pre-soaked wipes that allow for precise application to the affected areas.

Metronidazole topical cream and gel is used for the treatment of inflammatory lesions and redness of rosacea.

Erythromycin gel is a topical antibiotic used to treat acne. Erythromycin gel reduces the amount of bacteria that cause pimples, in addition to decreasing the amount of fatty acids that irritate the skin's oil glands. Erythromycin gel contains a large amount of alcohol which helps to dry the extra oils from the skin.

Clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide are used for the treatment of acne. In combination with benzoyl peroxide, clindamycin provides anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties as a topical antibiotic.

Tretinoin (Retin-A) is used for the treatment of mild to moderate acne. It is a topical retinoid which has shown to significantly improve acne and the appearance of skin.  

Spironolactone may be used to treat moderate to severe acne in females. Use of treatment for acne in males is typically avoided to the antiandrogen blocking activity of this medication.

Minocycline is an oral antibiotic that can be used for the treatment of moderate to severe acne. It is recommended that treatment is limited to 3 to 4 months. 

Azelaic acid (Azelex) is a prescription strength topical gel that is used to treat mild to moderate acne. It is often used once to twice daily and serves as an adjunct treatment to other acne medications to reduce number of pimples and inflammation. 

Adapalene and benzoyl peroxide is used for the treatment of mild to moderate acne. Adapalene is a topical retinoid which, in combination with benzoyl peroxide, has shown to significantly improve acne and the appearance of skin.