{"id":22768,"date":"2018-03-06T12:00:09","date_gmt":"2018-03-06T06:30:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/zovon.com\/?p=22768"},"modified":"2018-07-31T11:15:10","modified_gmt":"2018-07-31T05:45:10","slug":"acne-and-its-most-common-drug-list","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/zovon.com\/?p=22768","title":{"rendered":"Acne and Its Most Common Drug List"},"content":{"rendered":"<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Waking up with a zit on the skin can be terrifying. These zits are nothing but <a href=\"https:\/\/zovon.com\/health-conditions\/acne\/\">acne\u00a0<\/a>and affect almost 85% of young adults.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Acne (medically known as Acne vulgaris) is a chronic inflammatory condition of the skin caused by the obstruction of hair follicle with sebum and dead skin cells. The sebaceous glands of our skin produce sebum or oil, which has a protective action. Whenever there is excess production of sebum it along with dead skin cells forms a plug which can occlude your hair follicle. When the plug gets contaminated by the skin bacteria, it produces pustules, papules or cysts.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Mild acne can be easily managed through natural remedies. However, severe acne necessitates the use of medications.<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\">Symptoms<\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Acne may have a varied presentation, depending on the severity of your condition. These are described below.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify;\">Blackheads (Open comedones) occur when the clogged pore is open to the skin surface.<\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify;\">Whiteheads (Closed comedones) have a closed clogged pore<\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify;\">Papules or small red tender bumps, occur when the wall of the clogged pore breaks down due to inflammation.<\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify;\">Pustules or pimples arise when the papule gets filled with pus.<\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify;\">Solid, painful, large lumps underneath the skin are known as nodules and originate as a result of constant irritation to the papule.<\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify;\">Largest from of acne, i.e. cyst occurs due to severely infected clogged pore.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\">Treatment<\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Different procedures for treatment of acne are directed towards tackling the underlying mechanism involved in the formation of acne. Different processes like increased keratinization of follicles, increased sebum production, inflammation and colonization by skin bacteria (i.e. Propionibacterium acne) are all involved in the production of acne and most of the current treatments for acne are focused on limiting one more of these processes.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Although acne can be treated through various home remedies and over-the counter products, severe acne or scarring caused by acne necessitates a dermatologist&#8217;s consultation.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Most of the medications that are used to effectively manage acne are topical preparations, such as creams, lotions, gels, washes, etc. Anti-acne drugs available as topical preparations include benzoyl peroxide, keratolytics, adapalene, azelaic acid, topical retinoids and topical antibiotics.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Some oral drugs are also advocated in the treatment of acne, including oral retinoids, oral contraceptives, spironolactone and certain antibiotics such as tetracycline, minocycline and doxycycline.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">However, in some cases, medications may not effectively treat the persisting scar of acne. Recent treatment advances can play a vital role in these individuals. Anti-scar procedures such as dermabrasion, lasers and chemical peeling, aid in restoring a healthy skin.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The most commonly used drugs in acne are described below.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\">1. Benzoyl Peroxide<\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">It is one of the most effective and most widely used drug in acne. It releases free-radical oxygen which destroys bacteria, in particular anaerobic and microaerophilic bacteria.<br \/>\nAlthough the primary acting mechanism of benzoyl peroxide is its bactericidal action, it also has mild keratolytic and comedolytic properties i.e. it produces mild desquamation, causes shedding of comedone caps and reduces the production of fatty acids in sebum which may act as irritants.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Available as:<\/strong> Topical preparations only, in the form of lotions, gels, creams and washes.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>US-FDA Status:<\/strong> Approved for Acne<br \/>\n<strong>Availability:<\/strong> Prescription\/ OTC<br \/>\n<strong>Generic name:<\/strong> benzoyl peroxide<br \/>\n<strong>Brand name:<\/strong> Brevoxyl gel<br \/>\n<strong>Side-effects:<\/strong> Skin rash, skin irritation, breathing difficulty, hives, tightness in throat<br \/>\n<strong>Indicated in pregnancy:<\/strong> Only if benefit outweighs risk to fetus<br \/>\n<strong>Alcohol content:<\/strong> Present<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\">2. Keratolytics<\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Skin is made up of several layers of cells with an intercellular substance interspersed in between the cells. The chief action of a keratolytic drug is dissolution of the intercellular substance in the outermost layer of skin, i.e. horny layer (histologically called as stratum corneum). By doing so, it causes thinning of skin on and around the lesion. Therefore, it is mainly used in the treatment of hyperkeratotic skin lesions, such as <strong>corns<\/strong>, <strong>warts<\/strong>, <strong>psoriasis<\/strong>, <strong>ringworm<\/strong>, <strong>athletes foot<\/strong>, etc.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">However, the desquamation of skin caused by application of keratolytic, also aids in the treatment of acne.<\/p>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: justify;\">I. Salicylic acid<\/h4>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Unlike other anti-acne medications, salicylic acid does not alter the sebum production or kill bacteria. It unclogs the skin pores and aids in resolution of the acne. It also prevents the recurrence of acne in future. However, it has to be used continuously to produce and retain the desirable results.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Available as:<\/strong> Topical preparations<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>US-FDA Status:<\/strong> Approved for Acne<br \/>\n<strong>Availability:<\/strong> Prescription\/ OTC<br \/>\n<strong>Generic name:<\/strong> salicylic acid<br \/>\n<strong>Brand name:<\/strong> Duofilm gel<br \/>\n<strong>Side-effects:<\/strong> Skin irritation, dryness of skin, hives or itching, skin redness<br \/>\n<strong>Indicated in pregnancy:<\/strong> Only if benefit outweighs risk to fetus<br \/>\n<strong>Alcohol content:<\/strong> Present<\/p>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: justify;\">II. Sulfur<\/h4>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">It acts as a keratolytic and antiseptic agent. It usually produces a mild effect. It also has anti-fungal effect and is hence, primarily indicated in the treatment of <a href=\"https:\/\/zovon.com\/health-conditions\/dandruff\/\">dandruff<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Available as:<\/strong> Topical preparations<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>US-FDA Status:<\/strong> Approved for Acne<br \/>\n<strong>Availability:<\/strong> Prescription\/ OTC<br \/>\n<strong>Generic name:<\/strong> sulfur<br \/>\n<strong>Brand name:<\/strong> Acnotex<br \/>\n<strong>Side-effects:<\/strong> Skin irritation or redness, peeling, dryness or burning of skin<br \/>\n<strong>Indicated in pregnancy:<\/strong> Only if benefit outweighs risk to fetus<br \/>\n<strong>Alcohol content:<\/strong> Contains traces of alcohol<\/p>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: justify;\">III. Resorcinol<\/h4>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">It has antiseptic, anti-fungal and keratolytic property. It causes desquamation by breaking down the hardened, rough and scaly skin. It also disinfects the skin and act against infections.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Other than acne, it also aids in the treatment of various skin lesions, such as <strong>eczema<\/strong>, dandruff, <strong>psoriasis<\/strong>, etc.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Available as:<\/strong> Topical preparations<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>US-FDA Status:<\/strong> Approved for Acne<br \/>\n<strong>Availability:<\/strong> Prescription\/ OTC<br \/>\n<strong>Generic name:<\/strong> resorcinol<br \/>\n<strong>Brand name:<\/strong> Resinol<br \/>\n<strong>Side-effects:<\/strong> Skin irritation or redness, peeling, dryness or burning of skin<br \/>\n<strong>Indicated in pregnancy:<\/strong> Only if benefit outweighs risk to fetus<br \/>\n<strong>Alcohol content:<\/strong> Absent<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\">3. Retinoids<\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">These are Vitamin A derivatives. Retinoids have comedolytic and keratolytic property. This group of drugs rectifies the abnormal keratinization of follicles and prevents the formation of comedones. These are usually initiated as a first-line therapy and also, as a maintenance therapy to prevent the formation of microcomedones later. All retinoids, except tretinoin, can be used in combination with other drugs, such as benzoyl peroxide. Retinoids are also effective against other skin ailments such as warts, psoriasis and have anti-aging effects.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Available as:<\/strong> Topical and Oral preparations<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Topical Retinoids<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>US-FDA Status:<\/strong> Approved for Acne<br \/>\n<strong>Availability:<\/strong> Prescription Only<br \/>\n<strong>Generic name:<\/strong> tretinoin<br \/>\n<strong>Brand name:<\/strong> Retin-A gel<br \/>\n<strong>Side-effects:<\/strong> Peeling of skin, burning of skin, unusual dryness of skin, skin redness<br \/>\n<strong>Indicated in pregnancy:<\/strong> Usually Contraindicated<br \/>\n<strong>Alcohol content:<\/strong> Contains 90% w\/w alcohol<br \/>\n<strong>Caution:<\/strong> Never use this drug along with benzoyl peroxide as benzoyl peroxide stimulates the degradation of tretinoin, hence making it less effective. However, alternate use of tretinoin and benzoyl peroxide is harmless (i.e. use one in morning and other at night).<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Oral Retinoids<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>US-FDA Status:<\/strong> Approved for Acne<br \/>\n<strong>Availability:<\/strong> Prescription Only<br \/>\n<strong>Generic name:<\/strong> isotretinoin<br \/>\n<strong>Brand name:<\/strong> Amnesteem<br \/>\n<strong>Side-effects:<\/strong> Nose bleeds, redness and itching of eyes, joint or bone pain, skin rash<br \/>\n<strong>Indicated in pregnancy:<\/strong> Usually Contraindicated<br \/>\n<strong>Alcohol content:<\/strong> Absent<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\">4. Adapalene<\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">It is a retinoid-like drug which has anti-inflammatory property. It binds to retinoic acid receptors and prevents the formation of comedones. It is as effective as tretinoin and causes less irritation.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Available as:<\/strong> Topical preparations only<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>US-FDA Status:<\/strong> Approved for Acne<br \/>\n<strong>Availability:<\/strong> Prescription\/ OTC<br \/>\n<strong>Generic name:<\/strong> adapalene<br \/>\n<strong>Brand name:<\/strong> Differin gel<br \/>\n<strong>Side-effects:<\/strong> Itching of skin, dryness of skin, peeling of skin<br \/>\n<strong>Indicated in pregnancy:<\/strong> Usually Contraindicated<br \/>\n<strong>Alcohol content:<\/strong> Absent<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\">5. Antibiotics<\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Antibiotics are useful in treatment of acne because of their potential to act against the skin bacteria, called Propionibacterium acnes (P.acnes). Antibiotics produce an anti-inflammatory effect but are non-comedolytic. Hence, oral antibiotics in particular are considered as a mainstay in moderate to severe inflammatory acne vulgaris. However, a major complication associated with consumption of antibiotics is emergence of resistance. To combat this, a concomitant use of topical retinoids or benzoyl peroxide is recommended.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Various classes of antibiotics that are used in the treatment of acne are as follow:.<\/p>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: justify;\">I. Lincosamide Antibiotics<\/h4>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">This group of drug has a bacteriostatic action. It acts by inhibiting the microbial protein synthesis, thus acting against the acne-causing bacteria.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>A. Clindamycin<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Available as:<\/strong> Topical preparations<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Clindamycin alone<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>US-FDA Status:<\/strong> Approved for Acne<br \/>\n<strong>Availability:<\/strong> Prescription Only<br \/>\n<strong>Generic name:<\/strong> clindamycin phosphate<br \/>\n<strong>Brand name:<\/strong> Clindagel<br \/>\n<strong>Side-effects:<\/strong> Fever, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, increased thirst, weakness, unusual tiredness<br \/>\n<strong>Indicated in pregnancy:<\/strong> Usually safe during pregnancy<br \/>\n<strong>Alcohol content:<\/strong> Absent<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Combination of Clindamycin and Topical Retinoid<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>US-FDA Status:<\/strong> Approved for Acne<br \/>\n<strong>Availability:<\/strong> Prescription Only<br \/>\n<strong>Generic name:<\/strong> clindamycin phosphate\/ tretinoin (topical)<br \/>\n<strong>Brand name:<\/strong> Veltin gel<br \/>\n<strong>Side-effects:<\/strong> Peeling and dryness of skin, itching, unusually warm skin, redness of skin<br \/>\n<strong>Indicated in pregnancy:<\/strong> Usually Contraindicated, especially during first trimester<br \/>\n<strong>Alcohol content:<\/strong> Absent<\/p>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: justify;\">II. Macrolides<\/h4>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Macrolides are bacteriostatic agents. This group of drug inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to a specifc ribosomal subunit, called 50S. Thus, it inhibits the growth of acne-causing bacteria.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>A. Erythromycin<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Available as:<\/strong> Topical preparations<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Erythromycin alone<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>US-FDA Status:<\/strong> Approved for Acne<br \/>\n<strong>Availability:<\/strong> Prescription Only<br \/>\n<strong>Generic name:<\/strong> erythromycin<br \/>\n<strong>Brand name:<\/strong> Erythromycin gel<br \/>\n<strong>Side-effects:<\/strong> Peeking of skin, dry red skin, itching<br \/>\n<strong>Indicated in pregnancy:<\/strong> Only when benefit outweighs fetal risks<br \/>\n<strong>Alcohol content:<\/strong> Each gram of 2% gel contains around 92% alcohol<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Combination of Erythromycin and Benzoyl Peroxide<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>US-FDA Status:<\/strong> Approved for Acne<br \/>\n<strong>Availability:<\/strong> Prescription Only<br \/>\n<strong>Generic name:<\/strong> benzoyl peroxide (5%) \/ erythromycin (3%)<br \/>\n<strong>Brand name:<\/strong> Benzamycin gel<br \/>\n<strong>Side-effects:<\/strong> Bristling, crusting, redness and swelling of skin, painful skin irritation, swelling of eyes, nose, face<br \/>\n<strong>Indicated in pregnancy:<\/strong> Only when benefit outweighs fetal risks<br \/>\n<strong>Alcohol content:<\/strong> Each gram of gel contains 20% alcohol<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Earlier, oral erythromycin was used to treat acne. However, later it was discontinued due to emergence of resistant strains of P. acnes.<\/p>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: justify;\">III. Tetracycline Group of Antibiotics<\/h4>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">It is a class of antibiotics with a broad-spectrum activity. It usually is the first choice of antibiotic for treating acne. It inhibits protein synthesis of the bacteria and thus, is useful in severe acne.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>A. Tetracycline<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Available as:<\/strong> Oral preparations<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>US-FDA Status:<\/strong> Approved for Acne<br \/>\n<strong>Availability:<\/strong> Prescription\/ OTC<br \/>\n<strong>Generic name:<\/strong> tetracycline hydrochloride<br \/>\n<strong>Brand name:<\/strong> Achromycin V capsule<br \/>\n<strong>Side-effects:<\/strong> Increased skin sensitivity to sunlight, appetite loss, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting<br \/>\n<strong>Indicated in pregnancy:<\/strong> Usually contraindicated<br \/>\n<strong>Alcohol content:<\/strong> Absent<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>B. Minocycline<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Available as:<\/strong> Oral preparations<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>US-FDA Status:<\/strong> Approved for Acne<br \/>\n<strong>Availability:<\/strong> Prescription Only<br \/>\n<strong>Generic name:<\/strong> minocycline hydrochloride<br \/>\n<strong>Brand name:<\/strong> Dynacin capsule<br \/>\n<strong>Side-effects:<\/strong> Black tarry stools, double vision, blood in urine or stools, confusion, chest pain, diarrhea<br \/>\n<strong>Indicated in pregnancy:<\/strong> Usually contraindicated<br \/>\n<strong>Alcohol content:<\/strong> Absent<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>C. Doxycycline<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Available as:<\/strong> Oral preparations<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>US-FDA Status:<\/strong> Approved for Acne<br \/>\n<strong>Availability:<\/strong> Prescription Only<br \/>\n<strong>Generic name:<\/strong> doxycycline hyclate<br \/>\n<strong>Brand name:<\/strong> Acticlate capsule<br \/>\n<strong>Side-effects:<\/strong> Chills, constipation, cough, bloating, clay colored stools, dark urine, diarrhea<br \/>\n<strong>Indicated in pregnancy:<\/strong> Only when benefit outweighs fetal risks<br \/>\n<strong>Alcohol content:<\/strong> Absent<\/p>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: justify;\">IV. Sulfone Antibiotics<\/h4>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">This group of drugs inhibits an enzyme, called myeloperoxidase, which has a key role in inflammation. Hence, it is a potent anti-inflammatory and immuno-modulatory drug. However, this group of drugs is less commonly used in the treatment of acne.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>A. Dapsone<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Available as:<\/strong> Topical preparations<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>US-FDA Status:<\/strong> Approved for Acne<br \/>\n<strong>Availability:<\/strong> Prescription Only<br \/>\n<strong>Generic name:<\/strong> dapsone<br \/>\n<strong>Brand name:<\/strong> Aczone gel<br \/>\n<strong>Side-effects:<\/strong> Dark urine, bluish colored lips, palms or fingernails, fever, difficulty breathing, dizziness<br \/>\n<strong>Indicated in pregnancy:<\/strong> Only when benefit outweighs fetal risks<br \/>\n<strong>Alcohol content:<\/strong> Absent<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\">6. Azelaic Acid<\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">It is a natural acid derived from a fungus called Pityrosporum ovale. It inhibits aerobic and anaerobic organisms present on acne-bearing skin. It also lowers the fatty acid content of skin and has a keratolytic effect.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">It is also used in another skin condition, known as <strong>rosacea<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Available as:<\/strong> Topical preparations<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>US-FDA Status:<\/strong> Approved for Acne<br \/>\n<strong>Availability:<\/strong> Prescription Only<br \/>\n<strong>Generic name:<\/strong> azelaic acid<br \/>\n<strong>Brand name:<\/strong> Azelex cream<br \/>\n<strong>Side-effects:<\/strong> Dryness, itching, peeling or redness of skin, crusting, scaling of skin<br \/>\n<strong>Indicated in pregnancy:<\/strong> Only when benefit outweighs fetal risks<br \/>\n<strong>Alcohol content:<\/strong> Contains traces of alcohol<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\">7. Oral Contraceptives<\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Acne are caused when there is excess of androgens or male sex hormones like testosterone in women. These hormones are normally presnt in very low quantities in women. Testosterone stimulates sebum production; hence excess testosterone can cause acne. Thus, use of combined oral contraceptives (a combination of estrogen and progestin) can be beneficial in women with severe acne which is unresponsive to other treatments.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">However, contraceptives increase the risk of developing blood clots. Hence, FDA has approved only certain combined oral contraceptive preparations. These are as follows.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>A. Ortho Tri-cyclen<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Available as:<\/strong> Oral preparations<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>US-FDA Status:<\/strong> Approved for Acne<br \/>\n<strong>Availability:<\/strong> Prescription Only<br \/>\n<strong>Generic name:<\/strong> ethinyl estradiol\/ norgestimate<br \/>\n<strong>Brand name:<\/strong> Estarylla tablet<br \/>\n<strong>Side-effects:<\/strong> Visual changes, changes in skin color, abdominal pain, absent, missed or irregular periods, chills, chest pain<br \/>\n<strong>Indicated in pregnancy:<\/strong> Absolutely contraindicated<br \/>\n<strong>Alcohol content:<\/strong> Absent<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>B. Estrostep Fe<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Available as:<\/strong> Oral preparations<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>US-FDA Status:<\/strong> Approved for Acne<br \/>\n<strong>Availability:<\/strong> Prescription Only<br \/>\n<strong>Generic name:<\/strong> ethinyl estradiol\/ northindrone<br \/>\n<strong>Brand name:<\/strong> Lo Minastrin Fe tablet<br \/>\n<strong>Side-effects:<\/strong> Dizzy, breast tenderness, abdominal swelling, vomiting<br \/>\n<strong>Indicated in pregnancy:<\/strong> Absolutely contraindicated<br \/>\n<strong>Alcohol content:<\/strong> Absent<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>C. Yaz<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Available as:<\/strong> Oral preparations<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>US-FDA Status:<\/strong> Approved for Acne<br \/>\n<strong>Availability:<\/strong> Prescription Only<br \/>\n<strong>Generic name:<\/strong> ethinyl estradiol\/ drospirenone<br \/>\n<strong>Brand name:<\/strong> Loryna tablet<br \/>\n<strong>Side-effects:<\/strong> Breast tenderness, severe throbbing headache, irregular menstrual periods, nausea<br \/>\n<strong>Indicated in pregnancy:<\/strong> Absolutely contraindicated<br \/>\n<strong>Alcohol content:<\/strong> Absent<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\">8. Spironolactone<\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">It belongs to a group of drugs, called Potassium-sparing diuretics. It acts as an anti-androgen agent. Androgens refer to male sex hormones which are natural or synthetic steroid hormones produced by testes and adrenal glands. But, androgens are also produced by ovaries. An increase in the concentration of androgens in females, may sensitize the sebaceous glands, thus leading to excessive sebum production, eventually causing acne.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Spironolactone inhibits the androgen from affecting the sebaceous glands and is hence used in the treatment of acne.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Available as:<\/strong> Oral preparations<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>US-FDA Status:<\/strong> Approved for Acne<br \/>\n<strong>Availability:<\/strong> Prescription Only<br \/>\n<strong>Generic name:<\/strong> spironolactone<br \/>\n<strong>Brand name:<\/strong> Aldactone tablet<br \/>\n<strong>Side-effects:<\/strong> Black tarry stools, chest pain, bleeding gums, abdominal pain, chills<br \/>\n<strong>Indicated in pregnancy:<\/strong> Only if benefit outweighs risk to fetus<br \/>\n<strong>Alcohol content:<\/strong> Absent<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\">OTC<\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Most acne resolve with the readily available over the counter medications. However, the availability of these drugs vary among countries, due to the differing norms of the pharmaceutical regulatory bodies of the countries.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Various anti-acne OTC drugs in several countries have been listed below.<\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Name of the Country<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>OTC Drug(s) Available<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Argentina<\/td>\n<td>Benzoyl peroxide (topical)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Australia<\/td>\n<td>Benzoyl peroxide (topical)<br \/>\nAzelaic acid (topical)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Austria<\/td>\n<td>Benzoyl peroxide (topical)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Canada<\/td>\n<td>Benzoyl peroxide (topical)<br \/>\nResorcinol (topical)<br \/>\nSalicylic acid (topical)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>China<\/td>\n<td>Benzoyl peroxide (topical)<br \/>\nTretinoin (topical)<br \/>\nClindamycin (topical)<br \/>\nErythromycin (topical)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Czech Republic<\/td>\n<td>Benzoyl peroxide (topical)<br \/>\nAzelaic acid (topical)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Denmark<\/td>\n<td>Benzoyl peroxide (topical)<br \/>\nResorcinol (topical)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>France<\/td>\n<td>Benzoyl peroxide (topical)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Germany<\/td>\n<td>Benzoyl peroxide (topical)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Greece<\/td>\n<td>Benzoyl peroxide (topical)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>India<\/td>\n<td>Resorcinol (topical)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Ireland<\/td>\n<td>Benzoyl peroxide (topical)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Italy<\/td>\n<td>Benzoyl peroxide (topical)<br \/>\nAzelaic acid (topical)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Japan<\/td>\n<td>Tetracycline (topical)<br \/>\nResorcinol (topical)<br \/>\nSalicylic acid (topical)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Mexico<\/td>\n<td>Benzoyl peroxide (topical)<br \/>\nErythromycin (topical)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Philippines<\/td>\n<td>Benzoyl peroxide (topical)<br \/>\nTretinoin (topical)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Singapore<\/td>\n<td>Benzoyl peroxide (topical)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>South Korea<\/td>\n<td>Benzoyl peroxide (topical)<br \/>\nTretinoin (topical)<br \/>\nErythromycin (topical)<br \/>\nTetracycline (topical)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Spain<\/td>\n<td>Benzoyl peroxide (topical)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Switzerland<\/td>\n<td>Benzoyl peroxide (topical)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>The Netherlands<\/td>\n<td>Benzoyl peroxide (topical)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>UK<\/td>\n<td>Benzoyl peroxide (topical)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>USA<\/td>\n<td>Benzoyl peroxide (topical)<br \/>\nAdapalene (topical)<br \/>\nTetracycline (topical)<br \/>\nResorcinol (topical)<br \/>\nSulfur (topical)<br \/>\nSalicylic acid (topical)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Waking up with a zit on the skin can be terrifying. These zits are nothing but acne\u00a0and affect almost 85% of young adults. Acne (medically known as Acne vulgaris) is a chronic inflammatory condition of the skin caused by the obstruction of hair follicle with sebum and dead skin cells. The sebaceous glands of our [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":19,"featured_media":33818,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"tdm_status":"","tdm_grid_status":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[18941],"tags":[1856],"class_list":{"0":"post-22768","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-drug-by-condition","8":"tag-acne"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/zovon.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22768","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/zovon.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/zovon.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zovon.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/19"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zovon.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=22768"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/zovon.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22768\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zovon.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/33818"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/zovon.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=22768"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zovon.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=22768"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zovon.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=22768"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}