Oral antibiotics for Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Overview
Antibiotics are medications that kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria or fungi. Antibiotics work by attacking the source of the infection. In cases of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), oral antibiotics may work by reducing the bacterial load on the skin. Some antibiotics are also anti-inflammatory agents. Oral antibiotics have a systemic effect, meaning that they work throughout the body. However, oral antibiotics can also have systemic side effects.

There are several different classes of antibiotics, each of which works in a slightly different way. Oral tetracyclines are usually the first class of antibiotics to be prescribed in cases of HS. Tetracyclines include Doxycycline, Minocycline, and Lymecycline.

In cases where tetracycline antibiotics are not effective, oral Clindamycin and Rifampicin may be prescribed in combination. Other oral antibiotics used for HS may include Dapsone, Moxifloxacin, Metronidazole, and Erythromycin.

How do I take it?
Oral antibiotics are taken by mouth as tablets or capsules. Always take medications exactly as prescribed by the doctor.

Side effects
Some classes of antibiotics can cause more or worse side effects than others. Side effects often increase at higher dosages. Common side effects of antibiotics in general include headache, dizziness, fatigue, skin sensitivity to sunlight, nausea, diarrhea, and stomach upset.

Rarely, some antibiotics can cause serious side effects including convulsions, tendon rupture, severe headaches, hearing damage, kidney damage, vision problems, blood cell disorders, and C. diff, a potentially life-threatening intestinal infection by the bacterium Clostridium difficile. Antibiotics can also cause allergic reactions.

For more details about this treatment, visit:

Oral Treatments for Hidradenitis Suppurativa – Hidradenitis Suppurativa Foundation, Inc.
https://www.hs-foundation.org/oral-treatment/

Antibiotics: Types and Side Effects – eMedExpert
http://www.emedexpert.com/classes/antibiotics.s...