Prescription Drugs & Acne
Posted on 02. Jan, 2009 by admin in Acne Prevention
Prescription Triggers of Acne
Believe it or not there are various prescription medications that many of us take every day that can be a trigger that causes acne outbreaks. Your health should be of utmost importance to you, but if you regularly take any of the medications listed below and you are having recurring problems with acne there may be an alternate prescription that your family physician can offer you.
Anticonvulsants – Prescriptions such as Dilantin are used to treat various types of seizures and epilepsy. A majority of this type of medicines clearly states that one of the common side effects is acne.
Corticosteroids – Medications such as Prednisone are commonly used for the treatment of a variety of different chronic diseases of the lungs, as well as the treatment of asthma. Just as the body produces a steroid that is natural when we experience situations that cause intense amounts of stress, this medication can cause your body to produce higher levels of sebum, which can result in more blemishes.
Disulfuram – Patients who may be chronic alcoholics and would like to remain sober are often prescribed Antabuse. When this medication is taken along with the consumption of alcohol it can cause a variety of symptoms that are very unpleasant that will generally make the patient want to refrain from mixing alcohol with the medication in the future. When this medication is taken on a regular basis with or without alcohol it can cause outbreaks of acne in some people.
Immuran – This medication is commonly used in individuals that are awaiting a transplant of an organ, as it helps prevent the body from rejecting the organ. However, it also lowers the natural ability your body has to fight against bacteria that can cause problems with acne.
INH – INH – Isoniazid is generally used in patients for the treatment of TB or tuberculosis. This is a dangerous disease of the lungs that many thought was eradicated until an outbreak occurred in the 1980’s, and it is still to this day a problem being dealt with.
Quinine – This is generally prescribed as a treatment or precaution medication for malaria. It is a good idea to speak with your family physician for alternate medications that you can take if you plan to travel to areas that you may be at risk.
Thyroid Medications - These medications are used to help in stimulating their thyroid gland in patients that have a thyroid that may function at low levels. There are certain thyroid medicines like Thiouracil and Thiourea that have been known to trigger outbreaks of acne. Large quantities of iodine can be helpful in regulating the thyroid function, but it can also cause problems with acne.
