Function

• Amoxicillin is used for the treatment of severe acne. It is generally used on cystic type acne due to the acne's tendency to cause inflammation. Cystic acne are small cysts under the skin that are caused by severe inflammation in a small area. Cystic acne is very painful and cause scarring if it is not treated. Amoxicillin is very effective against this particular type of acne because it is an antibiotic. As an antibiotic, amoxicillin kills the bacteria before the pimple can begin to become inflamed.
  
  

Effectiveness

• The effectiveness of amoxicillin is dependent on the patient. Similar to many other types of acne treatments, some people will respond very well to amoxicillin, while others will find no results. The only way to see if amoxicillin will work for you is to actually try it. Consult your dermatologist to determine if this is the best treatment for you.
  
  

FDA

• Using amoxicillin as a treatment for acne is FDA approved and there are no major side effects. Despite it being approved by the FDA, dermatologists usually try many different types of treatments before they resort to amoxicillin. Dermatologist will have patients try over-the-counter acne treatments, such as Proactive, Neutrogena products, Murad, Dermatoligica products, Clean & Clear products and other types of acne treatment available at your local pharmacy. If none of those products work, then the dermatologist will begin to prescribe a treatment that they think will work for you. If a dermatologist has tried a number of less invasive treatments that don't work, they they will prescribe amoxicillin.
  
  

Use

• Amoxicillin is generally taken orally, and it must be prescribed by a dermatologist. When taking amoxicillin, you must take it twice a day (morning and night). Most dermatologists will only prescribe amoxicillin to a patient for no longer than a couple of years because if taken for a long period of time, the body will become resistant to the antibiotic. However, if you need to try something new for your cystic acne, then ask your dermatoligist if amoxicillin will work for you.
  
  

Warning

• The main problem due to the prolonged use of amoxicillin, as your body becomes resistant and immune to the antibiotic when it is exposed to it for long periods of time. Amoxicillin can be used anyone that does not have an allergy to the antibiotic, and it can be used in conjunction with most medications. It is not advisable that pregnant woman take amoxicillin as an acne treatment due to the birth defects that can occur. If you are concerned with risks of taking amoxicillin talk to your dermatologist or your pharmacist.