Oral Medications for Rosacea
Modern science has helped in the research and development of many new age drugs and thanks to it, Rosacea medication has also increased its successful rate of lessening symptoms and signs as well as helping people with Rosacea to lead a more normal life.
Topical and oral medications are usually used as the first-line of treatment for Rosacea when a patient is diagnosed with the disorder. Topical and oral medications work best for beginning and moderate levels of rosacea. For severe levels, laser or light therapy is normally used.
Antibiotics have anti-inflammatory properties that successfully suppress inflammation associated with Rosacea. It has also been proven to reduce the excess vascularity vessels that play a central role in developing symptoms associated with Rosacea. Some of the common antibiotics prescribed to Rosacea patients are tetracycline, doxycycline and minocycline.
Oral antibiotics have to be taken according to a doctor’s advice and recommendations as it has unwanted side effects. Some of the side effects that have been related to the use of these three common drugs are stomach upset and diarrhea. Long term use of these oral medications is not recommended as it has dangers of bacterial resistance.
Oral medications are often prescribed until the dermatologist has seen the symptoms lessening or been brought under control at which point topical medication is continued to prevent further flare ups.
Isotretinoin
This oral prescription is normally given in severe cases of rosacea especially when rosacea is combined with cystic acne. Isotretinoin is prescribed in small doses and is commercially known as Accutane and Roaccutane. Isotretinoin is derived from Vitamin A and is a pretty powerful drug. It works by shrinking in the skin’s sebaceous glands which in turn prevents papules and pustules from forming. Women who are pregnant or those with low immune system are discouraged from taking this drug. Isotretinoin though to be proven effective, has a lot of complications and side effects such as skin peeling, rash, flushing, nose bleeds, dry eyes, alopecia, conjunctivitis, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, depression and in some cases night impaired vision, optic neuritis and hepatitis.
Short Term Oral Steroids
Doctors also prescribe oral steroids for about a week or less in severe cases of Rosacea in the efforts of reducing the swelling and inflammation of rosacea symptoms. After this short while, doctors will then ask the patient to continue using topical treatments that will help in reducing inflammation and possible flare ups. Oral steroids are never continued for a longer period or more precisely more than four weeks. Some of the common side effects reported from the use of oral steroids is that it stresses the liver and the shrinking of adrenal glands because of the production of cortisone. Other symptoms reported are such as cataracts, muscle weakness, avascular necrosis of bone and osteoporosis. These usually do not occur with less than four weeks of treatment.
Anti-Hypertensive’s
The use of this medication has shown that it has helped in reducing the symptoms of severe flushing. Anti-hypertensive’s are normally taken to lower blood pressure and since this drug is not for everyone to take, anti-hypertensive’s are normally taken under doctor’s orders because there are some life altering side effects such as difficulty breathing, insomnia, feelings of depression and a decrease in sexual desire.
