From the Guidelines
Ampicillin is not typically used for treating cystic acne. The standard treatments for cystic acne include topical retinoids (like tretinoin), benzoyl peroxide, topical or oral antibiotics specifically indicated for acne (such as doxycycline, minocycline, or clindamycin), and in severe cases, isotretinoin (Accutane) 1. For women, hormonal treatments like certain birth control pills or spironolactone may also be effective. Ampicillin is a penicillin-class antibiotic primarily used for bacterial infections like respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, and certain types of meningitis, but it does not target the specific bacteria (Propionibacterium acnes) or inflammatory processes involved in cystic acne.
According to the guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris, strong recommendations are made for benzoyl peroxide, topical retinoids, and oral doxycycline 1. Oral isotretinoin is strongly recommended for acne that is severe, causing psychosocial burden or scarring, or failing standard oral or topical therapy. Conditional recommendations are made for topical clascoterone, salicylic acid, azelaic acid, as well as for oral minocycline, sarecycline, combined oral contraceptive pills, and spironolactone.
The use of antibiotics not specifically indicated for acne, such as ampicillin, can contribute to antibiotic resistance and may cause side effects without providing benefit 1. Therefore, it is not recommended to use ampicillin for treating cystic acne. If you're struggling with cystic acne, it's best to consult with a dermatologist who can recommend appropriate treatments based on the severity of your condition and your medical history 1.
Some key points to consider when treating cystic acne include:
- Using topical therapies combining multiple mechanisms of action
- Limiting systemic antibiotic use
- Combining systemic antibiotics with benzoyl peroxide and other topical therapies
- Adjuvant intralesional corticosteroid injections for larger acne lesions
- Considering oral isotretinoin for severe acne or acne that is causing psychosocial burden or scarring.
From the Research
Use of Ampicillin for Cystic Acne
- There is no direct evidence in the provided studies to support the use of ampicillin for cystic acne 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- The studies discuss various treatments for acne, including topical and oral antibiotics, but ampicillin is not mentioned as a treatment option.
- Oral antibiotics such as doxycycline and minocycline are commonly used to treat moderate to severe acne, including cystic acne 2, 3, 5.
- Other treatments for severe acne include isotretinoin and hormonal therapies, which may be considered as alternatives to oral antibiotics 2, 3, 6.
- The choice of treatment for cystic acne depends on various factors, including the severity of the condition, patient demographics, and potential side effects of the treatment 3, 5, 6.