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Oral Antibiotics in Dermatology: A Practical Overview with Clinically Relevant Correlations and Management Suggestions

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Biologic and Systemic Agents in Dermatology

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Abstract

Oral antibiotics are frequently prescribed in dermatology practice, representing approximately 20% of all prescriptions written within the specialty. They are used to treat both cutaneous infections and noninfectious inflammatory dermatologic disorders, the latter being the more common disease states treated by dermatologists in ambulatory practice. Tetracyclines are the most common antibiotics prescribed by dermatologists, often for prolonged durations to treat acne vulgaris and rosacea. Penicillin derivatives, cephalosporins, tetracyclines, macrolides derivatives (including azithromycin, an azalide), and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole are used to treat most superficial cutaneous infections, the majority of which are caused by staphylococci and streptococci. Uncomplicated cutaneous infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are usually responsive to doxycycline, minocycline, or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Oral quinolones are sometimes needed to treat skin infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria. Each specific type of antibiotic has its own adverse reaction profile which is an important consideration in treatment selection and monitoring of outcomes.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Touro University Nevada, Henderson, NV, USA

    James Q. Del Rosso DO, FAOCD, FAAD

  2. JDR Dermatology Research, LLC, 9080 West Post Road, Suite 100, Las Vegas, NV, 89148, USA

    James Q. Del Rosso DO, FAOCD, FAAD

  3. Private Dermatology Practice, Thomas Dermatology, Las Vegas, NV, USA

    James Q. Del Rosso DO, FAOCD, FAAD

  4. Division of Dermatology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA

    Suzanne M. Sachsman MD

Authors
  1. James Q. Del Rosso DO, FAOCD, FAAD
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  2. Suzanne M. Sachsman MD
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to James Q. Del Rosso DO, FAOCD, FAAD .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Dermatology, David Geffen School of Medicine a UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA

    Paul S. Yamauchi

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Del Rosso, J.Q., Sachsman, S.M. (2018). Oral Antibiotics in Dermatology: A Practical Overview with Clinically Relevant Correlations and Management Suggestions. In: Yamauchi, P. (eds) Biologic and Systemic Agents in Dermatology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-66884-0_46

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-66884-0_46

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