Anti-acne drugs are medicines that help clear up pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and more severe forms of acne. Acne is a skin condition in which pores or hair follicles become blocked. This allows a waxy material, sebum, to collect inside the pores or follicles. As a result, small swellings develop on the skin surface. Bacteria and dead skin cells can collect, causing inflammation. Swellings that are small and not inflamed are whiteheads or blackheads. When they become inflamed, they turn into pimples. Pimples that fill with pus are called pustules.

People who have certain medical conditions or who are taking other medicines may have problems if they use antiacne drugs. Before using these products, be sure to let the physician know about any allergies, pregnancy, breastfeeding, eczema, or any other conditions such as alcoholism, diabetes, or high cholesterol or high triglyceride levels.

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