Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

What is the next recommended treatment for a patient who has been using topical treatments for acne without success?

1. Isotretinoin (Accutane)

2. Tetracycline (Sumycin)

3. Clindamycin topical solution (Cleocin T)

4. Minoxidil (Rogaine)

The correct answer is: Tetracycline (Sumycin)

The next recommended treatment for a patient who has been unsuccessful with topical treatments for acne is often systemic antibiotics, such as tetracycline. This class of medication is effective in reducing the bacteria that contribute to acne, as well as possessing anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce pustules and cyst formation. Tetracycline can help manage moderate to severe acne when topical therapies alone do not achieve the desired results. While isotretinoin is a potent option for severe cases of acne, it is typically reserved for severe nodular acne or cases that do not respond to other treatments due to its potential side effects and required monitoring. Clindamycin topical solution can be an appropriate choice for some patients, particularly for localized areas, but would generally be used in conjunction with other therapies rather than as a next step after topical treatments fail. Minoxidil, primarily used for hair loss, is not indicated for acne treatment and would not be a relevant choice. Thus, tetracycline is the most logical step for a patient needing increased intervention following ineffective topical treatment.