General information
The drug known as Aknemycin has long been used to treat acne. The skin disease acne is favoured by male hormones (so-called androgens). A high level of androgens is therefore one of the causes of the inflammatory skin changes.
As a rule, men are affected far more frequently than women, but female patients in particular are bothered by the unsightly pimples. Androgens have a stimulating effect on the production rate of the sebaceous glands of the skin, resulting in an excessive accumulation of skin lipids which accumulate and form tiny little lumps. This environment is the ideal habitat for bacteria, which settle and multiply there and cause irritation of the sebaceous glands and surrounding skin with their metabolic end products. The result is the development of pus-filled pimples.
- Acne
- Unclean skin
Active substance
Drugs containing Aknemycin® contain the active ingredient erythromycin, an antibiotic of the macrolipids group. Macrolipids, like penicillins, belong to the so-called beta-lactams. This antibiotic group has an inhibitory effect on an enzyme (transpeptidase) which is essential for the cell wall synthesis of acne bacteria. If this enzyme is missing or if it is inhibited to a high degree, the bacteria can no longer form a functional cell wall, cannot multiply (bacteriostatic effect) and finally die (bacteriocidal effect). Aknemycin® therefore has an inhibitory effect on the development of inflammatory acne by eliminating the relevant bacteria.
Side effects
In general, adverse side effects are rarely reported in connection with Aknemycin® therapy. However, some patients develop allergic skin reactions during the application of Aknemycin®. The result is: Aknemycin® should never be used around the eyes. In addition, contact of the drug with mucous membranes must be avoided urgently, otherwise severe irritation may occur. – Redness
- Severe itching
- Burning
- Skin scales
- Dehydration and
- Water-filled bubbles
Contraindications
Aknemycin® must not be used during pregnancy or while breast-feeding as a harmful effect on the unborn child or infant cannot be excluded. In addition, the simultaneous use of Aknemycin® and other dermatological drugs must be urgently discussed with the treating physician, because a mutual influence of the drugs cannot be excluded in every case.
Pharmaceutical form and use
Aknemycin® can be used in different dosage forms. The choice of the ideal form of application depends primarily on the severity of the acne disease, but also on the assessment of the treating physician and the preferences of the individual patient. Many patients find the application of Aknemycin® ointments particularly pleasant and easy.
The ointment contains the standard active ingredient erythromycin, an antibiotic that inhibits the spread of acne-causing bacteria. Various Aknemycin® solutions are also very popular with users due to their easy application and dosage. In particularly severe cases it is recommended to take tablets. In general, regardless of the chosen dosage form, the patient should urgently follow the application and dosage instructions of the treating dermatologist, as this is the only way to keep the risk of undesirable side effects as low as possible.
