Possible side effects of antibiotics

Antibiotics are a useful ingredient for treating acne and reducing inflammation associated with breakouts, which you can read more about here.

Topical Antibiotics

When used in topical form, they are generally well tolerated as there is minimal absorption into the body, so possible side effects are usually mild and ease over time.

Possible side effects of topical antibiotics may include:

  • Irritation
  • Dry skin
  • Redness
  • Itchiness or slight burning sensation on application
  • Very rarely they may cause stomach upset or diarrhoea.

Oral Antibiotics

Some antibiotics are used in a tablet form to treat acne, and are used short term only. This is to prevent antibiotic resistance occurring (where the bacteria would not longer respond to the antibiotic). Oral antibiotics are also usually well tolerated by most patients and side effects can be mitigated or reduced by a few simple interventions which you will be provided information on when starting treatment.

Possible side effects of oral antibiotics may include:

  • Stomach upset
  • Diarrhoea
  • Nausea
  • Reflux or throat irritation
  • Sensitivity to sunlight

If you experience side effects on your Software treatment and they worry you, please reach out to our Medical Support Team via the Support button below.

Please pause your treatment while waiting a response. Alternatively, please see your local GP for an in-person assessment if your symptoms are not subsiding or worsening.


If you have stomach discomfort is accompanied by any of the following symptoms, please seek medical attention from your nearest Emergency Department: Blood or pus in the stool, fever >38.5 degrees, signs of dehydration (such as decreased urination, lethargy or listlessness, extreme thirst, and a dry mouth), significant abdominal pain