Common Acne Medication Now Available as a Foam

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the first topical form of the acne treatment minocycline.

This new FDA approval can be found under the brand name Amzeeq.

Minocycline was initially approved in 1971 and has been available in tablet and capsule form. Now, minocycline is available as a foam to be applied to the affected areas. In fact, this new medication is the first topical minocycline formulation the FDA has approved.

This medication is approved to treat moderate to severe acne in children (9 and older) and adults.

This medication’s approval came after it was shown to be effective in three clinical trials. These trials involved a few hundred patients ages 9 and older.

A common side effect of Amzeeq may include headache. Based on what we know about minocycline (the active ingredient), this medication may make your skin more sensitive to the sun and may result in a severe sunburn. Minimize your exposure to the sun, including sunlamps and tanning beds.

This approval was granted to Foamix Pharmaceuticals.

Speak with your health care provider if you have any questions about acne or acne treatments.

Written by Anyssa Garza, PharmD, BCMAS