Abstract
Systemic antibiotics have bacteriostatic and anti-inflammatory effects and are mainly indicated in cases of moderate or severe inflammatory acne, and papulopustulous and conglobate acne. Tetracyclines are the preferred choice, followed by macrolides. Other options include sulfonamides and quinolones. It is important that systemic antibiotics are selected and used according to strict criteria in order to avoid the development of super-infection and bacterial resistance.