Solodyn and Tazorac are both prescription medications that treat bacterial infections and inflammatory skin conditions. Solodyn is available in time-release antibiotic tablets and Tazorac is available in topical gels or creams. Whether you have severe acne, psoriasis or another painful bacterial infection, Solodyn or Tazorac can be used to treat and cure these conditions, but should be used with caution and only as prescribed by a physician.
Identification
The generic name for Solodyn is minocycline. Solodyn is a tetracycline antibiotic medication available only in extended-release tablets in one of three different strengths by prescription only. Solodyn treats bacterial infections such as severe acne, urinary tract infections, tick fever, chlamydia and gonorrhea. The generic name of Tazorac is tazarotene. Tazorac is a retinoid containing vitamin A that comes in a topical gel or cream available by prescription only. It treats scaly patch psoriasis and facial acne.
Uses
Take Solodyn tablets by mouth with an 8-oz. glass of water once a day for 12 weeks. The medication should be taken at the same time every day and can be administered with or without food. Solodyn tablets should be swallowed whole and not crushed or chewed.
Apply Tazorac gel or cream thinly to affected areas of the skin once a day at bedtime. Skin should be washed with a gentle facial cleanser and dried completely before application, and should be kept away from the eyes, mouth and nose.
Interactions
Solodyn may interact adversely with other medications, including those that lower cholesterol or thin the blood, such as Prevalite or Warfarin. It should not be taken with Accutane or Renova, or with penicillin antibiotics, such as amoxicillin. Antacids such as Maalox, Tums, Rolaids or Pepto Bismol should be avoided while taking Solodyn. Tazorac gel or cream shouldn't be used with fluoroquinolones, phenothiazines, tetracyclines, thiazide diuretics or supplements containing vitamin A.
Side Effects
Taking Solodyn and using Tazorac gel or cream may cause allergic reactions such as hives, problems breathing, and swelling in the facial area. Solodyn may also cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, stomachache or diarrhea, headaches, dizziness, vision problems, flu symptoms and skin rashes. Common side effects of using Tazorac gel or cream include cracking, peeling, itchy, burning, stinging and reddened skin.
Warnings
People shouldn't take multivitamins, iron or calcium supplements, antacids or laxatives within two hours of taking Solodyn, and it shouldn't be taken with milk or any other dairy products. Pregnant women or those taking birth control pills shouldn't use Solodyn. Tazorac gel or cream shouldn't be used on skin with eczema, sunburn or windburn. Other topical products that cause skin to dry out, such as alcohol, astringents, perfumed soaps or chemical hair removers, should be avoided while using Tazorac.
