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Compare Amzeeq vs. Aklief

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Amzeeq (minocycline) and Aklief (trifarotene) are both topical treatments for acne, but they belong to different drug classes and work in different ways. Amzeeq is a tetracycline antibiotic that helps reduce redness and swelling, while Aklief is a retinoid derived from vitamin A that unclogs pores and reduces inflammation. Amzeeq is also used to treat rosacea under the brand name Zilxi, whereas Aklief is only used for acne. Both medications are applied once daily, but Amzeeq comes as a foam and Aklief as a cream. Amzeeq can be used by children aged 9 and older for acne, but Zilxi is not recommended for children. Aklief is safe for children aged 9 and older. Amzeeq is usually well-tolerated but can cause headaches and skin irritation, while Aklief may lead to skin irritation, sunburn, and itching. Both medications are only available as brand names, making them potentially expensive.

  • Amzeeq (minocycline topical foam)
    Aklief (trifarotene)
  • Amzeeq (minocycline topical foam)
    Aklief (trifarotene)

  • Summary of Amzeeq vs. Aklief

    Summary for Tetracycline antibiotic
    Prescription only

    Amzeeq is a topical foam containing minocycline, a tetracycline antibiotic. It's used to treat pimples in people ages 9 years and older who have moderate-to-severe non-nodular acne. You'll apply Amzeeq (minocycline topical foam) to the affected area(s) once daily, ideally at least an hour before bedtime. Wash your hands afterwards because the medication can stain clothes and fabrics. Common side effects you might notice include mild redness or warmth at the application site. In some cases, you could also experience darkening of the skin in the treated area.

    Summary for Retinoid
    Prescription only

    Aklief contains trifarotene 0.005% topical cream. It's a retinoid used to treat acne in people ages 9 years and older. Aklief (trifarotene) is applied directly to the affected area(s) once per day in the evening. Some of the more common effects include dry skin, peeling, and itching. Your skin will likely experience more irritation during the first month of treatment, before it starts to improve.

  • Indications of Amzeeq vs. Aklief

    Indications for
    •Treatment of moderate-to-severe non-nodular acne
    Indications for
    •Treatment of acne in people ages 9 years and older

  • Pros and Cons of Amzeeq vs. Aklief

    Pros and Const for Tetracycline antibiotic
    Pros
    •Applied once a day
    •Option for children ages 9 years and older
    •Generally well-tolerated with no serious side effects
    Cons
    •Can't bathe, shower, or swim for at least 1 hour after application
    •Might cause penicillin antibiotics to not work as well
    •Can stain clothing, bedsheets
    Pros and Const for Retinoid
    Pros
    •Available as a cream in an easy-to-use pump
    •Only need to use once per day
    •Treats acne on the face, chest, shoulders, and back
    •Safe to use in children ages 9 years and older
    Cons
    •Only available as a brand-name medication
    •Skin might look worse during the first month of treatment, before it starts to improve
    •Can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, which can lead to sunburns
    •Must use mild, non-medicated soaps, cleansers, and shampoos to prevent skin irritation

  • Common Side Effects of Amzeeq vs. Aklief

    Common Side Effects for
    •Skin redness (up to 14%)
    •Darkening of skin around application site (up to 12%)
    •Dry skin (up to 7%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Irritation at application site (8%)
    •Sunburn (3%)
    •Skin itching (2%)

  • Warnings of Amzeeq vs. Aklief

    Common Side Effects for
    •Risk of fire
    •Drug-resistant bacteria
    •Risk of new infections
    •Risk of sunburns or skin-related side effects
    •Risk of harm to bones in children
    •Rare risk of other side effects related to oral minocycline
    Common Side Effects for
    •Skin irritation
    •Sunburn

  • Prices with our coupons for Amzeeq vs. Aklief

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