Which Tablet Is Used for Cysts? A Pharmacological Guide

October 7, 2025 •

3 min read

Approximately 5% to 10% of women of childbearing age are affected by Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), a common cause of ovarian cysts. The answer to 'Which tablet is used for cysts?' is not simple, as treatment depends entirely on the cyst's type, cause, and whether it's infected.

Quick Summary

The specific tablet used for a cyst depends on its type, location, and cause. Oral antibiotics are common for infected cysts, while hormonal treatments like birth control are used for PCOS-related cysts and severe cystic acne.

Key Points

No Single Pill: There is no universal tablet for all cysts; treatment is specific to the cyst's type, cause, and location.
Infection Requires Antibiotics: Infected cysts, such as abscessed skin or pilonidal cysts, are commonly treated with oral antibiotics like doxycycline or clindamycin.
Hormones for PCOS & Acne: Hormonal medications, including combination birth control pills, are a first-line treatment for managing PCOS-related cysts and hormonal acne in women.
Isotretinoin for Severe Acne: For severe, treatment-resistant cystic acne, the oral retinoid Isotretinoin is a highly effective medication that can provide long-term results.
Metformin for Insulin Resistance: In cases of PCOS, Metformin is used to improve insulin sensitivity, which helps regulate hormones and menstrual cycles.
Medical Diagnosis is Crucial: Self-diagnosing and self-treating are dangerous; a doctor must identify the cyst type to prescribe the correct treatment.
Some Cysts Need No Medication: Many cysts are harmless and may not require any treatment at all, sometimes resolving on their own.

What Are Cysts and Why Do They Form?

A cyst is a sac-like pocket of membranous tissue containing fluid, air, or other substances that can form anywhere on the body. Most are benign and can be caused by infections, blocked ducts, or conditions like PCOS. While some cysts resolve on their own, others can become inflamed, infected, or painful, necessitating medical care. It is important to avoid squeezing or draining a cyst yourself to prevent infection and scarring.

The Role of Oral Medications in Cyst Treatment

Oral medications are used for certain cysts, particularly those that are infected, hormonally influenced, or widespread. These medications treat the underlying cause, reduce inflammation, or eliminate bacterial infection. However, many cysts do not respond to tablets and may need other treatments like steroid injections, drainage, or surgery.

Medications for Infected Skin and Pilonidal Cysts

Infected skin cysts or pilonidal cysts can lead to painful abscesses. Oral antibiotics are often prescribed alongside incision and drainage to treat the bacterial infection.

Common Antibiotics: Common choices include Cephalexin, Clindamycin, Doxycycline, Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX), and sometimes Metronidazole. Finishing the entire course of antibiotics is vital to prevent recurrence.

Medications for Cystic Acne

Oral medications are a key treatment for cystic acne, a severe form of acne with deep, inflamed lesions.

Oral Antibiotics: Doxycycline and minocycline reduce bacteria and inflammation, typically for a limited period.
Isotretinoin: This potent oral retinoid is used for severe, resistant cystic acne and can provide long-term relief. It requires medical supervision due to potential side effects and birth defect risks.
Hormonal Agents: For women, hormonal options can help manage cystic acne:
- Combination Oral Contraceptives: Pills like Yaz and Ortho Tri-Cyclen are FDA-approved to treat acne by regulating hormones and reducing oil production.
- Spironolactone: This medication blocks androgen effects on oil glands and is effective for hormonal acne in women.

Medications for Ovarian Cysts and PCOS

Many ovarian cysts are benign and resolve naturally. For women with PCOS, characterized by hormonal imbalances and ovarian cysts, medication is a primary treatment.

Hormonal Birth Control: Combination pills are a first-line PCOS treatment, regulating cycles, reducing new cysts, and helping with symptoms like acne. They do not reduce existing cysts.
Metformin: This drug, used for type 2 diabetes, helps improve insulin resistance in women with PCOS, which can aid in restoring ovulation and regular periods.
Ovulation-Inducing Medications: Clomiphene and Letrozole may be prescribed for women with PCOS who are trying to get pregnant.

Comparison of Common Cyst Medications


Medication Type	Common Examples	Primary Use	How It Works
Oral Antibiotics	Doxycycline, Clindamycin, Cephalexin	Infected skin cysts, pilonidal cysts, cystic acne	Kills bacteria causing infection and reduces associated inflammation.
Hormonal Agents	Combination Birth Control Pills, Spironolactone	Ovarian cysts (PCOS), hormonal cystic acne	Regulates hormones to prevent new cyst formation and reduce oil production.
Oral Retinoids	Isotretinoin	Severe, recalcitrant nodular or cystic acne	Shrinks oil glands, reduces oil production, and helps prevent clogged pores.
Insulin Sensitizers	Metformin	PCOS-related cysts and symptoms	Lowers insulin levels and improves insulin resistance, helping to regulate hormones.

When to See a Doctor

Any new or changing lump should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. Seek medical attention if a cyst is large, red, swollen, painful, shows signs of infection, grows rapidly, or causes irritation. A doctor can diagnose the cyst and recommend appropriate treatment, which might involve medication, steroid injection, drainage, or surgery.

Conclusion

Treating cysts with tablets is not a one-size-fits-all approach. The specific medication depends on the cyst type and its cause. Antibiotics are used for infected skin or pilonidal cysts. Hormonal treatments are effective for PCOS and cystic acne in women, while Isotretinoin is an option for severe cystic acne. Accurate medical diagnosis is crucial for safe and effective treatment; self-treatment can be harmful.

For more information, you can visit the Mayo Clinic's page on Epidermoid Cysts.

Frequently Asked Questions

It depends on the type of cyst. Oral antibiotics can clear an infected cyst, and hormonal pills can help manage cysts from PCOS or cystic acne. However, many cysts, like epidermoid cysts, do not shrink with pills and may require drainage or surgical removal.

There isn't one single common antibiotic, as the choice depends on the suspected bacteria. Doctors often prescribe broad-spectrum antibiotics like clindamycin, doxycycline, cephalexin, or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole.

Hormonal birth control pills do not shrink existing ovarian cysts, but they are effective at preventing the formation of new functional cysts, especially in women with PCOS.

Yes, several tablets are used for cystic acne. These include oral antibiotics (like doxycycline), hormonal agents for women (like birth control pills and spironolactone), and the powerful oral retinoid Isotretinoin for severe cases.

Antibiotics can treat the infection within a pilonidal cyst (abscess) but will not cure the cyst itself. Definitive treatment often requires a procedure like incision and drainage or surgical removal to prevent recurrence.

No, you should never try to squeeze, pop, or drain a cyst on your own. Doing so can push the contents deeper, worsen inflammation, cause a severe infection, and lead to permanent scarring.

You should see a doctor if a cyst becomes painful, red, swollen, grows quickly, or shows signs of infection. A medical professional can provide a proper diagnosis and recommend the safest treatment plan.