Oral Antibiotic
Reviews
3.2
1954 Reviews
Oral Antibiotic
Efficacy
54%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
1
2
3
4
5
Note: Should never be used on its own and for a maximum of 3 months.
Oral Antibiotic
Side Effects
High
Oral Antibiotic
Acne.org’s Real World Take
Antibiotics should be used for a maximum of 3 months, provide only moderate benefit and only to some people, and may lead to side effects and strains of resistant bacteria. Studies do show they can reduce severe acne in the short term, but approach with caution and stay your own advocate.
Oral Antibiotic
How to Get It
Have a dermatologist? Make an appointment to get this medication. Don't have a dermatologist? See The American Academy of Dermatology Physician Database to find one.
Read All About Minocycline
Compare To Other Treatments
5
17.3%
4
27.7%
3
24%
2
16%
1
14.9%

Used Minocycline? Rate It:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
January 15, 2009

Pros:

-reduced the oil production within 2 weeks
-skin slightly cleared up after 2 1/2 wks

Cons:

-face didn't clear up, it only lasted about 2-3 wks and the acne came back
-ridiculous headaches/dizzy which interfered with my activities of daily living
-nausea, disturbed sleeping pattern, aromatic taste/odour

i wouldn't recommend this antibiotic but since it's for a month maybe it's worth a shot for some people. I guess you'd be lucky to get through the medication without the killer headaches and dizziness.
January 10, 2009

Pros:

i didnt break out as much as i use to. i would recommend not going more than 2 days without it cuz i went 5 days and i break out like crazy. now im back and its clearing up....im happy now ! ! !

Cons:

did break out two weeks in to it....i think i should wait at least 3 months...to see more results. i do feel tire. and i am not sure if i ever have to pay the regular cost for it cuz 585 its just too much....but a clear face its worth every penny!!!

really happy with this product....i guess you have to try it for yourself and always have a positive additude about your acne. it always goes away...nothing last forever. BE PATIENT !!
January 4, 2009

Pros:

i saw results 2 hours after i took it...no joke. it completely cleared my severe systic acne in about 2 weeks after i started taking it.

Cons:

i was super dizzy first time i took it but now i'm just normal again

get this
January 4, 2009

Pros:

It worked for me, and I only have mild-moderate acne and occasional cysts.
Here in Canada, we don't really have to pay much for treatments, and my mum works with the hospital, so I got it for free.

Cons:

Discoloured my teeth, and after noticing I immediately stopped the treatment, and went to the dentist (costed me nothing, just extra polishing and scraping)

It worked to lighten my acne, but discoloured my teeth. I had to stop the treatment. This doesn't mean it won't work for you! Give it a try if your doc prescribes it, but I would recommend going to a trained dermatologist first. They know alot, and you can ask questions.
January 2, 2009

Pros:

umm i can't think of any cuz my acne has gotten worse

Cons:

doesn't work

my friend is on accutane and it works amazingly well. he used to have reallllllyyyy bad acne and now he has perfectly clear skin. sure it's a little dry from being on it but he uses crappy moisturizers. so i've been on minocycline for a month and my acne has gotten more red and worse. my doctor says to give it even more time, but hey, i'm wasting my youth away, getting a pizza face from some lame antibiotics which reading on here, works only half the time. and when it works it usually kicks in in a couple weeks. i'm sooooo mad at my doctor. he better prescribe accutane the next time i see him.
December 30, 2008

Pros:

Worked amazingly

Cons:

Only for a year

Best year of my life, hands down
December 29, 2008

Pros:

I've been on this a week now to clear up moderate cystic acne, and it seems to be lessening the symptoms.

Cons:

This drug makes me feel dizzy, tired, and I have a mild tightness in my chest.

I'd rather deal with the acne.
December 29, 2008

Pros:

Started working around the fifth week of using the product and worked really well for me.

Cons:

Took awhile to start working, still get occasional pimples, definitely worth it.

I would definitely recommend this.
December 25, 2008

Pros:

Reduced my severe acne to 'moderate to severe'.

Cons:

Damaged my vision.

I'm sixteen years old and my dermatologist prescribed me this and I severely regret going for it. Anitbiotics aren't a permant solution and the benefits don't exceed the risks. Due to taking this, my vision is now significantly worse than before. I have trouble reading anything more than a few feet away from me and it takes me a while to "focus". I'm disappointed in my docotor because he made it sound as if any effects on my vision would be mild :/ I just hope to god my eyesight gets better now that i'm off this drug.
December 19, 2008

Pros:

From the treatments I've tried, probably one of the only ones that has made a significant difference to my skin. I'm using duac with it to. I used to have severe acne, now it's lowered that to moderately severe

Cons:

My skin still isn't completely clear, still have quite a lot of acne breakouts.

Worth trying.

Finding a Doctor

The right dermatologist can make a big difference to your patient experience and the success of your acne treatment plan. Here are the steps to find a dermatologist who is a good fit:

  1. Use the search feature on the American Academy of Dermatology website to look for board-certified dermatologists in your area, and filter the search results for doctors with a special interest in treating acne.
  2. Read online patient reviews of any dermatologists you are considering and ask people you know whether they have any experience with these dermatologists.
  3. Do your research and go to your first appointment with questions prepared.
  4. Listen to what your gut feeling tells you once you see a dermatologist in person. If you are not completely comfortable, try a different dermatologist.

Finding a Doctor

Only a select few plastic surgeons specialize in acne scar revision surgery. Be certain to find a provider who specializes in acne scar repair and who is passionate and experienced in this area.

Be sure to:

  • Look at before and after photos, the more the better, especially patients with similar scarring to your own.
  • Be realistic about results. Look for improvement, not a cure.

Questions to ask a potential scar revision specialist:

  • Are you board certified? Be certain that they are board certified.
  • How long have you been performing these procedures? Normally, the more experience the better, however, some younger surgeons may be more on top of the latest procedures.
  • Can I speak to some of your other patients? Ask for references for several patients who had similar scarring and speak to them about the process and their satisfaction with results.

Red flags:

  • Their story changes: As you discuss different treatment options, if they tend to change their mind easily, or agree with whatever you say, consider this a red flag. A confident, experienced surgeon will possess strong, unwavering opinions.
  • Your gut tells you "no": Trust your gut. If you just don't feel that the doctor is the right fit, trust that and move on. On the other hand, if you feel they are the perfect specialist for you, trust that feeling.