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
February 23, 2007

Pros:

Works well and is easy to use. Side effects are minimum. Not too expensive.

Cons:

Took a while for it to really kick in. My acne gradually got better. Although results are expected within 6 weeks my case took about 10.

The bottom line is Minocycline is a great product. If it doesn't work at first stick with it for a while. Results may come slowly.
January 23, 2007

Pros:

It is Makes your skin look nice

Cons:

I took this awful drug for 3 day. During a workout, I had total loss of strength, accombined by extreme dizziness, fatigue, disorientation, and nausea. This drug 'f**ks you up' so to speak. EXTREMLY DANGEROUS STAY AWAY

pharmaceutical companies only make money when your not healthy, this drug is designed to make you sick and require you to purchase more.
January 1, 2007

Pros:

cleared up skin

Cons:

didn't clear up everything. still have minor pimples and red marks.

clears up but not totally.
October 30, 2006

Pros:

My doctor prescribed 100 MG of minocycline two times a day. It took about a month to kick in but once it did it cleared up my face greatly. I haven’t experienced side effects. So far I have been on it for four months and skin has cleared up greatly

Great for big under the skin pimples. But not as effective for the minor pimples.
October 20, 2006

Pros:

improves acne tremendously, its only five dollars if you have HealthNet, I dont break out during my period lol

Cons:

it upsets your stomach, you have to wait two hours before and after you eat until you can take it, and you gotta wait 30 minutes before you can lay down, etc

Last year I had the worst period of my life ( a whole month and I dont mind sharing that) and as one would expectI broke out in horrible acne. My dermatologist put me on Minocycline, Evoclin .1%, and tazorac. After three months my face was just old, light scarring. I went off of it; then this period I broke out horribly again. October seems to be a month where my hormones are all out of wack haha. I am back on these medicines but this time minocycline is giving me a horrible just horrible stomach ache. It really does work though. In addition I changed from using Neutrogena to using Aveeno Ultra-Calming Cleanser and after two days I notice a HUGE difference in my face. I dont know if its the Aveeno itself or all three meds and the Aveeno. Nevertheless my face looks more clear than it did two days ago :)
October 11, 2006

Pros:

This pill completely cleared up any acne that I had and I strongely recommend it!

Cons:

It cleanses from the inside out therefore forcing the dirt and other stuff to the surface. but It then gets rid of it.

This pill works great and is affordable in price! however the results are not permanent and you will more than likely break-out again after a few weeks of discontinuation on the pill. I recommend that you take half the dosage once you clear up.
October 5, 2006
I started minocycline after using Proactiv for moderate acne. I liked the fact that minocycline did not dry out my skin (obviously) as the BP in proactiv did. Unfortunately, three weeks into the treatment, i began to have an extremely itchy rash on my arms legs and torso. I was happy with the results of the antibiotic on my face, but it seemed to do little for the back and chest acne. If you're not allergic to it, it will work fairly well. No headaches or anything like that either
September 1, 2013
Side effects were bad

Cons:

Bad side effects
Had to stop taking
Stomach hurt

My stomach hurt bad when I took this. I felt like I had a constant stomach ache. Pretty horrible. Stopped taking it after a few days so not sure if it actually helps with acne.
October 13, 2012

Pros:

It is clearing mine up.

Cons:

It doesnt make me feel too bad, But I do have slight side effects.

IF YOU STOP: You MUST wash your face, Normally. Just like others, Just because it cleared up doesn't mean it will stay that way. You have to maintain a normal hygiene routine That's why your face could be reverting back to how it was before. KEEP YOUR FACE CLEAN!!! >:L
June 26, 2012

Pros:

-Cleared up a few blemishes

Cons:

-Did not clear up entire face
-Terrible yeast infection

I had to stop using minocycline altogether because of the terrible ph imbalance. I do not recommend this at all! Switch to Philosophy Clear Days Ahead system.

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.