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
September 14, 2008

Pros:

I have suffered with acute acne to cystic acne almost 35 years. My face looks awesome, no spots or boils. AT ALL. HOwever I am also on Differin .3 and Finacea and Benz Perox wash as well as a glycolic wash plus a mud/vinegar mask

Cons:

I have never had a weight problem in my life but now I have gained 30 pounds. I was always skinny so the weight actually doesn't look bad, but I am still gaining & can not stop without stopping meds.

Everyone reacts differently to medications. For me and my above mentioned cocktail this works. I am not in pain nor horribly embarrassed as has been the case for so very many years
September 14, 2008

Pros:

I don't know. My body couldn't tolerate it for more than 2 days of use.

Cons:

EXTREME DIZZINESS, loss of appetite, fever, sweating, disorientation, itchy body, the chills, and oh yeah...my throat closed up and I could barely breathe.

I think the question we all have to ask ourselves, "is clear skin really worth all of this?" I was one step away from telling my fiance to take me to the emergency room...I was literally shaking in his arms on the bathroom floor telling him I didn't want to die. I knew something was wrong the first time I took the pill...I couldn't even stand I was so disoriented. I told myself that I would ride out the side effects, but finally at 2AM last night and three 100mg pills later, my body was definitely telling me that I needed to stop. Please listen to your body...I hate having acne, but I think I'd hate to be dead more.
August 21, 2008

Pros:

My doctor gave me a card and it cost $0. That doesn't seem right.

Cons:

weight gain

The product works. I totally cleared up after 3 months and am still taking it. Will have a physical to check liver this month.
August 16, 2008

Pros:

wow! my face is almost cleared of cysts and pimples!

Cons:

nothing

grear antibiotic!
July 24, 2008

Pros:

Started to clear my skin in about a month, completely clear after 3.

Cons:

Kind of expensive (not with insurance), scary to take with birth control.

GREAT! Take it, you will feel great.
June 21, 2008

Pros:

Completely cleared up face, chest and back.

Cons:

No side effects for me.

After 6 months on one 100mg pill a day it worked perfectly but now i belive my body is adapting to it. I will try to get a perscription for 200mg a day because acne is faintly returning on face. During the first month and a half acne got worse but the following four and a half months were definately worth it. After reading other reviews it seems minocycline works from person to person.
June 16, 2008

Pros:

it worked great for my back and chest acne!

Cons:

it did nothing for my face

i'm sure it would work for people with very moderate acne, but it didn't work for me.
May 29, 2008

Pros:

Zero...

Cons:

Waste of money. Didn't do jack for my skin.

I was spending hundreds of dollars just WAITING for results from this product that my dermatologist recommended and all I ended up with was an empty wallet. Don't waste your time.
May 27, 2008

Pros:

This medication clears up my acne more quickly than about anything I've tried. I used it about 5 years ago, but then had to go off of it. Now am back on and once again before I've even taken it for a week, my skin is drying in clearing beautifully.

Cons:

EXTREME sun sensitivity. I went to a Pirates game and even though I normal don't even tan, I have developed a slight case of sun poisoning. This med also causes extreme itchiness because it has such a high tissue concentration level.

For me it works like a miracle drug, but you have to outweight the pros and cons. Make sure you invest in good sunblock before spending time outside. Girls, eat lots of yogurt. The worst thing about this med is that you can't stay on it forever. And i'm terrified of what will happen when I have to go off of it again.
May 15, 2008

Pros:

It really did clear up my acne. After trying numerous acne treatments i was surprised this actually worked. I have been on it for 6 months and no side effects so far.

Cons:

It takes a long time to see results. I saw first results in about 3 months.

This drug works well if you take it consistently and are desperate to get rid of your acne. For me, there are no side effects so far, but that may just be the way my body reacts. I've heard it can effect a person's joints, so if you have any kind of joint problems, this might worsen it. Otherwise, I definitely recommend it.

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.