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
April 28, 2008

Pros:

Helps keep the "big" pimples away.

Cons:

i still break out every couple of weeks.
i can't tan!

it's an alright product. i'm still on it right now, but i have never had really bad acne. i just break out a lot, then those pimples go away and my face will be clear for a couple of weeks, then i'll break out again. it's hasn't really done wonders for me...
April 4, 2008

Pros:

works like a charm for a little while
small pill, easy to take it

Cons:

once you are immune to it it stops working
expensive
have to take it daily

I took it for about a year and it did not work for me. At first I saw improvement like I was told I would after about 2 months. Then it was like my acne came back all at once. I had mild acne. It was as if I became immune to it after a while. Once I stopped using it like I was told to it was as if I had never used anything to treat my acne at all. It's only a temporary fix/not good in long run at all
April 1, 2008

Pros:

Works!!!!

Cons:

not affordable anymore beacause they took my insursnce away. :(

This product has made me feel more and more confident about my skin. My skin looked horrible until I stareted using Solodyn! my skin is nice and clesr!!!! I wish i can use it longer but its too expensive. Love it!
March 3, 2008

Pros:

Did totally clear up my face, back and chest within about a month.

Cons:

Side Effects. Horrendous dizziness and nausea after taking it, then difficulty sleeping, blurred vision and constantly upset stomach developed after 3 months amongst muscle pains, mood swings and change in behaviour.

I went to the doctors today and have had to come off this because it is totally causing havoc in my body. I am really pleased with the results but I simply cannot cope with the side effects any longer. I know some people stay on this for years with no problems - everyone is different. I wasn't really haooy going on antibiotics in the first place. I am gutted to have to come off something that works but it really wasn't worth all the other problems it caused me! I'm now trying Duac to help keep my skin in the condition the Minocycline has helped it into. This was the first thing to clear up my acne after 8 years of trying!
February 21, 2008

Pros:

completely cleared up my skin

Cons:

nothing

i have been using this for about 8 months now. my skin is completely clear with an occasional little bump every beginning of the month. i'm not sure if it is the winter dryness or if the medication is making my skin dryer than normal. has this happend to anyone else?
January 14, 2008

Pros:

is a pill and is cheap

Cons:

cant take within 2 hours of eating food

not very good coz u cant rele go in the sun with it
December 30, 2007

Pros:

it really works on my face

Cons:

causes me to be tired alot and get dizzy

i've been on this medicine for awhile now and it really does work...but the dizziness and fatigue i can't handle it.so i think ima stop takin it
December 11, 2007

Pros:

clear up my blackheads and pimplefree for a few months

Cons:

started getting a few large pimples when I was first on it,

After finishing my 6 months period of being on this drug, it only took about a month or two for it to come back, but about two months for it to get much worst then before, I've got many whiteheads and pimples on my forehead now before I was taking the medication, it somewhat has made it worst, and my forehead has alot of bumps on it now, and the scars show much more colouration then before I was on this drug and at the moment its only getting worst, I wouldnt recommend this product because it only helps a few people for short period of time but it seems to affect everybody in the longrun, it has made matters worst for me, I should of just used Differin Cream to help clear up my scars rather then using Minocycline
November 24, 2007

Cons:

I developed a severe allergic reaction after taking this for two weeks. My face is extremely swollen, I have a stiff neck and a high temperature. I think it has sensitized my face to creams.

Still don't know how long the swelling will take to go down. Wouldn't touch it again
November 10, 2007

Pros:

no change in skin

Cons:

my skin is very sensitive now

I dont break out that much but do get a couple pimple every week. I have been on minocyclie since august and have seen no change. Does any one know if it can cause dry skin. My skin has been so dry and im not sure if it is because of this. I couldnt find anything online saying it is a side effect but i was wondering if anyone knew any different.

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.