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 10, 2007

Pros:

None it didn't work for me.

Cons:

It didn't work

It didn't work. In fact acne got worse however i don't know if it is due to this or the fact that i started using pro active. either way my skin looks like crap.
March 18, 2007

Pros:

Since taking it, I have had no new breakouts.

Cons:

Side affects, dizziness. Remembering not to eat for 2-3 hrs after taking it.

After suffering with cystic acne since age 14, I desperately wanted clear skin (age 52). So far, I have not experience any major side affects. In my 20's the doctor prescribed Accutane, which was GREAT! No medication however is perfect. Acne just has to be lived with.
February 15, 2007
Have only been on minocycline for a week now in conjunction with Lanate cream. Normally i only seem to get little pimples on my top of arms & back. But since taking this ive noticed Ive been getting breakouts on my face which im not happy about at all!! Haven't experienced headaches apart from today but i think thats because i had a late night last night. How long does this stuff take to work and does it get worse before it gets better on mino? Ive read it works from inside out so maybe its my skin cleaning out the pores making way for beautiful skin!!
November 8, 2006

Pros:

It cleared my skin up

Cons:

I get killer headaches and it makes me feel dizzy and naseaus

It works but I feel like crap
October 28, 2006
I started this med about 4 days ago i notcie im getting really bad headaches and i still have my existing pimples i just want them to go away! i hope it works for me
October 11, 2006
I've been on this medication for 4 months now and my skin is completely clear. I get the odd pimple here and there but they are small and relatively insignificant compared to the larges ones I was getting before (I had moderate/severe acne). The only side effects I experience with minocin were the occasional mild head aches as well as slight discoloration of the teeth. I wouldnt recommend using this pill for too long (i.e. use it until your acne clears up!) I took my last pill today so we'll see if things continue to look good in the near future!
October 4, 2006
This has been the magic pill for me and my adult acne. After I get on it my acne goes away within a week or two. I am also using Tazorac and BP but as soon as I stop the antibiotic the acne comes right back. It stinks because I know I can't stay on this forever. Now it's just working with the Dr. to find something that can work without the antibiotic.
March 18, 2013

Pros:

None

Cons:

Hives
Burning and Itching all over
Dizzyness
Body Aches

My daughter took this medication for 3 weeks. She suddenly broke out in hives. They looked like someone beat her with a belt. They were burning and itchey. She wanted to jump out of her skin. This lasted about 2 weeks. Cannot in good conscience recommend this to anyone.
May 22, 2012

Pros:

- No side effects?

Cons:

- No improvement after one and a half months

I was switched to generic minocycline after my insurance would not cover Solodyn (extended release mino). Solodyn, while I took the samples, was a miracle drug. Minocycline has had none of the same effects -- I've been taking it for a month and a half. There is no difference in the persistence or size of my acne. I have not experienced any bad side effects, though. Nothing's changed. But I'm scared that once I just stop taking it, my acne will only get worse.
March 25, 2012

Pros:

maybe more effective than doxycycline, i dont know

Cons:

PHYCOLOGICAL side effects:
-laziness
-dramatically reduced endurance
-makes you prone to depression
-makes you less smart, insightful, etc
-makes you prone to fatigue
NERVOUS system side effects:
-dizziness
-lightheadedness
-shakiness (makes fine motor stuff like typing harder)
MUSCULARSKELETAL side effects:
-muscle aches and pains
-joint soreness
-general stiffness
DIGESTIVE side effects:
-mild diarrhea/softer stools
-mild nausea
-loss of appet

My doctor thought this would work better than doxycycline, but it hasnt really, and the side effects are horrible. Just don't use this, there are so many better alternatives

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.