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
July 26, 2007

Pros:

Helped some

Cons:

Muscle pain, tooth discoloration, tired

Not worth the overall negative reactions Face still not clear!
April 9, 2007

Pros:

I totally agree with Anonymous from Florida..while I was on it..AMAZING! Got off, now sucks

Cons:

After finished up with treatment, HORRIBLE relapse..put on it again, didnt work anymore : (

I am now being put on Doxycycline..been on it 3 weeks so far..with so so results
January 24, 2007

Pros:

Seemed to clear up cystic acne.

Cons:

After two weeks I had a horrible allergic reaction, acid-reflux on crack, and was unable to eat or drink for a week. I was taken to the ER for the pain and the doctor took me off of Minocycline. It also interferes with Birth Control pills.

Unsure of longterm effects, but seemed to help clear my skin while I was on it. Not worth a trip to the ER and inability to eat or drink anything.
December 28, 2012

Pros:

Nothing.

Cons:

Destroyed my face.

I thought I was lucky. Many have acne much worse than I. Nonetheless, with a pimple or so every month, I decided to go to the doctor which prescribed this. Upon taking it, my face cleared for a week. It was until I awake the next morning to find that my face was hurting and throbbing. Going to the mirror, I saw horrible acne everywhere that extended to my neck (never before had I acne there). Stopping immediately made it worse. Till now, my acne appears to be getting worse, and the doctor keeps recommending that I continue. My face was destroyed...I hate my life.
March 21, 2011

Pros:

Worked for a couple weeks

Cons:

Mouth sores
bad breath
pain to take

Dont do it, minocyclene does not do anything significant especially if you are on the regimen and it causes a breakout when you stop taking it
March 15, 2011

Pros:

-Reduced Acne Redness
-Cheap
-Did not get a breakut while on it

Cons:

-DEPERSONALIZATION! (worst experience of my life)
-Did not actually clear acne, just reduced redness
-Extreme Vertigo (very dizzy)
-Vision problems
-Caught a significant cold 4 days into treatment
-Brain fog

WORST DECISION I HAVE EVER MADE IN MY LIFE. I took 2 100mg tablets a day for only a little over 2 weeks.This drug has changed my life, I will never take a day for granted if I ever feel better. The main problem was depersonalization. When i was on this drug it felt like i was watching my life happen through a television screen, like everything wasn't real. As a result of this i developed vision problems from the depersonalization like visual static. I felt disconnected, minocycline essentially gave me a constant what I would like to call "High" for 2 weeks, and I have never done drugs in my life. The diziness was unbalievable, I couldnt even walk straight. I even had trouble sleeping because when i would lie down it would feel like i was spinning. My memeory got much worse and it didn't help that i took this around exam time. I have been off minocycline for about a month, and some of its effects are still with me. I still experience depersonalization and I have no idea if it will ever go away, my visual problems have been getting better though. The diziness went away when i stopped treatment but it still feels as if I am living in a dream and am disconnected with myself and reality. I would give anything to feel normal again. I would trade all the acne in the world to get my life back, Its not worth it, there are much better natural methods to try. I hope someday i will snap out of this horrible depersonalization and get my life back. These were my experiences that I thought I would share, thankyou
September 21, 2009

Pros:

It does work but not as well as accutane. I have had bad acne since I was a teen and now I'm 27 years old.

Cons:

Please Please don't take this drug. The side effects are not worth it. I've never been so sick in my life.

Try accutane.
September 15, 2009

Pros:

None

Cons:

I took this medication one year ago and not only did it not work, but it also made me violently ill. I was nauseous all the time and vomited at least once a month. I also had moderately severe acne, so I shouldn't have been given this med.

Don't bother with antibiotics: take Accutane. Don't be afraid of the side effects on Accutane, they are very rare and are the same severity as antibiotics.
September 12, 2009

Pros:

NONE

Cons:

Stomach upset, skin worsening, eczema, extreme itchyness which turned into blistering hives

This is easily the worst product I have ever used in my life. STAY AWAY FROM IT, and make sure, if you do try it, that you are totally aware of the side effects and risks. Some of the not-so-rare side effects can result in your needing a hospital visit (and from there, a spinal tap!). I have developed hives which are so severe I am unable to use any soaps or even shower with warm water. Additionally, my acne is significantly worse than before I started, and I now have eczema - something I've never had in my life. I have taken 5 Benadryl today to keep the hives at bay, but the itching is still present, and much worse than any itching I've ever experienced in my life. It is incredibly widespread - literally from the top of my head to the tips of my toes. I can't stress it enough - AVOID THIS! It may work for you, but the risks outweigh the benefit, and you'll feel so miserable as your immune system tries to recover!
June 4, 2009

Pros:

It is very affordable

Cons:

I have noticecd major mood swings, Im depressed, and cant sleep

The doctors should really get an understanding of you before they put you on it because I was a happy outgoing fun girl and now because of taking this drug not only do I still have acne but Im DEPRESSED. I would not recomend this unless you clearly read up on 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.