Oral Antibiotic
Reviews
3.2
1953 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
15%

Used Minocycline? Rate It:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
July 3, 2009

Pros:

no side effects

Cons:

i have been taking it for 4 1/2 weeks and i have not seen any results. My acne actually got worse but i think its because of the humidity in the summer. i am as on quinnova which are 2% salicylic acid cleansing wipe and 5% benzoyl peroxide treating

might work for some people faster than others.
July 3, 2009

Pros:

There is no pros. I have been taking minocycline for about a month, and have been on different antibiotics before, and have see no improvement what so ever.

Cons:

It made me extremely sick the first week of taking it

The generic pill doesnt work for me.
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June 24, 2009

Pros:

Cleared up acne initially with minimal side effects. No dizziness, nausea, or anything like that for me.

Cons:

The clear skin never lasted. Plus, I used it for too long (on and off for several years). This caused my acne to go down deeper into my skin, and also caused blueish bruise-looking things under my skin on my thighs and calfs.

I think minocycline will work fine for a short-term clearing, but don't expect your acne to stay away. And definitely don't be stupid like me and start ordering it off the internet. I was more sensitive to the sun, so be sure to wear plenty of sun block. I really think acne can ultimately outsmart broad spectrum antibiotics. It comes back stronger and more stubborn. Be careful with minocycline and don't stay on it very long (few months). I've put "No" in the "Recommended?" question. However, I think for short-term clearing it's fine.
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June 23, 2009

Pros:

It helped clear the skin a bit, but didnt reduce scars or anything speacial but it made me feel more comfortable in my own skin

Cons:

No cons, just wished it would be more powerful

I would try it, it works, and you still have a few pimples here & there but that is to be expected because nothing is perfect
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June 18, 2009

Pros:

Kept my acne from getting worse.

Cons:

Kept my acne from getting worse but didn't improve it either.
Overall, the product didn't work for me.

In the end, this kept my acne from getting worse but it didn't make any go away either. If using this combined with a topical gel does not work then you may want to consider talking to your dermatologist about using Accutane.
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June 14, 2009

Pros:

Well, for one, I do believe that I see a minor improvement on my back area; the once flamboyantly-red-blotches have receded to minor (albeit noticeable) marks.

Cons:

At first, I had begun taking one pill every morning for a week; no side-effects, nor any results. After this time, my doctor instructed me to take two. The result: nausea, abdominal cramping/bloating, dizziness. Oh, but, alas, some noted improvement.

Try it, if you must. If you can tolerate the side-effects or, perhaps, do not experience any, then, all the more to you. Nevertheless, if you are searching for a miracle pill, I do urge you to look elsewhere. (My friend is on Accutane- she had the most severe acne I have ever seen, and now, her skin is akin to porcelain! Be wary of the initial instances of severe dryness, however. Oh, and be prepared to haul around facial moisturisers and chapsticks like religious fixtures.)
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June 11, 2009

Pros:

Clears me up, although not the tiny sebum bumps: avoids infections

Cons:

Heavy side-effects and acne comes back one week after quitting it.

My side-effects were severe. I developed a problem with my veins and muscles (very scary) and developed liver stains on my legs after only 5 weeks of usage. Many things are not reversible. Does clear me up to only leave the tiny bumps but acne comes back as soon as I quit. It's free for me because I live in Holland
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June 11, 2009

Pros:

Cheap, doesn't make you sick

Cons:

Didn't work :-(

I visited the Doc after 5 months of taking Solodyn (45mg) without seeing any results, He told me the dosage was not high enough but also said my body could've worked up a resistance against the antibiotic. Back to the drawing board for me.
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June 6, 2009

Pros:

what the hell happened? nothing

Cons:

no difference

i didnt realize i was on it, for better or worse. no effect at all
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.