Oral Antibiotic
Efficacy
54%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
Note: Should never be used on its own and for a maximum of 3 months.
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.
Used Minocycline? Rate It:
Choose from 1 to 5 stars
October 21, 2006
Cons:
The first few days, I was dizzy and sick to my stomach. After a while, that stopped. Then maybe two weeks later, I started to get really intense heartburn. Soon after, I started getting red patches all over my body that were INTENSELY itchy.
It works very well on acne, but the adverse reactions are intolerable. It made me realize that I'd rather be comfortable than beautiful, so I guess I'm cured.
October 20, 2006
Pros:
improves acne tremendously, its only five dollars if you have HealthNet, I dont break out during my period lol
Cons:
it upsets your stomach, you have to wait two hours before and after you eat until you can take it, and you gotta wait 30 minutes before you can lay down, etc
Last year I had the worst period of my life ( a whole month and I dont mind sharing that) and as one would expectI broke out in horrible acne. My dermatologist put me on Minocycline, Evoclin .1%, and tazorac. After three months my face was just old, light scarring. I went off of it; then this period I broke out horribly again. October seems to be a month where my hormones are all out of wack haha. I am back on these medicines but this time minocycline is giving me a horrible just horrible stomach ache. It really does work though. In addition I changed from using Neutrogena to using Aveeno Ultra-Calming Cleanser and after two days I notice a HUGE difference in my face. I dont know if its the Aveeno itself or all three meds and the Aveeno. Nevertheless my face looks more clear than it did two days ago :)
October 12, 2006
Pros:
Cleared up face in 2 weeks.
Cons:
Terrible side effects -- allergic reaction.
Mino did clear up my face but the side effects were horrible I had to go off of it.
Two weeks into treatment I developed a terrible itchy rash and hives! The worst was the crippling heartburn and vaginal itch!!!
I had to leave work.
Be careful and keep your doc informed.
October 11, 2006
Pros:
Not yet
Cons:
Dizziness w/ high dose
You said it is making you dizzy- same thing happened to me the 1st day 100mg 2x a day. Spoke w/ my doc and he knocked it down to 50mg X1 a day. I take it at night (not laying down for at least 30 min. after taking the pill)and am not dizzy the nxt day. Its only been a few days- no improvment on the skin yet - but dizziness is gone!
Good Luck!
October 11, 2006
Pros:
This pill completely cleared up any acne that I had and I strongely recommend it!
Cons:
It cleanses from the inside out therefore forcing the dirt and other stuff to the surface. but It then gets rid of it.
This pill works great and is affordable in price! however the results are not permanent and you will more than likely break-out again after a few weeks of discontinuation on the pill. I recommend that you take half the dosage once you clear up.
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 10, 2006
Pros:
none
Cons:
made me very ill intracranial hypertension you may get it report to doc any headaches or vision problems
if any reaction at all please report to the food and drug administration [link removed] to many reactions not being reported
October 10, 2006
Pros:
Works well and easy to take
Cons:
I stopped for two months and got awful acne.
Now on Erythromycin, hopefully it will be ok. I got it free on the NHS.
October 5, 2006
I started minocycline after using Proactiv for moderate acne. I liked the fact that minocycline did not dry out my skin (obviously) as the BP in proactiv did. Unfortunately, three weeks into the treatment, i began to have an extremely itchy rash on my arms legs and torso. I was happy with the results of the antibiotic on my face, but it seemed to do little for the back and chest acne. If you're not allergic to it, it will work fairly well. No headaches or anything like that either
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.
Pros:
Cleared up my acne almost instantly. I saw immediate results.