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
June 29, 2010

Pros:

Kills off infections under your skin
Clears up acne pretty fast

Cons:

Short-term only
Minor side effects (headache)

This does it's job better than topical antibiotics or benzoyl peroxide. It fights your acne by killing the bacteria under the surface, not by unclogging the pores. Long term use is not recommended since p. acnes can become immune to antibiotics. This is why I occasionally will use benzoyl peroxide to prevent immunity. I was only prescribed this for a week after my doctor increased my retin-a dosage to .1 mg to prevent any type of breakout. It did it's job. Within a few days most of the pimples on my face healed and I was only left with red marks. However once I stopped using it, acne of course came back again until the retin-a started to kick in. Bottom line: It's effective, but isn't a permanent solution. I'd recommend using it along with a retinoid.
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March 30, 2010

Pros:

size of pill...

Cons:

In consistent head aches,
Loss of energy/ Always tired
addiction
becoming immune after only a couple of months,
no results yielded
and getting a Vitmin D deficiantcy from not staying out of the sun while on the drug...

STAY AWAY!!! Find better solutions!!!
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January 14, 2010

Pros:

This is my second week... My skin is clearing, don't know whether it is from this differin or clindamycin pledgets.... NO SIDE EFFECTS, except a bit more tired.

Cons:

None.

I hope this helps with my hormonal, jawline, cystic acne and CLOGGED pores on chin (that eventually turn into cystic bumps). I am thankful I didn't let all the negative reviews about side effects stop me from using it.
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December 8, 2009

Pros:

none

Cons:

*turns your skin red
*drying skin
*pimples become bigger

I was on solodyn for 8 weeks and it only made my acne worse. My pimples got bigger than before and your face begins to hurt after a while. I decided to stop using this product and two weeks later my skin felt a little better.
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November 24, 2009

Pros:

Cleared up my acne very quickly, within a week I was clear but I do get an occasional whitehead.

Cons:

Expensive for me! 60.00 for 30 days.

I'm glad my dermatologist gave me the prescription as I was breaking out with new acne almost daily and cystic ones as well. I also use proactiv face wash, moisturizer and sulfer treatment on my new acne and nutragena spf30 oil free moisturizer over the proactiv.
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August 25, 2009

Pros:

It works. Cleared acne due to perimenopause. I used it for about 6 months.

Cons:

I have had an allergic reaction and think it is the solodyn. Lips are swelling and very itchy, dry and irritated. I have stopped taking the solodyn and it has been three days. I am still feeling the symptoms. Bendryl does help stop the itching.

This medication does work but I would only take it for a very short period of time to get acne under control. Be aware of any side effects and stop taking immediately. I also recommend taking probiotic while taking this to replenish the good bacteria.
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June 20, 2009

Pros:

It seemed to help me stay clearer.

Cons:

I had an autoimmune reaction caused by this drug. Counteracts the birth control pill.

My reaction was extremely rare...so rare it wasn't even listed on the side effects pamphlet that the pharmacy gave me. My doctor had to tell me because it was so rare. It was constant pain in all my muscles and joints for months because my immune system started attacking them (I had to quit my job it was so bad). After more tests that I can remember, one of my doctors finally suggested I stop taking it and the pain gradually went away after several more months. I have never felt the same since.
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June 4, 2008

Pros:

Works!

Cons:

Takes time.

Solodyn takes at least 3 months to work. I went to see my derm because i just had occasional breakouts. He prescibed solodyn. first month- nothing changed second month- skin got terribly worse third month- completely different skin. full results. amazing. you really have to have patience for this product. there were so many times when i wanted to give up, but i stuck with it and now i am happier then ever. solodyn is a wonderful product. if you can handle years of terrible skin, then you can take 3 more months. believe me, this is a wonderful product.
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April 2, 2016
Excellent Antibiotic with Amazing Results
Minocycline is one of the most commonly prescribed antibiotics, and for good reason. I've improved tremendously while on this treatment, alongside topical therapy. I have not noticed any gastrointestinal issues or other major side effects. However, this drug may cause undesirable effects in some, such as blue or grey skin and tooth hyperpigmentation. These undesirable effects are more likely to occur when the drug is taken for extended periods of time. Despite being a very effective treatment, other options are available with longer lasting results and less (potential) severe side effects. Doxycycline is closely related to minocycline and has been shown to have similar effectiveness with less of the severe side effects (of minocycline) and is now the antibiotic of choice for most cases of acne.
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August 18, 2015
Works, but only when I'm using it.
I was prescribed Solodyn 105mg for the second time recently. What I can say is this: it does wonders. My face began to clear up about two days after I began taking the pill. It stops all breakouts for me as well as reduces the redness from pimples dramatically. The only issue is that when I'm off it, I begin breaking out just like before around a few weeks after I stop taking it. The first time I took Solodyn, I was using it for three weeks. I stopped taking it for around a month, and am now back on it after breaking out pretty badly once I was finished the first course. Solodyn works for me very well, but only when I'm taking the pill.
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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.