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
May 8, 2009

Pros:

Clears up acne a bit

Cons:

Short term, a bit harsh on the body

It cleared up my acne quite abit while I was on it , but the antibiotics were a bit harsh and I chose to stop taking them after a couple of months due to it giving me a girlie problem... ya know. Anyways as soon I was off it my skin just went crazy again. Not something to try if you're looking for a permanent fix.
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March 30, 2009

Pros:

Worked fast and cleared up acne within a few days. Didn't seem to have any noticeable side effects.

Cons:

Only lasted a few weeks, pimples came back afterwards.

It really felt great to be rid of the acne, but I stopped and started 3 times. I want to know what cures this thing.
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March 19, 2009

Pros:

Don't know.

Cons:

F**ks you up.

I didn't really feel good after taking the pills, but I gave it a shot. But, after 9 days of using it, something went wrong. Instant fever, weird ligtheaded feeling, heart beating like crazy (about 160 bpm), shaking as hell. Ambulance even got here. Believe me, rather have pimples than experiance that.
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February 26, 2009

Pros:

face stayed about the same - didn't improve, but didn't get worse either...free with my insurance

Cons:

body acne is worse, didn't help my face... pain to take 2 hours after eating or 1 hour before, and can't lay down for half hour after taking

I really don't think this antibiotic was worth my time and effort. It could have been unrelated but I'm pretty sure this caused a pulsing sound in my ears, which concerned me.
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February 6, 2009

Pros:

NONE. PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE CONTINUING YOUR PRESCRIPTION

Cons:

IF YOU ARE TAKING THIS AND A TEENAGE GIRL STOP. I too took minocycline and developed severe drug-induced lupus. Lupus is where your body attacks its own cells like they were foreign bodies. Minocycline is no longer prescribed to teenage girls

in the UK because of the evidence that it can cause drug-induced lupus way too much. I now have permanent damage in the joints/connective tissues of my hands. DRUG INDUCED LUPUS FROM MINOCYCLINE HAS KILLED SOMEONE. If you are taking this and experience any sort of joint pain or fever, stop immeadiately. My doctor didn't tell me ANY of this. I took the medication for around 3 months total, had fevers 5 day or more a week, severe joint pain, hives, and other lupus symptoms. PLEASE consult your physician before continuing this medicine. If I could go back, I wouldn't have taken minocycline and saved myself months of pain and sickness. There are many other medications with significantly less risk.
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February 6, 2009

Pros:

After 6-8 weeks, I did see some slight improvement, but by then I was tired of taking the meds twice a day!

Cons:

Upset my stomach, broke out worse for first 6 weeks, has to be taken twice a day. LADIES: this drug and others like it (tetracycline, doxycycline) make the birth control pill less effective and you must use a backup method. For me it was too costly

There are probably better options out there than this drug. Minocycline, like all drugs in the Tetracycline family, make birth control pills less effective so a backup method must be used. It took a long time for me to see any results and it was frustrating to remember to take this medication twice a day This medication comes with a lot of warnings so make sure to read the information that your pharmacist gives you before taking this medication.
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November 21, 2008

Pros:

Nothing

Cons:

I have headache alot, it makes me dizzy.

I have been on this product for about three weeks, and I have not seen it working at all. In addition I was told to go to regular facial appointments. It has done nothing, but cost me ALOT of money
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October 10, 2008

Pros:

Worked great for first few months

Cons:

back to normal

i have been taking it for a long time now maybe i would say 9 months and at first it was great but now im seeing maybe it doesnt help after 3 months
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September 24, 2008

Pros:

no side affects a brak out here and there afetr 3 days of use

it does the job but not one of the best treatments
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September 15, 2008

Pros:

id like to think that it is working. my dermotologist started me on this about five days ago. i broke out way too much, i just pray to god it goes away!! please!!

Cons:

major dizziness, it was as if i were drunk walking..lol staguring everywhere...lol jokin but it did get me really dizzy

i pray it works...
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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.