Minocycline
Results
Side Effects

Minocycline is an oral antibiotic that works by fighting bacteria in the body, including in the skin, and also reduces inflammation. It should...

Minocycline is an oral antibiotic that works by fighting bacteria in the body, including in the skin, and also reduces inflammation. It should be used only short term (max. 3 months).

It is usually taken once a day with food, at the same time every day.

 [more]
3.2
1600
Read All About Minocycline
Compare To Other Treatments
5
15.8%
4
28.7%
3
25.1%
2
15.9%
1
14.6%

Used Minocycline? Rate It:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
Sort by: Most Helpful
Order:
December 7, 2009

Pros:

Three months in and there's been a signficant reduction in the number of breakouts I've had. My skin is practically clear.

Cons:

Had horrible dizzy spells for the first two weeks. Dizziness will reccours if miss a dose or a day's worth of doses. Will need to stay on this medication for at least a year, if not longer.

So far so good. I am using this in conjunction with a topical gel (clyndamycin) and cream (retin-a). While the whiteheads and pustules have virtually disappeared, I still have cysts that form every month or two and those require injections. All of these medications are available as generic, so monthly costs are low. My skin isn't perfect, but it's so much better than it's ever been.
This Was Helpful

2 user(s) found this helpful

Report
October 13, 2009

Pros:

Cleared up my acne really fast!

Cons:

-Cant eat after i take it :(
no more night time food
-Slight nausea, no biggie

Ive been on minocycline for a week now and the results are crazy! My entire chin has cleared up so much and now i just have red marks. A few little zits here and there, but nothing unmanageable, not like the deep lumps before. I am also using differin 0.1 gel (night) aswell as a 5% benzyl peroxide wash in conjunction with the antibiotic... Also important to refuel your biotic cultures, so drink a Bio-K or asidophilus every other day
This Was Helpful

2 user(s) found this helpful

Report
September 24, 2009

Pros:

works well and cleared up acne fast!

Cons:

It caused liver damage, and my liver is still trying to recover from it. I had to stop taking the medication after a year, but my acne didn't come back. just make sure to get you liver checked so you don't end up like me!

be careful! I recommend it only because it worked well.
This Was Helpful

2 user(s) found this helpful

Report
September 24, 2009

Pros:

Improves skin problems, cost almost nothing because of insurance

Cons:

Gave me 'bacne,' migraines, nausea every day, skins problems come back when you go off of it, way more expensive than other antibiotics if you don't have insurance

I think this works for some people, and it actually did improve my skin a lot. I have perioral dermatitis, not acne, but it's improved by all the same medications. I stay on minocycline for about a year because it kept my skin ALMOST under control. It got rid of my derm once and I went off it a month later but a month after that it all came back. My mom has been on this for years and years. It's so bad for you and your skin becomes 'addicted to it.' It also made me really sick and made my back break out even though it helped my face. (I've never had acne there before.) I'm trying accutane now I hope it works!! I've been off of minocycline for a week now and my nausea and head pain alleviated almost instantly.
This Was Helpful

2 user(s) found this helpful

Report
September 12, 2009

Pros:

cleared up the deep acne that retin a couldn't get rid of within three weeks. reduces swelling.

Cons:

you have to watch what you eat when you're on it. dairy decreases its effectiveness. you're not supposed to lie down for half an hour after you take it.

i had been on retin-a micro for a year, and while it had helped control my acne, i always had a couple of pimples left that were deep and hard. this got rid of them pretty much right away.
This Was Helpful

2 user(s) found this helpful

Report
September 3, 2009

Pros:

Seems to be controlling my breakouts really well, Havent seen any new bumps since I started on it (Been under a week). I know it might seem abnormally fast, but in just 3 days my face looks a lot smoother. Works great so far.

Cons:

Small little head-aches i've never had before, they are only momentary and last for about 5 minutes but i'm sure even a child cold tolerate the small pain it causes.

Using minocycline by itself is not a smart idea, start a process where you use many things in conjunction. I was prescribed Retin-A, Minicycline, and 2 BP 10% bars, and I went to buy a moisturizer myself. So far I havent had one new bump on my face, the only thing i've noticed is redness, which i'm sure is my face adjusting to the new medication (retin-a). Like I said it's been 2 days, but i've seen A LOT of progress in those two. Side affects do seem more apparent in females then males, as I havent felt any other then a small headache. The purpose of it is to kill bacteria before it starts, so you've got somthing for under your skin, now you need to meet it half way with another medicine such as topicals.. I'm using the BP 10% scrub to help oxidize my pores and keep the, bacteria free while retin-a helps with repairing my skin. USE MINICYCLINE WITH OTHER PRODUCTS, BOTTOM LINE.
This Was Helpful

2 user(s) found this helpful

Report
August 18, 2009

Pros:

Affordable

Cons:

Hard to remember to take sometimes untill you get into the habit, but that's how it goes with anything

I didn't respond very effectively to Monocycline. It did reduce my acne a bit, but I never got clear from it. I changed to Amoxicillin by recommendation of my dermatologist and it's orking better for me right now. He said people who usually don't respond well to Monocycline do better with Amoxicillin (sp?).
This Was Helpful

2 user(s) found this helpful

Report
August 12, 2009

Pros:

Cleared up the nodule type acne and help the rest as well.

Cons:

Yeast infections the first time around, and bad headaches during the second dosage.

I was on minocycline once before for three months, about a year ago, and it worked wonders. After going off it for three months, during my normal visit to the derm the doctor asked me if I wanted to try it again. I agreed. The second time around I had terrible headaches. Bottom line: first time great, second time, probably due to changes in my body, it was not agreeable. FYI: I am allergic to pencillin.
This Was Helpful

2 user(s) found this helpful

Report
August 5, 2009

Pros:

Cleared my acne. No side effects. Reduced redness and inflammation.

Cons:

None

Amazing drugs!! I gave been using Minocycline for 8 weeks now and it has really cleared my skin. I take one every night. I'm also using Dermol 500 cream which is great if you have acne but also have dry skin rather then oily. It prevents bacterial growth and really hydrates your skin rather then stripping it which many acne products do.
This Was Helpful

2 user(s) found this helpful

Report
July 19, 2009

Pros:

Cleared up persistent cystic acne for 40+ year old

Cons:

I'm not sure

My acne was getting worse and worse as I got older. I had been through a course of Accutane in my late teens and I think as I neared 40, it just wore off. I had terrible side effects with Accutane and just didn't want to try it again. After three plus years trying strictly topicals (Retin-A, Retin-A Micro, Tazorac, Benzaclin, Duac, Clindamycin gel) I decided to give in and try a daily antibiotic. I cleared up completely within a week. I've been on it for over a year and am still clear. I believe there are some side effects. I have grown accustomed to more heartburn, and I think I am more easily bruised than I used to be. But think about the psychological effects of acne. Anyone with severe, lifelong acne can testify that this is not a minor concern. For me, so far, the trade-off is worth it.
This Was Helpful

2 user(s) found this helpful

Report
Previous
1 … 47 48 49 50 51 … 112
Next

Relevant Article(s):

Relevant Review(s):

Relevant Forum(s):

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.
Find a Doctor Using The American Acacemy of Dermatology Website

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.
Find a Doctor Using the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Website