Acne.org Products
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 4, 2010
Cons:
Nausea.
Headache.
Dizziness (don't go on roller-coasters ;)
I started taking this about a year ago with two other topical medications my doctor prescribed. At first, my acne got way worse and started peeling. It took about a month and half for it to get better. But when it did, it really did. I didn't have a single breakout! Then I got off my insurance and couldn't afford it anymore. About a month later, my acne was breaking out like crazy. Got back on Minocycline and it took longer this time to clear up but I'm a hell of a lot clearer.
Frankly, it's the only thing that works for me. :) So try it. Yeah, I get a little dizzy but it's worth it. I'm still not on insurance so it's still expensive though :/
September 2, 2010
Pros:
Clears cystic acne!
Cons:
I felt dizzy for the first week or two of taking it. My doctor told me to take it with food. When I take it on an empty stomach, I feel slightly nauseous.
I have been on it for 8 months and it is still working great! I used to get the deep, painful, cystic acne on my chin and occasionally on my forehead. I haven't had one since I started!
August 5, 2010
Pros:
Not sure
Cons:
Severe allergic reaction
I started taking this and about 4 days later i woke up to my knee bring 3X's its normal size doctor told me i got drug induced lupus from it
May 4, 2010
Product used: Solodyn (Oral Antibiotic)
Pros:
Everything about it!
Cons:
None
I was prescribed Solodyn for my hormonal chin/jaw-line acne. I was taking birth control pills for about 8 years and when i decided to stop, i started to break out in this hormonal acne on my chin and jaw area. My dermatologist told me about Solodyn, but right away i was concerned with a few things. One being, will i get sick with it or get these horrible migranes. I read a lot of reviews from other people and i really was scared to take it after hearing about what people said happened to them. Second, i was worried that the pills would make me break out worse before it got better and also, dry my skin out. What everyone must know is, everyone is different and you must try Solodyn before you decide not to use it. I was prescribed the 65mg by my doctor according to my weight (130lbs). I have had ZERO side effects AND, my acne is clearing up drastically. I was also given a Solodyn patient access card which is good for 3 months. This pill is very expensive so i hope you can get this card. I was able to get my first month FREE and the remaining 2 months for $10. My pharacist told me that my primary insurance did not cover the pill so this card really helped because if i didnt have this card, i would have to pay $750 per month! All in all, try it out for yourself and don't go by what others say. Everyone has a different body and everyone has different skin.
December 18, 2009
Pros:
I can't remember the last time my skin was this clear of acne. I've had acne for about 10 years now. I've been using topical clindamycin for a couple of years but I couldn't seem to catch up with the new breakouts.
Cons:
Some nausea if taken on an empty stomach but otherwise well tolerated.
I take one 50mg tablet daily with meals. During the follow-up with my GP one month after starting minocycline, I was disappointed that I was still having breakouts. However, after a bit more persistence, the results started to show. I do get a zit every now and then but who doesn't? It is much easier to manage zits that do appear with topical antibiotics and benzoyl peroxide now that I am on minocycline. So for those of you who have just started, hang in there.
January 21, 2011
Product used: Solodyn (Oral Antibiotic)
Pros:
-Fast results
-Inexpensive
-No side effects
-Cleared severe cystic acne well
Cons:
Skin was itchy and dry at first
As soon as I started college, my face broke out in large, painful cystic acne. It was horrible, and anyone who suffers from acne knows the effects acne has on one's self esteem. I saw a new derm near my university because my doc back home refused to give me any form of aggressive treatment in fear of scarring. The new derm prescribed Aczone gel to be applied twice a day as well as Solodyn 65mg tablets. Within 2 weeks I noticed a substantial difference in my complexion. By the end of the first month I had only one cystic pustule on my jawline. I have now been on it for a little over two months and can't remember ever having such clear skin! I feel much more confident and never even touch my concealer before going out. I definitely recommend this!
December 12, 2010
Pros:
Worked reasonably quick.
Got read of most of my acne.
I love the purple and orange, just sayin'.
Cons:
Limit's my dairy intake.
If I go off of it, even for a day or more my face goes red.
I am on the 100mg.
Have been for some time, it's done some wonders for me.
I haven't noticed any side affects.
I've all my life been depressed so this did nothing to it.
Free, medical covers it.
I'd recommend it.
But no ones the same.
July 3, 2010
Pros:
I noticed a difference with the acne in my face in 1 week. It was pretty much gone in about 6 weeks.
Cons:
I had a slight stomach ache the 1st 2 weeks after taking it. It also made me feel sluggish. After About 4 weeks I noticed a rash on my hands & wrists, but I was in a foreign country & though it was something there I was allergic to. After 6 weeks (after I was back home) hives started to break out on my hands, arms, stomach, legs, & feet. I immediately stooped the medication. I've had hives for 14 days now.
This medication is great if you are not allergic to it. It gave my skin a glow & cleared up my clogged pores. Do not take if you're allergic to TETRACYCLINES.
March 8, 2010
Pros:
acne was better
Cons:
developed LUPUS from the drug after taking it for 2 years.
Please think twice befor you take this medication. It is not good to stay on it. I developed a disease from it.
June 26, 2014
Just wow
I have had acne since I was 12 (I am 17 now), and nothing I have ever used has worked. Until this. I have a medium ammount of acne, and I usually get it around my jaw, my cheeks, around my eyebrows and around my lips. I got this prescribed at 100mg (1 pill) per day. It has only been 2 weeks and I can see some changes. My pimples have stopped growing for the most part, and all the redness of them has gone down a lot. I use it with prescribed topical once every night, and now my face just feels so soft and smooth. I do get minor side effects, such as some disiness, nausea and head aches, but I feel that they are very minor and tolerable, especially seeing how good it has done on my skin.
Pros:
Works better than anything I've ever taken (and I've gone the whole nine yards, except Accutane).
Cheap, if you have insurance.