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
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.
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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.
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August 3, 2009

Pros:

CLEARED UP MY ENTIRE FACE WITHIN JUST TWO WEEKS!!!

Cons:

YOU MUST EAT BEFORE TAKING THIS MED. MADE ME A BIT TIRED.

I HAVE BEEN DEALING WITH LIGHT ACNE ALL OVER MY FACE & CYSTIC ACNE ON MY CHIN ALL MY LIFE. HOWEVER, THE DOCTOR PRESCRIBED SOLODYN BECAUSE I WAS ALSO DIAGNOSED WITH PERIORAL DERMATITIS. AND JUST LIKE THAT POOF ALL GONE IN LESS THAN TWO WEEKS. NOW THAT I AM IN MY 30'S I WISH I KNEW ABOUT THIS PRODUCT WHEN I WAS IN MY 20'S!!!
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July 21, 2009

Pros:

You don't have to do anything besides remember to take it at night.
Doesn't make your skin sensitive, or does it dry it out, a common side-effect with many acne treatments.

Cons:

It is EXPENSIVE if your insurance does not cover it
Took 3 months to kick in

I took a while for me to stop breaking out, I didn't see any difference until three months later but when I did finally stop breaking out, I only had one or two pimples within a two-month period. I think it's worth buying
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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.
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July 10, 2009

Pros:

It works as long as you keep taking it.

Cons:

dizziness and weakness.

for one month it work fine while i was taking this medecine.Then i stop taking the medecine and i get little acne.But It clear up 80% of my acne.
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July 10, 2009

Pros:

Got a coupon from my derm so that it would only be $10/month, so I didn't waste a lot of money

Cons:

Made me VERY dizzy~had to take at night and then still got dizzy/vertigo feelings. After taking for about 3 weeks my joints started aching~very annoying and can be a sign of drug-induced lupus. Acne got worse.

I took this for about 4 weeks total and had to stop taking it due to how crappy it was making me feel. I couldn't handle the side effects and I already feel so much better after about a week of not taking it. I did not see any improvement in my acne (and actually it got worse), but like I said I only took it for 4 weeks. My derm. prescribed me 135 mg, but looking at Solodyn's website I should have been on 90 mg based on my weight, so perhaps this is why I had so many bad side effects so soon?? Either way I am not willing to use any dose of this product again; the aching joints really worries me. Definitely be cautious with this product!
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July 9, 2009

Pros:

I cleared up almost instantly using this and Benzaclyn. My skin was never so soft!

Cons:

It made me sick as a dog and I had to stop!

Give it a try! It may work for you. I wish I could have tolerated it better.
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June 27, 2009

Pros:

Been on it for 2 months. Had very light acne on chest and back - completely cleared that up. Forehead is completely clear as well. Still have acne on face - didn't do much yet for my face, but I have seen some improvement. Was free with insurance.

Cons:

None really. Was slightly dizzy for the first 3 or 4 days of use, but that's it.

Give it a try. I'm happy with the results so far and will continue for another 2 months.
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June 16, 2009

Pros:

it works a little i guess i like it becuase i dont have to focus on washing my face all of the time in the shower and its cheaper then anything like proactive

Cons:

i havent had much when i first week used it i was dizzy but it got over real fast it wasnt bad

its a good product i still have some acne but definetly not as bad
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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.