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
September 14, 2007

Pros:

Inexpensive. Controls breakouts well. No intestinal side effects.

Cons:

Your system can become immune. side effects.

After taking it for two weeks I started feeling short of breath, I then developed symptoms of a sinus infection. I stopped taking the minocyclin and my symptoms went away. One week after I began taking it again, I started to feel short of breath again and I developed a fever of 101.3! It was the minocyclin! I stopped taking it and haven't had anymore flu-like symptoms.
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September 14, 2007

Pros:

My skin got a little clearer

Cons:

non really

I've only been on solodyn 90 mg for a month and a week or so and my skin has cleared up, but not totally. I'm HOPING that after 2 months that my skin will be completely clear :). The Derm said that i wouldnt see the results untill after I was on it for 2 months, so who knows!! I'm also on Duac topical gel which is probably helping some 2
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September 2, 2007

Pros:

...

Cons:

Acne has only gotten worse.

I'm more than half way through my script and my acne has multiplied. I'm so frustrated! What antibiotic actually works? I'm 23 years old and so tired of this acne infested face!
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August 20, 2007

Pros:

I have been on Minocycline 100MG caplets, Retin-A, Benzac AC, for 3 week and all it's doing is making me sleepy. I guess I have to be patients, I still have ache on my face arms and back.

Cons:

It's all cons so far

I keep trying to use it.
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August 16, 2007

Pros:

Using Minocycline 100mg/twice daily 2.5 months. In conjunction with Trentin-X every other day, Benzaclin on face once a day, twice daily on shoulders and back. Face cleared 100%, Back and chest is slow to clear.

Cons:

Starting to receive groin rash (flat red) which may be a side effect of Minocycline.

Stops/Slows the production of sebum/oil. Does clear up and prevent acne from forming on the face, however slow to heal body acne.
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August 13, 2007

Pros:

Cleared up mild acne in a matter of days...

Cons:

Slight feeling of lightheadedness
Apparently taking it for long periods can cause serious side effects

I've been using this for only a few days and my skin's looking good. I take it before bed to avoid the side effects most people say they experience, however I've still noticed I feel a little dizzy/"out of it" sometimes during the day but only slightly. I wouldn't take this for a long period of time as I've read it can cause arthritis and lupus... but it works well and I'm going to continue with it for a few months.
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August 2, 2007

Pros:

It'd cleared up my acne within months. Hardly brokeout.

Cons:

Caused severe headaches, they felt like migranes and would also get dizzy. Darken lips, nails, and the white of your eyes

One of the side effects of this medication is severe headaches which I wasn't told. After a few months of taking this medication I was getting migranes and went to the doctors 3 to 4 times and they kept telling that it was allergies and prescribe me different allergy medication, that didn't work. One day I decided to take a break from the minocyclin b/c I wanted my lips to turn back to it's original color(caused my lips to turn dark). After 3 days of being off of it I had no headaches. Right now I'm not taking minocycline, I did get a severe breakout after getting off of it. My skin has clear up since than, Right now I am just using benzoyl perioxide and a sulfur cream, and also started taking vitamins
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July 31, 2007

Pros:

Cleared skin nicely
No side effects

Cons:

May become immune

Well after about six months of using clydoxyl gel and retin a to get rid of my mild/moderate acne with little success i was put on minocin by my derm. Its been about five months since i started it. I started on a low dose (50 mg twice daily) with some success. After another derm appointment i got bumped up to 100 mg twice daily. After 3 months of this my skin is almost completely clear. it worked extremely well along with differin gel and spectro gel and i definatley reccommend it. i get about one or two active spots every few weeks but other than that i have no active acne and very few red marks. I also am going to be getting accutane tommorow as a final precaution to hopefully cure my acne permanently.
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June 23, 2007

Pros:

None yet, except that acne does not seem worse; have not had the side effects (stomach,etc)

Cons:

Food/vitamin issue

Have been taking 100 mg 2X day for almost 4 weeks, with no real change. I have a couple of questions for people who have had success: 1) is it normal to take more than a month to see results? 2) I only have a small window to take and eat School/work)--I usually take it in the morning with a breakfast bar and juice. Does this effect effectiveness? It don't get sick from it. I don't do the dairy products.
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April 9, 2007

Pros:

Yet None

Cons:

Dizzy,light headache

Hi,today is the second week im taking this drug.I broke out the last days now my face looks even worse than it was before ??? Is this normal? I read that is takes at least 6-8 weeks to start working ..but will it continue breaking out because i was worried about my mild acne now its even worse..PLEASE if someone has been through the same..let me know ..is this normal or should i stop taking it?? in the beginning i felt dizzy but u get used to the drug after a week the dizziness is gone..
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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.