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
October 16, 2007

Pros:

i get NO pimples while taking this medication. (okay, maybe one or two every six months or so.)

Cons:

none

i have what you might call "vanity acne", where i just get a few really bad pimples at a time. i was on a few different medications before i was prescribed minocycline. now, if i run out and don't fill my prescription right away, i'll get 3 zits within five days of not taking the medication. so it definitely works. i originally took two twice a day, but i've only been taking 100mg per day for a while now.
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October 13, 2007

Pros:

NOTHING still was breaking out, the only good thing was I didnt have to pay for it bc I had a coupon from my derm

Cons:

headaches, tiredness, didnt even work

I was on this medication for 3 months and I regiously took it, I was still breaking out and my skin was not completely clear so I decided to stop... WORST MISTAKE OF MY LIFE, I got the Worst most horrible breakout of cystic like acne of my life, I'm 23 and I've never had a breakout like this not even as a teen, my cheeks were horrible and I'm still trying to recover from this breakout 4 months later, I've switched to Tetracycline and started using Differin .3 and so far my skin is a million times better but still not quite clear yet...just bc its expensive you think its going to work but it definitely didnt for me.
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October 9, 2007

Pros:

clears acne. best antibiotic I've used.

Cons:

tired and sleepy, so if you work and go to school... maybe not the best choice for you

I have tried several antibiotics for my acne - none of them ever worked. A new dermatologist recommended Solyodn to me, and I have to say this is the best thing that I've ever used. I am not completely clear, but for being on this for 2 weeks... huge difference! I had huge inflamed, red pimples all around the sides of my face and cheeks, and they have gone down a lot in 2 wks. I have tried EVERYTHING out there and this works for me.
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September 10, 2007

Pros:

I have tried many different medications for my acne rosecea. Minocycline is the only oral medication to have worked. Totally cleared up all my cysts and breakouts.

Cons:

My dermatologist has informed me that I may always have to take this medication which is scary thought.

I have never had any of these symptoms described here and I have taken this medication somewhat consistently for 2 years. I may go for 2 months without taking a pill but the first sign of a 'cyst' forming then I start the regimen again. I have just now been hearing of some of these severe reactions and I am just amazed I have not encountered them. However I am going to continue to research the long term usage of this drug as it looks like I have to use for many years to come to help control my rosecea. I recommend this medication but only with close medical supervision to see how your body will react.
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August 17, 2007

Pros:

will fix up acne.... must give it time.

Cons:

None so far

Alright this is the real deal. I starting taking this 3 weeks ago today, and didn't really notice anything happening. In fact after 2 weeks my acne was the worst it has ever been and i just wanted to lay down and cry.... which i did. I wouldn't go out or anything. But i stuck with it and to my astonishment the following week the acne began to dissapear. No more breakouts, no more deep hurtful ones. Now I am just waiting for my scars to go away and i am happy to say that i will feel great going into college! Believe me this medication takes time to work so don't give up on it. Good Luck!
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August 10, 2007

Pros:

Cleared up cystic acne within 2 weeks, skin is 100% better!!

Cons:

Metallic taste in mouth, headaches, "some" mental fogginess, dried out skin a bit

I would recommend this to anyone with moderate cystic acne. 50 mgs 2x per day. Skin is a bit dry, but very soft and CLEAR!!
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August 5, 2007

Pros:

Skin started to clear in as little as three days.

Cons:

HEAD PRESSURE! It got really bad, and I had to stop taking after six days. I was also dizzy, lightheaded, having bad nausea, and felt uncordinated. Simply drinking or eating made me feel sick.

Mino is a good pill, but I just happened to be one of those rare people who have bad side effects. If you experience ANY head aches or pressure for more than three days contact your doctor IMMEDIATELY!
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August 4, 2007

Pros:

It did help to clear my acne. It is not a long term solution (there is none!) but is helpful in treating acne.

Cons:

had allergic reaction after using for 2 years.
Swollen Lips, hives, blisters that left scars on my body.

Mino does work and it really depends on your dosage as to how it works for you. If you are getting dizzy, etc.. tell your doc and they will lower the dosage. This is not for long term use. It causes liver damage and turns your skin yellow if taken long term. My doc told me this when asking if I wanted to try it. I took one a day for 9 months then was told to ONLY take it if I had a flare up (4-5 days max infrequently) Apparently after two years, I developed an allergic reaction and immediately stopped taking. Hey, it happens. If you have a reaction, don't keep taking it. Use your head. I just started taking bactrim now. Doc also mentioned the other day to tell them if you are allergic to mino because some creams, etc have mino in them as well.
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July 13, 2007

Pros:

so far nothing. my acne is spreading down my face..my chin is horrible. i can't look in the mirror without crying. my acne has never been this horrible.

Cons:

makes my acne worse. i don't have any symptoms.

so far..it hasn't worked on my. i've been on it for 5 weeks and my what used to be occasional acne breakouts are now 100% of the time.
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June 22, 2007

Pros:

Cleared up skin very quickly (saw results even after one week), easy to take, no side effects (for me, anyway!)

Cons:

Have to continue taking it for skin to stay clear

I was on minocycline for about a year for mild acne, and while it worked miracles during that time, as soon as I was off it my skin started flaring up again. Have heard it works well long-term for some people though - be aware that it counteracts the contraceptive pill.
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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.