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
April 7, 2007
Minocycline worked great for about 2 years, until I decided to stop using all my medication, including birth control. Since, I've had horrible break outs all over my face, back and chest, for which minocycline no longer seems to work. While you're on it, it works great--so stay on it! Once I stopped, however, resistant bacteria were able to multiply until now the drug no longer works. I'm going to try Doxycycline for my current situation.
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April 5, 2007

Pros:

Works well. Skin is less oily and smoother. Feels like I've used moisturiser all over.

Cons:

Stopped taking it for about a week and acne returned. Feel constantly tired but not sure whether this is due to the drug or stress.

I've just seen my doctor today and he's precribed me Lymecycline (Tetracyline). I would see your doctor if you feel any side effects as there are alternatives to this drug. Probably not a good one to take if you're a student as you won't be able to drink as much. Your body will tell you when to stop drinking. I am worried what it has done to my brain as I have not felt particularly alert after taking it and have become quite lazy. I feel an urge to sleep in on a constant basis and am generally not well rested when waking up.
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March 25, 2007

Pros:

effective treatment for mild to moderate acne, almost completely eliminates outbreaks after 2 weeks

Cons:

time interval between taking the pills and eating/drinking any type of dairy product, same thing for vitamins

Most people who are on this medication will have the initial breakout withing the first few weeks. Luckily for me, I only broke out the day after I started the treatment with symmetrical pimples, three on each side of my mouth, which were alleviated quickly thereafter. If you've tried most over-the-counter acne treatments, then this would be a great starting point for anyone who has been suffering for acne. I've had acne since I was 14, and am now 20, so I have extensively tried mostly everything out there on the market, and my only conclusion to make is that prescription drugs and topicals will probably infiltrate acne and hopefully keep it under control since acne is most likely non-curable.
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March 22, 2007

Pros:

It really hasn't worked for me yet in 21 days have been on Minocycline for 21 days and my skin worsened w/ a bad breakout 7 days after starting. Now, I am waiting for my acne to disappear.

Cons:

I get upset an upset stomach if I drink milk accidentally w/out a 2 hour nterval

I am giving it a try. If I get no results at the end of my 2 month period, I will ask my dermatologist for Accutane. I read Vilante has less side effects.I do modeling and need quick results.
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March 20, 2007

Pros:

Seemed to slightly relieve the amount of breakouts.

Cons:

Does not reduce oil, acne seems about the same

I have been on the generic form of minocycline as well as an alternative form solodyn. Both of these medication did not provide much help and the are very expensive. Body also adjusts to the drug.
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January 3, 2007

Pros:

Cleared up my skin within 3 weeks.

Cons:

After 3 weeks I had a severe allergic reaction.

I developed hives after taking this product for three weeks. I had redness, swelling that looks like mosquito bites, extreme itching, and puffy hands. Benedryl helped some but I had to get a cortizone shot, which cleared it right up. Bottom line, worked great for acne but can't take due to allergy.
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December 29, 2006

Pros:

Worked pretty well, cleared up my moderate acne almost to the point where it was non-existent.

Cons:

There were periodic times when you would still break out, but not a severe breakout...

Talk to your doctor, I do nto recommend to anyone who does not like taking medications, or frequently forget to take their dosage. (Like Me) Thats why I stopped using it, because I just tend to forget to take the pill... But it did work, and I was glad I got it.
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December 22, 2006

Pros:

Free over NHS

Cons:

Caused an allergic reaction during 2nd month - hives all over body and chest pain.
Does not provide a long term solution to acne.

Minocycline didnt help my acne at all. Just some advice - if your experiencing an adverse/allergic reaction get an appointment with your doctor and they will help you out!!
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November 29, 2006

Pros:

Clears your face quickly.

Cons:

I had no side effects.

Works great.
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November 24, 2006

Pros:

Effectiveness

Cons:

It's a dangerous drug....severely outweights use

If you have acne, Minocycline works great. Not enough information of the long term effects of this drug has been studied. Most like most people who have acne that effects one's social behavior that didn't matter. Like all illnesses and most unwanted reactions to the environment, Acne will one day be cured. Doctor's have noticed that the rate of Acne sufferers has been increasing throughout the years. Drug companies have profited greatly because of this, which leads me to think that maybe there is a cure, and companies like ProActiv, and the Drug companies are indoctrinating doctors and scientists on medicating patients instead of finding a cure. I ONLY RECOMMEND THIS DRUG IF YOU UNDERSTAND THE DANGERS OF THE DRUG...
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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.