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
November 20, 2006

Pros:

Clears skin, reduces redness of pimples

Cons:

Gives me horrible yeast infections that are difficult to treat!

I took the generic of Minocycline (200 mg daily) for four years and ended up getting recurrent yeast infections every other month. My dr. made me stop taking it and my skin was fine for a few months, then broke out horribly. I went back on the generic of Minocycline (100 mg) after Solodyn (50 mg) for 2 months had no change in my skin. The generic worked great (took almost a month to start working) but gave me a horrible yeast infection again. My skin is clear now and I am never taking anti-biotics again, no matter how bad my skin gets. It's not worth it!
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November 13, 2006

Pros:

nothing is worth eye surgery permanent damage and 7 months of being very very sick and 4 spinal taps manufacture needs to change drug labels and get the word out to docs who prescribe this drug

Cons:

if you are experiencing headaches please get help from doc or opthamologist this drug can cause a swollen opti nerve even can loose sight don't take any side effects for granted

drug warnings on the labeling need to be redone not telling enough
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October 29, 2006

Pros:

I am on mino with differin cream and within the first few days, all of my big pimples have subsided.

Cons:

I am getting all these little white heads, my face feels rough and painful and it looks a little redder than usual. Is this normal?

I haven't been on it long enough to tell
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October 21, 2006

Pros:

Cleared up my acne almost instantly. I saw immediate results.

Cons:

The first few days, I was dizzy and sick to my stomach. After a while, that stopped. Then maybe two weeks later, I started to get really intense heartburn. Soon after, I started getting red patches all over my body that were INTENSELY itchy.

It works very well on acne, but the adverse reactions are intolerable. It made me realize that I'd rather be comfortable than beautiful, so I guess I'm cured.
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October 12, 2006

Pros:

Cleared up face in 2 weeks.

Cons:

Terrible side effects -- allergic reaction.

Mino did clear up my face but the side effects were horrible I had to go off of it. Two weeks into treatment I developed a terrible itchy rash and hives! The worst was the crippling heartburn and vaginal itch!!! I had to leave work. Be careful and keep your doc informed.
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October 10, 2006

Pros:

none

Cons:

made me very ill intracranial hypertension you may get it report to doc any headaches or vision problems

if any reaction at all please report to the food and drug administration [link removed] to many reactions not being reported
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April 4, 2025
Product used:
good
good product
January 13, 2020
Terrible Heart Burn

Discontinued this as soon as it was safe to do so as I got absolutely terrible indigestion and heart burn. Had to sleep basically upright the whole time I was on it. Didn't see any drastic improvement in my skin. I have more recently been on Lymacyclin and it has been (as of yet) more tolerable. So If it's giving you side effects remember THERE ARE other oral antibiotic alternatives and also REMEMBER don't let your GP or dermatologist keep you on antibiotics for more that 3-6months they are suppose to be a temporary helper until a more long term solution is found. Antibiotics WILL not be your long term solution and you risk your gut health and your acne becoming immune to over treatments if you use antibiotics for too long.

January 27, 2019
Did not work for me

I tried this twice for 10 weeks, as my GP prescribed it for my cystic acne. However both times it did absolutely nothing for me.

October 15, 2018
SOLODYN MAY BE YOUR CURE!
TRY IT OUT! I'm a mid-30 yo female that has always been acne free. Stress and bacterial infection from clarisonic caused acne break out all over forehead and cheeks. My dermatologist has put me on Solodyn 55mg and Aczone 7.5% once a day. Here's my routine: Daytime - Purpose facewash, Kiehl's calendula toner, Aveeno posivitely radiant spf30 moisturizer. Nightime - Purpose facewash, kiehl's calendula toner, Aczone, after 5 minutes CeraVe oilfree PM moisturizer, oral Solodyn at night. I have been taking Solodyn for 6 weeks now and I think this and Aczone are a really good combo! Solodyn does not give me any side effect issues but I am also on 55mg - which is a lower dosage and based off of my weight. I would definitely try this out before any other antibiotic. I will keep you all posted once I am done with my course! Stay hopeful!

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.