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 25, 2010

Pros:

no pros

Cons:

took it for 3 weeks. did not feel good when i was on solodyn. The last week i took it got testicular pain. got diaherria.

after the testicular pain i stoped take it. it mite work for you but there is no way i will ever try solodyn ever agen.
August 13, 2010

Pros:

none

Cons:

no effect on my skin at all.
horrible headaches
muscle ache
fatigue

wasn't covered by my insurance
so I was given samples by my doctor.

I've been on solodyn for about a month now. I was on 60 mg the first two weeks and it helped prevent a few whiteheads and red bumps for a while. Then my dermatologist put me on 90 mg and it has no effect at all. Actually, I broke out even more especially on the chin and cheek area. I'm going to stop taking this and ask for accutane.
July 2, 2010

Pros:

Clears up a bit at first then stops

Cons:

Nausea
Yeast infection
Increased sensitivity
Can't lie down for a half hour!!!!!

I got a YI a week in, a bad sunburn and I threw up a lot from taking it. It took forever to work and if it sat in your mouth too long or you took it wothout water there is a DISGUSTING taste, and it gets stuck in your throat. After a while I gave up because there were too many restrictions and side effects. I kinda which I had gotten addicted, that way I would have at least wanted to take them! p.s--By the way, to 'Anonymous from Pangea' It doesn't do that, you're imagining it. My god, and if it really did, you may want to see a doctor, because you never know, it could be cancer. pp.s--I am pretty sure Pangea doesn't exist anymore, what fairytale are you living in?
December 31, 2009

Pros:

None

Cons:

Dizzy, light headed, neausea, thirsty, vertigo.

I took this for 1 week and it was the worse week ever. I had to stop taking it because I couldnt handle the side effects anymore. It made me sick, dizzy, naseous, vertigo to the point where I was afraid to drive! It was hard to function on this medication and it didnt help my acne at all. I felt like it was making it worse and the redness even more prominent. I started with one really bad cyst and then after I got on Minocycline, my entire forehead started breaking out really bad. This definately didnt work for me and Im still recovering from the side effects.
November 21, 2009

Pros:

It really works!!

Cons:

If taken during the day or take more than suppose to, I would feel a bit hyper and then sick in my stomach.

I have a year on this medication. I'm in my mid 20's and before this medication I went to a bunch of skin doctors, and spend so much money to clear my face up. My acne is very mild but, it gets very bad around that time of the month. So I control by taking one pill a day 2 days before my period and then after for two more days. Together with 10% bensil. That does the trick for the whole month.
November 4, 2009

Pros:

This actually worked for me

Cons:

You definatly feel sick

I know allot of people will use a product and if it does happen to work the dont go back to these sights where they once looked for some kind of cure to let people know. Minocycline actually worked for me! It took about two months to start seeing results. Now im weening off of it and am still seeing good results. I was very reluctant to use it but once i gave in as a last resort it helped allot. Dont be close minded about it despit what you hear. Good luck to all
October 23, 2009

Pros:

I have been prescribed this by my doctor to use for 6 months. Origionally my acne cleared up well.

Cons:

Four months into my treatment and my acne has returned with vengence. I returned to my doctor who told me this could happen with the treatment of acne and i should just 'persevere'.

I think this is a suitable option for less severe acne. Would class as a quick fix that does not get to the source of the problem.
October 7, 2009

Pros:

It can slightly reduce acne
Cheap cause of insurance... saved me 100$

Cons:

I started receiving back pains after taking it, acne is breaking out MORE often all over my body, I got stupid MOOD SWINGS that's certainly not fun to discuss as a male.

Overall all my acne was extremely mild now its just like a few pimples here and there... but the scars don't go away and after its no longer inflamed it always bleeds inside and leaves a black like spot until either my skin peels off and it seeps out leaving a giant GASH or I bandage it. Either way it did help, but not 100%. If you have slightly moderate acne buy it and be aware of side effects... mood swings are a pain in the butt.
September 25, 2009

Pros:

Makes skin very smooth, seems to be clearing acne up well

Cons:

I became increasingly tired, headaches, sensitive stomach

I have been minocycline for just over a month now, and have seen an improvement with my skin. Although it is not a huge improvement, it is an improvement none the less. I visited my gp yesterday, and he prescribed me with another 2 months dosage. He is very happy with the results so far, and has ensured me i will be clear soon, and to be patient, as it does take a long time for the drugs to settle in to the system. I seem to be doing fine witht the side effects, not as bad as some. A few headaches here and there, bit of tiredness, and stomach sensitivity, but its woth it to have clear skin.
September 24, 2009

Pros:

None for me

Cons:

The throwing up ... oh man, the throwing up. so gross.

I'd say try it for yourself because everyone is different, but it didn't do a thing for me

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.