Acne.org Products
Oral Antibiotic
Efficacy
54%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
Note: Should never be used on its own and for a maximum of 3 months.
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.
Used Minocycline? Rate It:
Choose from 1 to 5 stars
May 28, 2009
Product used: Solodyn (Oral Antibiotic)
Cons:
You nust use a good sunscreen...Now that it is summer my skin is starting to burn when I am in the car and outside with the kids. You can't avoid sun these days. For me a is a good fall/winter med
Works really well for severe acne. Try it out. Make sure you get a discout card from the Dermatologist because it is pricey!
May 24, 2009
Pros:
Prevents severe cystic acne as long as I take it every day. Prevents impetigo and staph.
Cons:
Sensitivity to sun, skin discoloration. Cystic acne reappears immediately if I stop taking the minocycline for a couple of days.
I've been on minocycline for several years now and it very effectively keeps my cystic acne, an all other acne, at bay. Prior to minocycline I always had at least 1-2 very deep cysts that would last for weeks at a time and often become infected and leave severe scars. Now I probably get 2-3 cysts per year, no infections and no further scaring. I was also very prone to impetigo and staph infections on my face and I haven't had one since I've been on minocycline. Minocycline is a godsend for me. Oddly, side effects started after I'd already been taking mino for 3+ years. I'm now extremely sensitive to the sun-- developed severe sun poisoning last summer and had to go on prednisone for a week. I kind of have a permanent tan now. Dependency and antibiotic resistance is also a concern. Bottom line is: my cystic acne was severe and now my skin is clear. So I'm willing to tolerate side effects.
May 19, 2009
Pros:
It works while you're on it.
Cons:
Conditions come back as soon as you come off the pills.
-Doctors and Derms hand out antibiotics like candy.
-Try other methods preferably natural remedies before trying antibiotics.
-Only take oral drugs if the case is life threatning.
-Take care of your body. Change your diet, exercise daily, and stay away from drugs.
May 14, 2009
Pros:
Made my acne disappear within 2 months after I began taking it twice daily... For the first time, I could have the option of NOT wearing makeup. Was very pleased with the results
Cons:
I went off of it because one day I had terrible stomach cramps after I took it like normal. The acne subsided and then returned about a month later, full blown and worse than before. I have hyperpigmentation of my scars and new acne forms daily
I was off of this medication for about 2-3 months. I had moderate acne and it is now severe. They form mostly around my jaw and chin but don't limit themselves to anywhere else on my face! I also have eczema and immune system issues, plus I have taken many antibiotics over the past 4+ years. I loved this medicine, tried so many other topical treatments (proactiv made my skin break out MORE, which was I had to take minocycline in the first place) and then when I started to take it again, it would almost immediately dry out my skin and turn them into crusty hard bumps. Then I began to feel more and more nauseated each day and have EXTREME fatigue and lightheadness, my skin is turning colors (yellow) and I am glad to know others experience the 'zombie' feeling too. This medicine is RUINING MY LIFE!
May 12, 2009
Pros:
It cleared me up almost completely for about a month- month and a half.
Cons:
It then stopped working! I thought I had found my answer to acne. Oh well, back to the drawing board
It may work better for you, who knows..
May 9, 2009
Pros:
Does work within day, clearing up quickly.
Was pleased with the results until the folling happend days later.
Cons:
Light headed, headache, dizziness, blurred vision.
Taking twice a day, once in the moring once at night, was too strong of side effects and had to quit.
May 6, 2009
Pros:
- Cleared up at least 90% of my acne
- Easy to take
- No side effects (Didn't irritate stomach, no headaches, etc..)
Cons:
- Apparently isn't good for your liver
- You have to wait for about an hour to lay down after taking it
- Post marks still remain. Although, they're less noticeable.
Been taking Minocycline 100 mg twice daily for exactly 2 months now, along with Tazorac cream. I'm very pleased with the results. I went from having moderately severe acne to moderately light acne. At first, it improved within the first few days. Then, probably after a week, it seemed to lose effect. Then, my acne looked better. It was basically a cycle of good days and bad days. However, I contributed my bad days (red skin, very noticeable post marks) to Tazorac. I know this because I haven't been using Tazorac for about 5 days now and my skin is very clear (except for only two whiteheads) and evenly toned in color. However, I still remained taking my usual dosage of Minocycline for the past 5 days while I was off Tazorac. Therefore, I can come to the conclusion that Minocycline is helping me a lot. I plan on continuing Minocycline for another month, which would add up to a total of 3 months of using it.
May 1, 2009
Product used: Solodyn (Oral Antibiotic)
Pros:
The huge nodules on my face disappeared within the first 2 weeks. I got a few white heads that heal very quickly.
Cons:
I seem to feel more tired, but the benefits of this med are worth it.
It's worth a try. I have great insurance so I had nothing to loose.
I don't think is worth paying the hundreds of dollars that it would normally cost. A little worried as to what will happen when my 4th month is up!
April 25, 2009
Product used: Solodyn (Oral Antibiotic)
Pros:
My cystic acne is clearing up and no more breakouts. It's really all that worked for me.
Cons:
At first a little dizzy with headaches but it didn't last long.
Worked well and I got a discount card from the doctor.
April 16, 2009
Product used: Solodyn (Oral Antibiotic)
Pros:
It decreases redness and irritation in the skin. I'm currently using it with Brevoxyl-4 and I'm not seeing much of a difference but it prevents any other breakouts. It works better if you take it around the same time everyday, and be consistent.
Cons:
Works kinda SLOOOW.
My dermatologist gave me this prescription and it isn't as great as I thought it would be. It's only been about a month I've been using it, and he said I would see 75% clearing in my skin. Actually, I've seen probably 10%, and that's me being positive =/ I've seen some blackheads around my nose area that I've never had? Weird. IDK, I'll work it out for another month. From the other reviews, it seems to work if you're taking it properly and with a good exfoliator or somethin'.
Pros:
Clears your face rather quickly-great results. I have cystic acne and use in conjuction with tazorac gel.