Oral Antibiotic
Efficacy
69%
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 to only some people, and may lead to side effects and strains of resistant bacteria. Studies do show they can sometimes 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 Tetracycline? Rate It:
Choose from 1 to 5 stars
January 10, 2008
Cons:
Must take on empty stomach, which upsets my tummy and also has made me have less of an appetite, but other than that...Great Product!
I have been struggling with moderate cystic on my chin for about 5 years now (so frustrating!)
I have used every acne-wash on the market and nothing ever worked, there was only irritation and more breakouts...I was also taking Erythromycin tablets but they did little for me (I think because of the low dosage)Now I'm taking Tetracycline and it's doing great so far..the acne on my chin has improved so much within a few weeks!!! I hope it continues to fight for me!!! Now I must care for the scarring, but hey if you've got some foundation that won't irritate your skin, then you're okay. The best bet is to let scarring heal naturally because u dont wanna start adding other medications that may irritate your skin and trigger acne all over again!!! Works great!
January 6, 2008
Pros:
Clears up skin totally, apart from the occasional spot around the time of your period
Cons:
If you forget to take it, as i did for a few days when i ran out and didnt pick up a new prescription on time, i had spots straight away.
clears up your skin nicely from acne, but come back if you dont take it for 2/ days.
still have oily skin, and horrible mood swings during the time or my period
January 4, 2008
Pros:
Cured my moderate to sometimes severe and embarassing acne. I had been deeply depressed because of my appearance for about 5 years. My acne had affected my career and dating, I lacked the confidence required.
Cons:
I developed chronic heart burn and now take zantac daily.
This really takes its toll on your stomach. I used this for approx 5 years with excellent results. I am no longer depressed, I am confident, I am now clear and don't need to take this anymore. However, I now take pills for chronic heartburn daily (not such a hassle). I wish I had discovered this "cure" sooner.
December 12, 2007
Pros:
Worked quicker than I thought, cheap too
Cons:
Messes up your eating schedule
My derm prescribed this to me with retin-a micro and boy did it work. The month after I came back to her office and my acne %90 gone. I have a lot of acne scarring to get over still but it's pretty wonderful. It does make you kind of pukey after taking but it's not too bad.
December 8, 2007
Pros:
Does not dry out my skin
Cons:
Have to take on a empty stomach to be effective.
I am a 22 year old male, I have dealt with acne since high school, I would say that I have mild to moderate acne, depending on the day. I have tried everything over-the-counter has to offer with absolutely no results, and in my frustration I finally saw a dermatologist. I was prescribed tetracycline 500MG capsules to take twice a day. I consistently took this medication correctly for over 2 months with little to no results. I really wanted this medication to give me a break, but just when I thought I was clear, a new wave of pimples would pop up on my face. Because its easy to take and theres no side effects for me, I will continue to take it until my next dermatologist appointment in a month. If anyone wants to try tetracycline I would recommend it, although it did nothing for me, it is still worth trying.
December 8, 2007
Pros:
Worked great for the first six months, cleared everything up.
Cons:
After six weeks my cystic acne worsened and I had more cysts than ever before, DAILY. And scarring. Ew.
Try it out; if it works for you that's great. One of the side effects of tetracyclin (read the inserts on the drugs, please) says to stay out of the sun or you will have issues. Plus the whole antibiotic resistance thing....
November 22, 2007
Pros:
Got rid of all acne flare ups.
Cons:
Never gets rid of all of the acne
At first it makes your skin flare up. After using it for 2 months, there are some major results. It seems to stop doing its job after healing about 90% of the acne even after another 4 or 5 months. Kind of frustrating.
November 21, 2007
Pros:
It clears up moderate acne really well, especially if used with a topical acne treatment.
Cons:
Some of the side effects have been pretty annoying, for me at least. Digestive problems suck.
Just take it the way it's prescribed and you'll be fine. Also, you need to give it time to work. It will not necessarily clear up in two days. It just takes time.
November 12, 2007
Pros:
Works well for my facial acne. I see some results on body acne but not great.
Cons:
Messes with my eating schedule.
I would give it a try. If you use it I would not expect quick results and maybe a slight flairup at the start. I am seeing improvment but it takes a little time. I am convinced that if I would stick to the reccommended dose on a strict schedule instead of the lazy, uneven way I take it -mostly due to not being able to eat for an hour after taking it or 2-3 before taking it- I would see even better results. For eveyone who has only taken this med for a week or two, I wouldn't give their review much weight with all due respect. My doc said it could take a month or longer and that I could see even worse acne for a short time. It takes time and dicipline if you want any results from my expirience. Also, I do other things on top of this such as medicated soap and BP cream, soon to be replaced by the regimen.
October 22, 2007
Pros:
gets rid of cysts
Cons:
it's an antibiotic
Works great for me. Cleared up my face nicely - used to be on 2 twice a day but now down to 1 twice a day. It keeps the cysts away amazingly well. Now I am just trying to find a bcp that will work just as well but so far it's been a horrendous ride.
Pros:
Works great, have seen big improvement on my moderate facial acne!