Oral Antibiotic
Reviews
3.3
588 Reviews
Oral Antibiotic
Efficacy
69%
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
Medium-High
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.
Read All About Tetracycline
Compare To Other Treatments
5
16.3%
4
33.3%
3
23.6%
2
15.3%
1
11.4%

Used Tetracycline? Rate It:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
June 30, 2009

Pros:

Cleared up my cystic acne in 2 weeks, all my acne is almost gone and I've tried everything.

Cons:

Nausea, hard to fit around my eating schedule, can't lie down 30 minutes after or eat dairy 2-3 hours around it.

After using birth control, proactive, neutrogena, clearasil, purpose, cetaphil, vichy, oil of olay, zapzit, etc. I went to the dermatologist and have been on this, differin gel, and dove soap and my acne is almost gone, I am 27 and had it really bad on my cheek areas. Finally I have clear skin.
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May 2, 2009

Pros:

There wasn't really any pros. It didn't help clear my skin AT ALL!

Cons:

Tetracycline doesn't help zits. It didn't help, but it didn't make them worse either.

This really is a waste of money. You have to schedule when you're going to eat, and it doesn't even work! Tetracyline doesn't get rid of pimples at all.
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March 3, 2009

Pros:

my acne is almost gone! no big painful pussy pimples hardly ever! im also suppoesed to start my period too and im not breaking out yet!

Cons:

Just the schedule. but its it worth it!

Antibiotics work for some not for others. you just have to try it. if it doesnt work, try something else. if it does, congratulations for finding your cure! i found mine!!! i hope it keeps working!!
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December 25, 2008

Pros:

i took it about 5 months ago and within a month everything was gone,i stopped it for a little and broke out badly but not as bad a befor but now i have lots of pimples

Cons:

they r still sorta under ur skin

try it.
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February 12, 2008

Pros:

Clears up severe acne very nicely with little side effects
no blood tests needed

Cons:

having to schedule meals around pills (you get used to it :P though you start to really miss random snacks and such)

I was told not to use it because it didn't work on one of my classmates...but A Dr told me to try it and so i did. The first time I got a 3 month supply of 360 pills. It started working after the 2nd month, less painful acne. i didn't get a large breakout or anything. I had to take two treatments for my face to really clear up. stay away from sun! You'll be red as heck! Use oil-free sunblock with high SPF. stick to it! its hard to schedule but do not eat when you take it, or else it'll kill its effects :P. i stopped taking it a long while ago, and only get a few breakouts here and there, but no longer severe acne. I can handle a random zit now and then compared to what I used to have. also try with combo'd Dalacin T - topical solution (looks like a bingo dabber) for body acne. works nicely with it.
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February 4, 2008

Pros:

I used Topicycline (the topical Tetracycline lotion) for a couple of years, and it cleared up my skin really well. I used to get the odd whitehead, but most of the time my skin was clear. I didn't get any side-effects.

Cons:

Didn't help with blackheads. Had an unpleasant smell, and a yellow colour which showed on my skin, but could be rinsed off after an hour.

Unfortunately you can't get Topicycline any more in the UK. It was the only acne medication I have tried that worked with my skin. I'm still looking for something that works as well as this did.
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January 15, 2008

Pros:

Psychological effect

Cons:

Waste of money. My acne did not improve at all... it might have gotten worse while I was on this stuff. I used this stuff twice a day on an empty stomach for about a month and I did not notice any positive changes in my skin

I started using this stuff mid-November and stopped after a month. This was when we closed production at our facility. My breakouts stopped from there. Sleeping in, and taking a walk when the sun was out (w/ UV protection and facial lotion applied) might have helped as well. That said, people have different skin, so my case can just be an isolated one, out of many.
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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.
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June 19, 2007

Pros:

Cheap, it works quickly and effectively.

Cons:

SIDE EFFECTS!!!
Nausea, stomach upset, general weakness.
I got sick for the first time in 2 years after i went on this!

It works, but at a cost! Use it if you are prepared to suffer the side effects.
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October 25, 2006
I have had bad cystic ance that flared up on me this past summer. I never had acne before but i got about 10-12 big cysts around my chin and it was the worst feeling. i was prescribed tetracycline 500mg 2xs a day and it took about 3 weeks to work but all of my cysts went away and i havent had a pimple now for a month. I still have scars from the cystic ance but hopefully time will fade them and hopefully once i get off this stuff the acne neevr comes back
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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.