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
February 16, 2007
Cons:
No food/dairy!
I took tetracyclen for only a month, back in September and durring the month I saw no results, but about a month after all my cystic acne on the sides of my face went away. I originally asked for tri-cyclen, the birth control, but the doctor misheard me and prescriped me tetracyclen? Anyways, My acne went away for about four months but came back... Only on my chin though, I hardly get acne on the sides of my face anymore, except when I do it's still cystic. But give it a try if you want, but I wouldn't recomment staying on it for a long period of time because it's not too good for you since it's killing all bacteria!
December 22, 2006
Pros:
works great,comepletly clear skin on 500mg 2x a day.250mg 2x works ok not as good.used for 2 years and no breakouts minor pimples here and there.skin still looked oily but clear.also used 5% benzoyl and retin-A in 2 years.
Cons:
I did not notice any at all except the fact that you may get pimples once in awhile after taking it for more than a year.TIP-if you clear after 6 months only take once a day or every other day even if ur doc tells you every day.wont get immune
great at 500mg 2x a day,dont take all the time after 6 months if your cleared up.if you notice a pimple coming then pop a pill and it will go away before it forms.
December 18, 2006
Pros:
I havent suffered any side effects whatsoever and have been very interested to read that a lot of you guys have had major stomach probs with this antibiotic. I feel fine... although it hasnt cleared up my acne, been taking it 6 weeks and no change.
Cons:
None yet but I WILL PERSEVERE!! Just wondering though... I take my tablet approx 20 mins before or after I have breakfast. Does anyone think this is the reason it may not be working?
Im going to try it for another few months and see what happens. My acne consists of large red cyst type lumps on my cheeks only and I've been suffering for almost 18 months now. Its making me so down and I'm almost at the point where I'd try anything. I'm a grown girl and shouldnt be getting huge red spots at the age of 26... ITS NOT RIGHT!! But I'm on a mission to find whats right for me. I've tried OTCM, Dianetts, lots of topical lotions... I find Benzoyl Peroxide makes my skin soooo dry and flaky but again, I persist. Perhaps my nect step will be Roaccutane.
November 18, 2006
Pros:
I have had really bad acne, concentrated on my forehead, and chin. I used Teracycline along with Differin at night. I have used it for anout 1 month and a half. My face is WAY better and it dosnt hurt as much either.
Cons:
Taking this medication on an empty stomache gave me a mild upset stomach.
Works good, cheap, low side effects.
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
Pros:
Worked quite well for about five months.