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:

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August 8, 2009

Pros:

It does work, takes achne away

Cons:

It takes a long time. You need to start out taking 3-4 pills a day.
Drink plenty of water and exercise.

Taking this pill does work, but you plan your day around it. If you really need it, then take it, otherwise it will mess up your immune system and you'll notice it when you start to get sick. The best thing i found was getting a sun tan, and it helped a lot. Be prepared though, you need to take it for a long time. If you miss a day or two you'll notice it come back. If you're under the age of 21, you'll be taking this medicine for twice as long as some over 21. Also, your immune system can build up resistance to it causing you to require a stronger medication.
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July 10, 2009

Pros:

Took this years ago. It did wonders for my skin and imrpoved not only its visul appearance but the texture as well. For once in my life make-up was optional!

Cons:

Although it got rid of most of my acne, my pimples transformed into hard, painful bumps that wouldn't recede for days. Also, although I was never one for the sun, I did unfortunately experience some mad fainting spells while taking this antiboitic.

I guess it depends on the person but... I *really* wouldn't reccomend this for anyone to take, especially if they are anywhere sunny. Both my friend and I have experienced extreme fatigue in the sun while on this medication. As for making my acne worse... yeah, yeah I can see that. Or it might have to do with age. Who knows, just try something else.
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May 21, 2009

Pros:

skin cleared up really well :)
i found it easy fitting in to my eating habits

Cons:

did not clear up scars but there are other creams great for that!!
a breakout will occur now and then but never as bad as before.

i got this medicine prescribed free from my doctors after i went to see him reeguarding my light acne which was bringing my self esteem down rather low :( i have now been on the medicine for about 6 months now and do see a great improvement, i still get the odd breakouts but they clear within days!! I didnt suffer from any side effects apart from throughout the course i would have the odd nausea feeling of sickness, to stop this from happening drink a glass of water after you take the tablets. After reading some comments i am worried about coming off the medicine!!
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April 15, 2009

Pros:

Fewer pimples. This product actually started working in about 2 days.

Cons:

Scheduling my life around apill

It actually worked for me. I was prescribed the medicine on a friday and saw a big improvement by Monday. Along with the Retin-A, finally something is working for my acne.
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April 10, 2009

Pros:

helped clear up my acne within the first few weeks

Cons:

i was hungry all the time , i got severe nausea and headaches, dizziness and blackouts.

it definitely does help clear up acne ,but lowers your immune system by a ton. i got severely sick at least four times while on this medication. it works well i just didn't think it was worth it to me, but everrybodys body reacts differently.
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March 27, 2009

Pros:

worked affectivly.

Cons:

i threw up once while taking it and i got a big breakout before it got better.

zero acne post using this pill
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January 9, 2009

Pros:

Really works at clearing up acne, and in a short space of time too.

Cons:

I recently started taking two tablets a day rather than one and automatically started getting stomach discomfort, so have had to reduce my dose again.

Definitely recommended, but do be aware of possible side effects and consult with your doctor when considering changing doses.
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October 11, 2008

Pros:

Really helped in about 3 weeks. No new breakouts. No real side effects besides initial breakout.

Cons:

Initial breakout during first 2 weeks was pretty bad. Had pimples where I never had them. Whiteheads popped up in strange spots on face. And planning around meals is kind of a kick in the head.

First medicine I ever used for acne. Besides initial breakout I would suggest this drug to anyone with mild to moderate acne.
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September 14, 2008

Pros:

this stuf is great! ive been on it for a year and it really does help. i never had any problems taking it. i would swear by this pill.

Cons:

timing around meals but not really a big deal.

i take 500mg times aday. i ran out of pills a few weeks ago and some mild acne came back. so i went back to my doc and he wrote me a years worth. after my 2nd day back on it all my whiteheads are gone and my acne is back in remission, this stuff is DA BOMB...ive been on every time acne meds...accutne...minocylce..batram..you name it ive tried it and this stuff is legit
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August 9, 2008

Pros:

just once a day all you have to remember

Cons:

well it did work for a while

have to be used with a topical treatment was on tetracycline for 7 months work a treat had lovely skin for a while ,but now suffering with a horrible breakout past two months cant understand what went wrong
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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.