Acne.org Products
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 5, 2009
Cons:
schedule sucks; became immune after 4 months; timing of the pill REALLY matters; when off it, pimples appear large and red..hurt like heck.
Try it if you think it'll help. I still have them in my cabinet. I took minocycline last month....BAD. My entire forehead broke out in zits and the pimples became harder to get rid of. Now i'm considering taking tetra. to reverse what happened from mino. I used differin, benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin....neutrogena face wash. So far my skin is fairly bad with a few red, painful pinples and several zits on forehead; blackheads are more prominent. Tetra will help for a few months but ask your dematologist how long you should take it.
November 14, 2008
Pros:
It reduced the frequency of pimples, especially those large "underground" ones that hurt. Although I still broke out around "that time of the month."
Cons:
Outweighed the pros! Made me so sick to my stomach and nauseaus. I had to take it after a hearty meal - and I'm not talking about a salad. I had to eat carbs for me not to feel sick. Also, I gained weight while taking it.
I HATED BEING ON THIS DRUG!! I finally switched dermatologists and my new doctor has me on minocycline. I do not get nauseaus now and it is working. However, I have tried every over the counter wash, scrub, etc. there is. Even used Proactive for a year. I've now been on antibiotics for my acne for two years and am getting very sick of taking pills every day - I also imagine that it can't be very good for my body to take antibiotics every day. Every time I go off the drug my face freaks out. Also, often when I go off the drug I wind up getting sick with cold/flu-like symptoms. I'm seriously considering Accutane to get rid of my acne once and for all but am afraid of the side effects.
October 10, 2008
Pros:
Cheap
Cons:
Made me dizzy and nausea.
I only could use this medication for 1 week so maybe I did not give it time. But I could not handle the side effects and it actually made my acne worse. I would wake up in the morning with large cycts on my face, especially on the jaw area. I stop using it and brought some benzoyle peroxide and starting cleansing my face with medicated soap. My acne is starting to clear up. I would not recommend Tetracycline because is has to many side effects and it can really mess your system up.
August 15, 2008
Pros:
It clears up acne fairly well if given a high dose and time. CHEAP.
Cons:
Makes you feel sick often, even if taken with water. Takes weeks to see good improvements. If you don't take a high dose, it's useless. Can stain teeth if you eat dairy products within 1 hour before/after taking this medication.
It's okay, I personally think there's better antibiotics out there.
August 1, 2008
Pros:
takes away puss from cysts, stops breakouts, gives your skin the time it needs to heal.
Cons:
Takes about 2 months for the effects to be strongly visible, have to be very consistent, needs to be used with a topical ointment of some kind to see desired results, must be taken on an empty stomach.
It worked for me. I had BAD acne, neck and back and chest covered in cysts, this stuff worked from under the skin i guess since now the cysts are completely gone and ill i have left are the scars. It takes about 2-3 months for visible changes but it is worth it if your body can handle it. No breakouts, less than occasional pimples, it worked for me. SHOULD USE WITH A RECOMMENDED OINTMENT OR CREAM!! and you HAVE TO BE PATIENT!
May 3, 2008
Pros:
controls breakouts
Cons:
doesnt clear that much
this kept me from getting any serious breakouts, but its just cant seem to fully clear up my skin. However, i didnt know you were'nt supposed to take it with food, so that could have dulled the effect cause i eat breakfast with 30 mins of using it. i have a 500mg dose and its never made me feel sick or wierd.
March 6, 2008
Pros:
Perhaps if consistant you may see some results.
Cons:
Does not garuntee anything.
I have been using this perscription for a year or so and have seen almost no change in my skin. If anything, it makes things worse after you stop taking it. Such a scam, I feel very taken advantage from since I asked specifically for ACUTANE and the doctor insisted I "start" with this. Bullsh*t.
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:
nice colored pill and affordable
Cons:
horrible scarring! does not help with acne at all
doesn't work. works for some people such as my friends but not for me. on all of my friends who have tried it, scarring became an issue with this medication. it brings out the scars
December 3, 2007
Pros:
It started working within a few days, and after the first month almost eliminated all break outs.
Cons:
Doesn't help with scarring! Can't stay on it long-term since it can make you resistant to antibiotics.
I can't believe how well tetracycline worked for me! And I did not get any of the stomach problems I heard about, and sometimes even forget to take it on an empty stomach, and even if I take it right before or after a meal, it doesn't cause upset stomach or nausea at all. Just wish I could stay on it forever...
Pros:
no initial breakout; cleared up my skin really well after 2 months; had no zits; pimples were minimal; good for a few months; no side effects