Tetracycline
Results
Side Effects

Tetracycline is an oral antibiotic that works by systemically fighting bacteria in the body, including in the skin, and also reduces inflammation.

Tetracycline is an oral antibiotic that works by systemically fighting bacteria in the body, including in the skin, and also reduces inflammation.

It is normally prescribed at a dose of 300 mg once or twice a day. The dose is often reduced once acne is notably improved.

 [more]
3.3
492
Read All About Tetracycline
Compare To Other Treatments
5
15.2%
4
34.1%
3
23.4%
2
15.9%
1
11.4%

Used Tetracycline? Rate It:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
Sort by: Most Helpful
Order:
June 27, 2007

Pros:

-works fast
-no side effects (at least for me)
-takes care of scarring partially-prevents new breakouts

Cons:

-you have to keep continuing it
-i took 4 capsules a day and eventually lowered the doze - seemed pretty high to me
-increases breakouts initially

You have to be consistent with it - I stopped for a while thinking I should not be taking a such a high doze of antibiotics - but then my acne returned with a vengeance - I've started them again - 4 times a day and now getting a a lot of acne but I know it'll eventually stop. Also it seems to make my scars look lighter as well. I am of South Asian descent therefore my scars look black as opposed to red and makes my skin tone darker than usual. I think Tetracyline has helped me in that respect as well.
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
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.
This Was Helpful

5 user(s) found this helpful

Report
June 18, 2007

Pros:

Was on this treatment for 3 years and face completely cleared up so was taken off it, after around 4-5months my acne was back-the worse it had ever been! was put on dianette but it didn't agree with me so now i'm on tetralysal 300 (lymecycline)

Cons:

Is a temporary fix, once coming off them the acne will return!

This treatment is great for a temporary fix,however once coming off them the acne is likely to come back, really don't want to be on these all my life, dermatologist suggested roaccutane (isotretinoin) but i want to use this as a last resort as i know this stuff has serious side effects. Was considering saving for n-light laser treatment has anyone had this type of treatment?
This Was Helpful

Report
June 16, 2007

Pros:

Its convenient and easy. It really works. Ive been on it for about 20 days. Its really made a difference.

Cons:

You have to take it with an empty stomach, or you'll have a really bad upset stomach.

It will help a lot, and if you want to have better results. I suggest you use acne cleansers. Im combining the pills and over the counter acne products together. It'll really help. My acne is almost all gone. In just 3 weeks. Im impressed.
This Was Helpful

Report
June 12, 2007

Pros:

Typically very mild/no side effects and is very affordable.

Cons:

Did not work on any type of acne at all for me. Cystic acne, back, and face were all in terrible condition.

I have had acne for around 6 years now. I have been trough several cycline antibiotics and so far none of them have worked. I would not recommend this for acne, especially cystic acne as spots will continue to appear.
This Was Helpful

Report
May 30, 2007

Pros:

This worked really well for me- it totally cleared up my skin while i was on it!

Cons:

I had stomach pains in the beginning but they went away after a few months

I was on oxytetracycline for about 6 months and my skin was nearly totally clear apart from scarring, so my doctor told me to come off it. My acne then came back and when I tried to go back on it, it didn't work anymore for me. So I would definately recommend it but just don't come off it too early!
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
May 28, 2007

Pros:

It cleared up my acne within 2 weeks. Inflammation is down and new pimples ( if any) are very small and go away quickly. Nothing but great things to say! Didn't cause any stomach upset, or other side effects.

Cons:

None

I take acidophilous 2-3 times a day in between taking tetracycline - to prevent a yeast infection and to keep good bacteria in my body. It works, it's affordable, no too inconvenient, and easy! I think if you haven't taken many antibiotics in your life, then this route will work for you. Just make sure to slather the sun screen on when you go outside.
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
May 19, 2007

Pros:

Worked when I STARTED taking it... Then didn't seem to have much of an effect.

Cons:

I may have been slightly allergic...not sure. It gave me red dots on the top of my hands for a while. Stopped taking it because of this.

Wouldn't get it. Can really upset your stomach as well.
This Was Helpful

Report
May 17, 2007

Pros:

No regimens to keep up with, just take a pill (or 4) and go on with your day. Very convenient and works, at least for adolescent acne. Affordability is good if your health plan covers it.

Cons:

I think it probably worked for 3-4 of the 7 years I used it. Then it just stopped. Also, you can't take it within an hour of eating. I've even been told they think the water you take it with makes it not work as well. Also can cause yeast infections.

It works. Obviously lots of medications stop working after a number of years, your body becomes immune so although it's inconvenient, it's to be expected. Also, the reasons for acne can change as we get older so it's likely that we will have to try different things over the years. If topical medications dry out your skin, make it worse, or just don't work, try this. You have to be careful not to eat an hour or so before or after taking it and don't take it with coffee or soda, just water. If it workse, great. You may have a few clear years ahead of you. Just be prepared for it to stop working. Enjoy the clear days. I'm horrible with regimens, and I was even worse as a teenager so that is the perfect time to try this product. The way health care is these days, it may be an out of pocket expense. Bottom line: I'm not against it, but I can't say it's anywhere near a miracle cure. Just a temporary fix.
This Was Helpful

Report
May 13, 2007

Pros:

Clears up small spots

Cons:

Although small spots have gone and overall skin is smoother my large acnes have gotten worse. Difficult to take on an empty stomach.

Ok for people with very mild acne but I would not recommend it
This Was Helpful

Report
Previous
1 … 28 29 30 31 32 33
Next

Relevant Article(s):

Relevant Review(s):

Relevant Forum(s):

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.
Find a Doctor Using The American Acacemy of Dermatology Website

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.
Find a Doctor Using the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Website