Tetracycline
Oral Antibiotic
Reviews
3.3
588 Reviews
Tetracycline
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.
Tetracycline
Oral Antibiotic
Side Effects
Medium-High
Tetracycline
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.
Tetracycline
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%

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February 25, 2008

Pros:

Skin is beautiful! Don't mind avoiding the dairy. I miss being in the sun! But that is so bad for your skin anyway -

Cons:

I must use sun block if I go out more than five minutes or I get fever blisters on my lips while taking Tetracycline. Boy if I forget, I pay dearly. I have bone loss. Borderline Osteoporosus(sp?) This probably isn't a good medicine for me.

I wonder how much this medicine is contributing to my bone loss. I like it tho because my skin stays clear. If I miss one day - my roscasa(sp?) comes right back - My eyes are bloodshot like in a hangover so I'm sure I should take a break - BUT I don't want the skin problems! I love the sun - but I will 'cover-up' because it's worth it! So I must take plenty of Calcium and Vitamin D because of my bone issues. At first I thought the dairy just made the medicine ineffective - but found out from reading - eating dairy with or around your dose not only makes the tetracycline ineffective - it downright sucks the calcium out of your system. Check out other web sites, [link removed] etc. So my scheduling is an extra headache. My daughter is getting married soon - so after the wedding I think I'll take a 'medicine break'. It really helps my skins too, if I avoid caffiene, chocolate, and sugar.
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December 3, 2007

Pros:

It really help the redness of the zit and makes your pores smaller

Cons:

It kinda hurts my stomach but nice skin is worth it also when u first take it your skin flares up for like 2 to 3 days but dont stop taking it because it will get better

good acne product only 4 buck at the wal mart pharmacy
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August 15, 2007

Pros:

worked very well at the beginning, prescribed easily

Cons:

eating habits.. serious nausea
decreased effectiveness
freakishly dry skin

I feel as if i've been struggling with acne forever.. I've been on tetracycline for 18 months, 12 of which were without any results. the whole nausea thing was an incredible pain, if i ate with it i was sick, if i took it on an empty stomach i was sick. i also couldn't take it anytime near my other medications, so that was a huge inconvenience... it doesn't seem this medication was worth the amount of time i've used it
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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?
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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.
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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
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April 23, 2007

Pros:

None

Cons:

Caused sunburn

I used Tetracycline for four months. When I started using the product I had a few mild pimples. It did somewhat clear them up. When I finally quit taking the antibiotic, my face broke out the worse it has ever been. It has now been six months since I've quit taking Tetracycline and my complextion is still horrible. I wouldn't recommend this product to anyone.
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January 16, 2007

Pros:

Cleared my face a small amount but no luck on the back.

Cons:

I sunburned SO badly! This was during the winter months and even used sunscreen. I looked a horrible burned mess with flaky skin for my wedding.

I will Never use this again or any of the cycline products! For the small amount of clearing, it wasn't worth it.
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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.
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October 27, 2006

Pros:

clears skin after a few months

Cons:

leaflet does not explain side effects such as tinnitus which i firmly believe i have developed from persisent use of these tablets.

be sure you want to deal with the side effects associated with these tablets - id prefer to have spots again! then endure the iritation of tinnitus
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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.
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