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
March 2, 2008
Cons:
Inconvenient- I have to schedule my meals around the meds. It makes me feel nauseous when I take it, so I have to have a piece of food anyway to calm my stomach.
I used it for about 3 months to get rid of an acne flair up- I've had acne for a long long time, but this was the worst it's ever been, so I got tetracycline. It took about a month for it to work, but when it started working, my acne cleared up a lot. I stopped using it since then, and noticed my chest breaking out. don't know if its cuz i stopped taking the med...
February 5, 2008
Pros:
One simple pro: it really helped my skin clear up.
Cons:
The one hour before and two hours after is a little bit of a pain, this is nothing compared to how nice it is to have clear skin.
This is a great option for people with semi-serious acne, and have not seen much results with other products. My dermitologist was going to do acutane, and decided to try this first. I'm really grateful, because the side effect of acutane as far worse than tetracycline. I'm i little worried because i'm told i'll have to go off it eventually because of the chance of developing a tolerance. STRONG RECOMMEND
August 30, 2007
Pros:
Cleared up a little bit
Cons:
didn't stop it fully.
Everyone is different, so it might work on you if you use it correctly
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.
March 14, 2007
Pros:
It worked on my skin for awhile
Cons:
and then it just stopped working
This medication starts to weekin in a few weeks
March 10, 2007
Pros:
Good for acne loss for a few months. Does not dry skin.
Cons:
After awhile, the pill stopped working.
After about five months on the pill, it completely stopped working to the conditions I had always taken it under. Yes, there were less pimples than before I took it, but pimples were still there and were not clearing up. I have now switched to minocycline and am much happier.
December 1, 2006
Pros:
it helped clear up any red pimples with pus in them
Cons:
didn't help with blackheads or whiteheads which is what i suffer mostly from...
I think this stuff would be great for someone with lots of smaller, red pimples, but it doesn't work on white bumps or blackheads...
August 26, 2009
Pros:
Took this a year ago for a couple of months after my first ever outbreak of acne and I had never had spots before. Worked great. just had a new outbreak and only been taking for 4 days and already helping.
Cons:
For it to work best you need to take on an empty stomach, so have to east around taking this medicartion.
It totaly obviously depends on the person as with every medication, but these have worked very well for me both times and I would advise to give them a go.
July 20, 2009
Pros:
It does clear it up eventually and helps your back and chest too, because those spots are harder to get with just a topical.
Cons:
It is hard to take 2 hours away from any dairy. MUST use spf when in the sun. If you miss a couple days, you may experience large painful zits, that take a few days to go away.
I would recomend it in combination with something topical.
July 16, 2009
Pros:
None so far, though I've only been using it for less than two weeks.
Cons:
It is expensive. No dairy products, and sun exposure..I love tanning? AND IT IS SUMMER! Also adding that I have rashes on two of my fingers and a bit of irritation on my forehead. Eh.
Waste of money.
Pros:
It works! Cleared up my skin in about a month.