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
June 16, 2007
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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
May 1, 2007
Pros:
Removes the most servere acne.
Cons:
Takes time!
I can recommend this product to everybody that does not want to take accutane, or anybody whose acne isn't 'bad enough', to go on accutane.
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.
April 17, 2007
Pros:
cleared up fully on my forehead, back and temples. cheeks somewhat cleared up.
Cons:
doesnt seem to get rid of more persistent ones,go off for even a day the acne comes back with a vengeance.
dont know yet. been using for 2 months. somewhast good. but im wondering how long ill have to be on this and whether itll just all come back once i get off the pills.
Pros:
Its convenient and easy. It really works. Ive been on it for about 20 days. Its really made a difference.