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
October 18, 2009
Cons:
Only worked for about a week and then stopped. Couldnt eat 3 hours before or after I took it.
This stuff didnt work too well for me. Now Im on minocycline (cousin to tetracycline) and its a one a day medication that I like.
October 10, 2009
Pros:
Worked wonders the first 4 weeks of use
Cons:
Acne got really bad while i was on the them, and later I broke out into hives, and ever since have developed cystic acne.
Tetracycline was probably the worst thing I ever did to myself. It has honestly ruined my life. I had two small pimples when I first started taking them, and now it is a complete 180 degree turn. It worked really well the first four weeks, and later I started breaking out on my forehead and nose - two places I have never broken out! I later broke out into hives, and ever since I have been breaking out nonstop!! The past three months have been horrific. My entire face is covered with blemishes, and now I get large, painful pimples that don't respond to anything. I have not seen my face in this condition since I was a teenager. My face is really dry as well. Please be cautious when taking this medication and think it through if you really want it. I wish I never made that trip to the dermatologist. My life has turned upside down. Do not take it, please!!
September 24, 2009
Pros:
I've been taking it for about three weeks and no results have shown
Cons:
It's making my acne worse. I'm getting more on my back and shoulders and they hurt!
Just go through with it and see if it's right for you
September 14, 2009
Pros:
Acne calmed down a little bit while taking them.
Cons:
As soon as I stopped acne became worse than before I was on them!
I would suggest not to go on these tablets as you gradually become immune to them anyway and you break out even more when you come off!
August 22, 2009
Pros:
did nothing
Cons:
it made my acne WORSE!!!
i finished taking it and it just ruined my face and back!!! i had no acne in my face and a little bit on my shoulders so i decided to go to the doc and he recommended me that... weelll now after1 month my face is full of little pimples and my back and chest!!!!!!
DAMN THIS F*cking person that invented this medicine
August 12, 2009
Pros:
initially got rid of acne
Cons:
i have never had flaking skin before but since taking this drug my skin has been unbelievably dry. now rather than leaving my skin along to be clear i hav to combat the dryness resulting in clogged pores. DONT TAKE THIS!!!
if anyone else has had the same side effect as me please email me on corp09@[link removed]. so that i can have further light on the issue.DONT TAKE THIS
July 23, 2009
Pros:
Less severe side-effects than other treatments, such as Accutane (which I am currently on)
Cons:
This medicine upset my stomach, caused me to feel VERY sick when in the heat (cramping, nausea, etc.) and, ultimately, gave me the worst acid reflux imaginable. I know my experience is atypical, but it did no good, only harm. My acne stayed.
It caused much more problems for me that it was worth, and ultimately I was put on Accutane- which is more dangerous, but has not given me painful side effects.
June 9, 2009
Pros:
none
Cons:
making my acne worse
i d=have been taking this treatment for 2 weeks and it just seems to be making it worse and so i dont know if its ment to do this befor it can get any better but will carry it on for the next 2 weeks .
May 2, 2009
Pros:
There wasn't really any pros. It didn't help clear my skin AT ALL!
Cons:
Tetracycline doesn't help zits. It didn't help, but it didn't make them worse either.
This really is a waste of money. You have to schedule when you're going to eat, and it doesn't even work! Tetracyline doesn't get rid of pimples at all.
April 15, 2009
Pros:
umm is there any? Maybe it helped me be more responsible to a tough schedule.
Cons:
worst than before! Made skin even more sensitive than before. Its not for everyone for sure! Im happy for those that are pleased.
Like some here, my skin did not like it at all. My resistant areas got even worst and the areas of my forhead that used to stay more clear, developed major break-outs. Plus, the areas that were bad were red rash-like and super sensitive. I'm going to hide now before my computer writes itself a program to make fun of me! p.s. from reading here, it seems that most results happen within the first couple weeks of taking it. I have been on for 2 months. Im staying on the path to find success!
Pros:
After week 2 I started see some affects.