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 13, 2009
Cons:
None
I got these free on the NHS in the UK as I am under 16, and they are brilliant.. Worked absolute wonders. The doctor said that it should take 8 weeks for the signs to start showing and they started showing after only 3 weeks.. Brilliant! I really recommend it
September 27, 2009
Pros:
-clears up cystic acne
-acts fairly fast (compared to other medications)
-affordable (covered by health insurance usually)
Cons:
-pretty much dictates your life; have to take it an hour before eating, hours after eating, an hour before you lie down, no freedom really
-may take a month or so to see actual results...BE PATIENT
For cystic and moderate acne, this works wonders. It takes a lot of discipline to follow the regimen and instructions, but its definitely worth it in the end. Make sure you use with other topical face creams - I used it with Stievamycin cream for morning and then clindoxyl at night. The combo worked amazingly and now a year later I can say that all my acne is gone..there's still a few red spots from scarring but its nothing that make up cant cover up and it will go away eventually! I get a few pimples here and there but thats NOTHING compared to like 2 or 3 i used to get every day before!
Also, make sure you take tetracycline in moderation, and not for too long or you will become dependant on it. I only took it for 6 months, first 3 months was 4 pills a day, then after went down to 2 a day then nothing.
I don't regret using this at all - it doesnt hurt to try new medicines to get rid of acne!!
Definitely try this!!!
September 23, 2009
Pros:
It really does work. The doctor told me to take these (tablets) for 6 months. This will be my second month and now it has cleared up.
Cons:
You need to take on an empty stomach.
Great product.
September 6, 2009
Pros:
works well, use with the regimen , give it a try takes about a month!
Cons:
body overtime can become immune.
my "moderate" breakout cleared after a month and has not returned, but this is the only time I have ever broke out. I stopped taking it and am still clear 2 months later, so I'm keeping a spare bottle on reserve.
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 21, 2009
Pros:
works quickly, no sides, cheap
Cons:
ideally have to take on an empty stomach to be most effective, eventual resistance.
very effective against moderate acne vulgaris, good while it lasted.
July 21, 2009
Pros:
After first use I showed immediate results. After persistent use, I rarely have flare ups.
Cons:
When I stopped using it for a few days, I had an bad break out, however, a few days of tetracycline cleared it up.
It's a pretty good medication for keeping acne at bay. However, I would use it in conjunction with the Regime to ensure full acne prevention.
June 27, 2009
Pros:
Completely cleared all of my cystic acne. I experienced no side effects.
Cons:
As stated when you go off of it the acne returns. Antibiotics should not be taken for long periods of time because our bodies can become resistant to it. I take it on and off again for 3-6 month periods.
The only medication that has worked for my acne. Affordable and has done wonders for my self esteem! I have PCOS so my acne is caused by imbalanced hormones, birth control pills made it worse and topical creams were useless. It's great to wake up in the morning and not have to worry about weather I broke out overnight!
June 8, 2009
Pros:
Gets rid of acne completely
Cons:
You have to keep using it, once you stop they come back. I have been on them for years. Everytime I think I should stop using them I break out all over again!!!
It works great, it is a cheap product, but it doesnt feel safe to keep using antibiotics for years. After trying to stop and breaking out again I think that sometimes I will be using this for the rest of my life.
May 21, 2009
Pros:
brilliant no spots clear face!!!
Cons:
brilliant no side effects!!!
No Spots :)
Pros:
Improvements shown within 3 weeks!!
Didn't react in any way with the alcohol I have had on ocasion
No side effects