Tetracycline
Results
Side Effects

Tetracycline is an oral antibiotic that works by systemically fighting bacteria in the body, including in the skin, and also reduces inflammation.

Tetracycline is an oral antibiotic that works by systemically fighting bacteria in the body, including in the skin, and also reduces inflammation.

It is normally prescribed at a dose of 300 mg once or twice a day. The dose is often reduced once acne is notably improved.

 [more]
3.3
492
Read All About Tetracycline
Compare To Other Treatments
5
15.2%
4
34.1%
3
23.4%
2
15.9%
1
11.4%

Used Tetracycline? Rate It:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
Sort by: Most Helpful
Order:
February 7, 2012

Pros:

*Inexpensive.

Cons:

*No difference on the skin.
*Hard to swallow pills
*Can't eat or drink diary products while being on this pill.

The dermotologist suggested that taking Tetracycline twice every day for 2 months will give me clear skin but sadly, shes very wrong. This medicine hasn't made a difference on my skin and I've been consistence with it since day 1. The cycle just keeps on rotating... New pimples are growing while old zits are leaving my skin with hyperpigmentation marks that takes forever to go away. In a few weeks, my doctor is finally going to put me on accutane; I just had enough with acne. I couldn't take the low-self esteem, low-self confident, and depression that comes along with it any longer. Acne has been the longest and toughest battle I had to fight against ever since I reach puberty. My decision is set and accutane is the choice I will make. Although Tetracycline wasn't working for me, that doesn't mean it will not work for you. I just had too much sebum production on my face and this medicine couldn't cure it.
This Was Helpful

7 user(s) found this helpful

Report
December 29, 2011

Pros:

Clear for 6 max months only

Cons:

Much worst than before I took this! Developed Cystic acne after this too
I developed digestion problems

Used for a year, stopped working after 6 months DO NOT TAKE THIS!!! I wish I could go back to before I took this and try natural diet and supplements as my skin has never been the same. I also now suffer from digestion problems.
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
December 4, 2011

Pros:

Very inexpensive

Cons:

Did not clear acne
Difficult-to-take capsules (inconvenient and VERY bad-tasting)

Many side effects that I thankfully did not experience. Difficult to swallow those nasty capsules twice a day (on an empty stomach--requires timing), finally quit after it did not help my acne four months down the line.
This Was Helpful

Report
December 3, 2011

Pros:

cleared up acne, but not worth long term results and potential intestinal damage

Cons:

was on it for a few years, then doxycycline, then minocycline. after stopping, acne immediately came back. ended up getting GERD, terrible bad breath, and ended up needing hemmorhoid surgery. then OCD got really bad. now spending hundreds if not thousands of dollars in ayurvedic treatment which is finally working. spend more time focusing on your diet and understand your own food allergies (wheat, dairy,etc). cutting out sugar and low-glycemic carbs is really hard, but helped clear up my acne

long term effects not worth short term fix. look into lifestyle and diet changes. was male in 30s when taking
This Was Helpful

Report
November 1, 2011

Pros:

Reduced number of large cysts
Easy to remember to take
Some reduction of back acne
Relatively cheap

Cons:

Had no effect on blackheads

Easy to take, and a good step up from benzyl peroxide. But, ultimately, did not make a huge difference, despite taking it for over a year.
This Was Helpful

10 user(s) found this helpful

Report
October 25, 2011

Pros:

.cleared up my acne

Cons:

.made me really sensitive to the sun
.when i went off of it, my acne got really bad but now im back on it so my skin is clear again
.after reading other people's comments, im afraid after a while of using it, it will stop working!

i reccomend it! it works like a charm. it only takes about 8 weeks for it to completely clear it up which is a miracle! i will keep using it! .don't have any dairy within an hour of taking it you need to drink a lot of water to wash it down and eat something too . you still need to wash your face and such!
This Was Helpful

3 user(s) found this helpful

Report
October 20, 2011

Pros:

I was on this for 2 years and it kept my skin clear until my body got used to it.

Cons:

Had to switch to a stronger antibiotic and then a stronger antibiotic again.

After stopping my antibiotic cycle my acne was worse than ever.

kills good bacteria and will leave you with only one thing-adult acne.

DON'T DO IT
This Was Helpful

5 user(s) found this helpful

Report
October 18, 2011

Pros:

I'm 49 years old & had mild acne for 36years. Because it's been mild but very constant doctors didn't do anything about it. Honestly, I've had around five weeks of clear-ish skin in the last ten years so I was desperate. Sick of spending ages applying my make-up to face the world every day, fighting off depression because of the on-going battle. Anyway, I skipped from the doctors today - practically singing, maybe these will work, then I read this site - am no longer positive, I feel like cr

Cons:

It might not work.

There isn't a bottom line I haven't already gone passed in all these years so I might as well go for it.
This Was Helpful

Report
October 13, 2011

Pros:

None

Cons:

Did not help at all
Have to take with lots of food

It did nothing for me. I used it for about 3-4 months but I did not see any results at all. My acne did not clear at all so I stopped taking these pills. I still rate it with "2" because it did not make my acne worse as some other antibitics did.
This Was Helpful

Report
September 29, 2011

Pros:

works fast
ckears skin

Cons:

makes you feel like your going to vomit
drys your skin out

works fast, its a great product if you can handle the way it makes you feel for about an hr when you take your pill. i used it for a month consitantly then if I felt like my face was becoming unclear i take it for about a week. must drink lots and lots of water!
This Was Helpful

3 user(s) found this helpful

Report
Previous
1 … 3 4 5 6 7 … 33
Next

Relevant Article(s):

Relevant Review(s):

Relevant Forum(s):

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