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
February 17, 2009
i was given this to take for 3 months, one pill a day but it hasnt helped at all. ive been on it 2/3 weeks and my acne seems to have got even worse! maybe i have to wait for longer to see results but all it has done is make my skin red and oily. my spots have come back worse than before i was on the prescription and it has made me anti social and depressed
February 5, 2009
Pros:
Worked quite quickly. I saw an improvement after a couple of weeks. Even the Dr was impressed!
Cons:
When my dose was reduced to one tablet a day it seemed to stop working. I got slight breakouts and after a few months i seemed to be completely immune to it. the acne has got worse than before.
It's good as a bit of respite from the acne but i did get lulled into a false sense of security after initially seeing how effective it was. I've recently changed Drs and he isn't even contemplating giving me another dose of this as is simply doesn't work for some people.
December 24, 2008
Pros:
For me none, but my cousin went on it and it really helped her so i guess its partly luck . . .
Cons:
as you have to take it two hours after eating then eat two hours after taking it it was a pain up the a**e to organise, also you can't take vitamin/mineral pills with it so i had to stop taking my calcium and zinc tablets :(
As soon as i stopped taking it all my spots came back even worse than before, can't comment on afordability as i got it on the NHS. I didn't get any side affects.
December 16, 2008
Pros:
Did a better job than minocycline. Better price for a month's supply ($4) vs. minocycline ($325)!!!!
Cons:
Long term use affects the immune system.
Added Saccharomyces boulardii (9 billion CPU) and Acidophilus (1 billion CPU)--- one of each once a day. Within two days, no more oily skin, no pustules or blackheads and deep-tissue zits are less painful. Hoping to wean off tetracycline and increase above probiotics. Google acidolphilus and acne and you'll be amazed! Why doctors don't recommend these as a treatment is the million-dollar question. Acidophilus and probiotic bacteria produce bacteriocins that are natural antibiotics that kill undesirable microorganisms.
November 22, 2008
Pros:
It's helped clear my acne up for the most part, i still have some, but it's not as bad as it use to be before taking the drug.
Cons:
i feel like i have to go anorexic just to take the drug. I take one right when i wake up in the moring, and then take one around some time when i get home from schoool. It's made me not have an appetite anymore, and i've lost a lot of weight.
I've suffered from acne ever since i was in like 4th grade, im not a junior in highschool, and i couldn't take it any longer. I was not graduating with acne all over my face. I've put a stop to it, and im finally happy at looking at my face.
November 14, 2008
Pros:
It reduced the frequency of pimples, especially those large "underground" ones that hurt. Although I still broke out around "that time of the month."
Cons:
Outweighed the pros! Made me so sick to my stomach and nauseaus. I had to take it after a hearty meal - and I'm not talking about a salad. I had to eat carbs for me not to feel sick. Also, I gained weight while taking it.
I HATED BEING ON THIS DRUG!! I finally switched dermatologists and my new doctor has me on minocycline. I do not get nauseaus now and it is working. However, I have tried every over the counter wash, scrub, etc. there is. Even used Proactive for a year. I've now been on antibiotics for my acne for two years and am getting very sick of taking pills every day - I also imagine that it can't be very good for my body to take antibiotics every day. Every time I go off the drug my face freaks out. Also, often when I go off the drug I wind up getting sick with cold/flu-like symptoms. I'm seriously considering Accutane to get rid of my acne once and for all but am afraid of the side effects.
November 12, 2008
Pros:
not sure if there is any at the moment.
Cons:
you have to wait an hour atleast after taking a pill to eat.
taking loong, making acne look worser so far more huge white heads
has made my acne worser so far and didnt work straight away
i dont think this works!
October 5, 2008
Pros:
Cheap
Cons:
Doesnt remove redness and takes ages to work
I have only been using it for 3 days and so far it doesnt have any effect yet, i think i d need to wait and see
September 16, 2008
Pros:
Helps a little
Cons:
Dry, only works in 2-3 months, those months i had a very much gas (farted alot, lol)
I have used it for 18 months and it havent helped me much, the first 2-3 months it reduced my acne but made me very dry.
September 1, 2008
Pros:
I have had less break outs; however, I've only been on it for a month.
Cons:
It has turned my cystic acne purple. I do not know if this is normal. But it did shrink them.
It has worked in the past month; hopefully, it will keep working for me.
Cons:
doesnt work no visual improvement