Oral Antibiotic
Reviews
3.2
1953 Reviews
Oral Antibiotic
Efficacy
54%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
1
2
3
4
5
Note: Should never be used on its own and for a maximum of 3 months.
Oral Antibiotic
Side Effects
High
Oral Antibiotic
Acne.org’s Real World Take
Antibiotics should be used for a maximum of 3 months, provide only moderate benefit and only to some people, and may lead to side effects and strains of resistant bacteria. Studies do show they can 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.
Read All About Minocycline
Compare To Other Treatments
5
17.3%
4
27.7%
3
24%
2
16%
1
14.9%

Used Minocycline? Rate It:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
November 3, 2009

Pros:

Easy to take. I take it twice a day. I have a lot of hope in this product.

Cons:

Seems to be making my acne worse...It has created small bumps all over my forehead, and larger breakouts on my chin. Im disappointed with it.

Is it normal for this product to make you break out worse before getting better. My derm told me by 8 weeks, my acne scars and all new pimples shouldnt exsist. Im worried that this product is giving me adverse effects. Does anyone know more about this??
March 25, 2008

Pros:

It works if you take it regularly (don't skip)

Cons:

Makes me sick to my stomach if not taken with a substantial meal. Rebound effect (acne gets worse by 10X once therapy is discontinued)

I have a love/hate relationship with this pill. I did a year on this drug back in 2006. I took 100mg twice a day. If you don't take it with food, you will vomit which defeats the purpose of taking it. It took a solid 2 months of consistent use before I saw results, so don't give up on this drug! It was great for the last 9 months. I suffered from moderate cystic acne on my face and a little bit on my back. This pill made it so I got one or two hormonal zits during my cycle. After one year, my doctor wouldn't refill for another year until I came in for a exam. I didn't get to it for six months. For me, there was a terrible rebound effect. I broke out with every kind of zit all over my face, back, neck and chest. I looked horrible. I wanted to cry. It took four months for my skin to calm down a little. I am not a candidate for accutane at this time, so now I am two weeks into my second course. I've tried many OTC and none works like this pill.
March 24, 2008

Pros:

I'm pretty sure its working its way with my Differin gel.

Cons:

None

No breakouts
July 23, 2007

Pros:

It did clear up my skin after prolonged use but I still get the odd pimple.

Cons:

I thought I had the flu but it was acutally the minocycline. I was vomiting and was constantly dizzy. I actually passed out a couple of times.

It works but there are bad side effects. I'd try topical remedies first if you can.
June 17, 2013
feel so sick
Cold sweats. Feel like puking. Extremely dizzy. Not going to take it again. I walked to the kitchen a little bit ago and i could see stuff moving the way sparklers move when you wave em real fast. I'm having a really hard time even typing this right now because they backlight on my keyboard is freaking me out. I feel like my eyes are moving really fast. I'm going to lay down before I hurt myself.
January 31, 2010

Pros:

none

Cons:

It did not clear my acne.

I tried minocycline a couple years back so I can't remember what exactly this did to my skin. but I do remember it not working at all and have to try something else.
October 14, 2009

Pros:

haven't seen any yet

Cons:

no change so far

i just started taking the medication a few days ago, there is a slight improvement, but nothing too much so far, but a lot of people that i know that take it says it work so im hoping for the best
June 13, 2008

Pros:

It was very cheap and easy to take a pill once a day.

Cons:

Rash, I tried taking this medication three times and within a few days each time I got a horrible rash all over my chest.

The rash I got was not worth any small effects the medication had. I tried taking allergy medicine and it only lessened the pain from the rash. When I went to the derm they asked if I just sprayed my perfume too close. Uh no it's the medicine every time. It drove me crazy to change my detergent, watch what I ate and stop using any body products just to find that the mino was the problem.
April 28, 2008

Pros:

I used to get bumps like every other day but after my dermatoligist perscribed Solodyn, for one month and I did not get any bumps.I stopped using it only because I started on accutane...

Cons:

Thank God for insurance because the medicine is very expensive. It was $532.00, but with my insurance I payed $100.

I would recommend this to anyone that is really in need of something that works...
March 24, 2008

Pros:

1. Acne has minimized and I never wake up with a sudden break out (as with other medications) 2. Face is never too dry, only when I use other ace medications with this one
3. Never makes me feel sick

Cons:

1. Price
2. I still have acne after 3 months

So far it helps more than it hurts, but I want to continue to use it and see what happens.

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.

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.