If you’re dealing with acne that’s resistant to the usual topical treatments, your dermatology provider may recommend additional oral prescription medications for more help. And one such treatment is minocycline, an oral prescription antibiotic that is in a class of antibiotics called tetracyclines. Tetracycline medications treat a wide variety of conditions, including Lyme disease.¹ Healthcare providers often use it for cases of moderate to severe acne or even rosacea with lower doses. 

We believe that knowledge is power, especially when it comes to your skin health. So, we’ve tapped our licensed dermatology providers to share everything you need to know about minocycline for acne, if you’re considering this treatment: its efficacy, potential side effects, and risks. Let’s get into it.

What does minocycline do for acne?

When discussing minocycline as an oral antibiotic for acne, it’s important to know how it works! Minocycline fights the C. acnes bacteria (a strain that causes acne).² It's recommended as part of a combination treatment with a topical medication.³ So, for the best results, your healthcare provider will likely recommend topical acne medications as well. 

How long does it take for minocycline to work?

Exactly how long you take minocycline will depend on your medical provider’s exact recommendations. Often, patients take the antibiotic for 2-3 months, but results can come sooner. When taking oral minocycline, many acne patients see moderate improvement in 6 to 8 weeks of treatment.⁴ Overall, clearer skin takes a little patience, but the results are usually worth it! A review of multiple studies showed that patients experienced anywhere from a 22% to a 91% reduction in inflammatory lesions with minocycline.⁵ Clearer skin doesn't mean you should stop the medication, though. It is recommended to finish your entire round of antibiotics as prescribed by your healthcare provider.

What is the proper minocycline dose for acne?

Oral minocycline often comes in extended-release tablets or capsules. Like all medications, the dosage varies depending on each patient's specific needs and medical history. In general, expect to take about 50mg to 100mg per dose as an adult.⁶ Minocycline also comes in pellets, immediate release, and topical treatment options. Each form has its own dosages and directions for use. Whatever version you get, use it as prescribed and do let your medical provider know if you have any questions or concerns. 

What are the side effects of minocycline for acne?

When taking minocycline for acne, side effects are possible. Side effects of minocycline can include:⁷ 

• Headache

• Dizziness

• Ringing in the ears

• Itchiness

• Diarrhea 

A few people may have serious side effects. Especially in long-term use, rare adverse effects may include:⁸

• Kidney or liver dysfunction

• Lupus-like syndrome

• Pseudotumor cerebri (idiopathic intracranial hypertension)

Tell your healthcare provider if you're pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding. Other risks include irritation or damage to the esophagus (esophagitis or esophageal perforation).⁹ If you experience any side effects, let your provider know right away as common side effects such as headache or dizziness can vary from benign to severe causes that cannot be fully evaluated without the help of a medical professional. This is not a full list of side effects that can be caused by minocycline. Always seek medical advice when it comes to side effects. As with all medications, watch for allergic reactions. In addition, as minocycline can cause photosensitivity, you may also want to limit exposure to sunlight and avoid tanning beds (though we always recommend doing so!).¹⁰

Do minocycline side effects go away?

Most side effects do go away in time. Some may not go away on their own, though. As mentioned above, if you have any reactions, tell your medical provider even if it might seem as though it’s not a big deal (for example, more frequent headaches). Your medical provider will advise on any next steps. Unfortunately, some serious side effects may not be reversible.¹¹ Staining of the teeth may be permanent. Due to side effects, this medication isn’t for children under 12 whose teeth are still developing.¹² 

Scientists are working to reduce the negative effects. Extended-release tablets typically have fewer side effects than the immediate-release version.¹³ 

What medications react with minocycline?

Minocycline does interact with certain medications. Tell your healthcare provider about every medication you take (including vitamins and/or supplements), especially if you use:

• Blood thinners

• Birth control pills: Let your medical provider know if you use oral contraceptives or hormonal birth control, as you may need to use another form of birth control while you're on minocycline.¹⁴

Iron, magnesium, aluminum, and calcium containing products may interfere with minocycline.¹⁵ Remember to inform your dermatology provider if you take vitamins, herbal supplements, or nonprescription remedies.

Remember, you can manage or prevent acne in other ways. You can start by creating a good skincare routine with over-the-counter methods. Or, you can see if Curology is right for you!

Effective skincare made easy

Now that you've learned more about minocycline for acne, you might be wondering how you can better move towards your skincare goals. We remove the guesswork from skincare, and can prescribe personalized formulas to help address your skin concerns, in addition to oral medications like minocycline, if deemed right for you.

Get your personalized skincare routine with Curology

Get your personalized skincare routine with Curology

Start your skin quiz

Founded by a board-certified dermatologist in 2014, Curology expands access to effective skincare. To give Curology a try, just snap a few selfies and complete a questionnaire. If Curology is right for you, a licensed dermatology provider will prescribe a personalized formula to treat your specific skin concerns. Start your Curology trial today*.

P.S. We did the homework, so you don’t have to:

1. Pradhan, S., et al. Anti-Inflammatory and Immunomodulatory Effects of Antibiotics and Their Use in Dermatology. Indian Journal of Dermatology. (September - October 2016).

2. Zaenglein, A., et al. Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. (May 2016). 

3. Tan, A.U., et al. A review of diagnosis and treatment of acne in adult female patients. International Journal of Women's Dermatology. (June 2018).

4. Baldwin, H. Oral Antibiotic Treatment Options for Acne Vulgaris. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. (September 2020).

5. Baldwin, H. Oral Antibiotic Treatment Options for Acne Vulgaris. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. Ibid.

6. Tan, A.U., et al. A review of diagnosis and treatment of acne in adult female patients. International Journal of Women's Dermatology. (June 2018).

7. Zaenglein, A., et al. Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. Ibid. 

8. Zaenglein, A., et al. Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. Ibid.

9. Angelette, A.L., et al. Tetracycline-, Doxycycline-, Minocycline-Induced Pseudotumor Cerebri and Esophageal Perforation. Adv Ther. (2023, February 10).

10. Zaenglein, A., et al. Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. Ibid. 

11. Garner, S.E., et al. Minocycline for acne vulgaris: efficacy and safety. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. (August 2012).

12. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. Solodyn (minocycline hydrochloride) tablet label. (March 2011).

13. Pande, S., et al. An open-label, prospective, comparative, double-arm clinical trial to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of minocycline extended-release formulation compared with minocycline immediate-release formulation in the management of patients with papulopustular acne. Indian J Drugs Dermatol. (2020, December 28).

14. MedlinePlus, National Institute of Health, National Library of Medicine. Minocycline. (n.d.). 

15. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. Solodyn (minocycline hydrochloride) tablet label. Ibid.

16. Pradhan, S., et al. Anti-inflammatory and Immunomodulatory Effects of Antibiotics and Their Use in Dermatology. Indian Journal of Dermatology. Ibid.

17. Torok, H.M. Extended-release Formulation of Minocycline in the Treatment of Moderate-to-severe Acne Vulgaris in Patients Over the Age of 12 Years. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. (July 2013).

18. Patel, D.J. and Bhatia, N. Oral Antibiotics for Acne. Am J Clin Dermatol. (March 2021).

Melissa Hunter is a board certified family nurse practitioner at Curology. She received her MSN from George Washington University in Washington, DC.

*Cancel anytime. Subject to consultation. Results may vary. 

Written by

Curology Team

Medically reviewed by

Melissa Hunter, NP-C