Using Oral Tetracycline as a Treatment for Acne

Tetracycline is an antibiotic that's used to treat lots of different ailments, including acne. In fact, tetracycline along with its close cousins, minocycline and doxycycline, are the oral antibiotics most commonly prescribed for acne.

Tetracycline is a prescription medication, so you'll need to visit your healthcare provider to get it. Your healthcare provider may also prescribe a topical medication (like Retin-A or azelaic acid) to be used along with oral tetracycline.

Tetracycline also comes in a cream that's used topically (on the skin) to treat acne, but other antibiotics are more commonly used in cream form to treat acne.

How It Works

Tetracycline works by slowing down the growth of the bacteria that cause acne. It also acts as an anti-inflammatory, so it helps make pimples less swollen and red.

Tetracycline is used to treat moderate to severe acne, although it’s sometimes prescribed for mild inflammatory acne that is particularly stubborn. Other oral antibiotics used to treat acne include clindamycin and erythromycin.

Your healthcare provider will know which dosage is best for you. Often a higher dose is prescribed at first and then tapered down once you are improving, generally to between 125 and 500 milligrams daily or every other day. 

The ultimate goal is not to take tetracycline daily if acne can be kept under control with a topical treatment. Some people, though, may need to take this antibiotic for long periods of time to keep acne at bay.

Possible Side Effects

Tetracycline can cause side effects. Most people can take this medication without any problems. The common side effects of tetracycline include upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea, sore throat, vaginal yeast infections and/or oral thrush, rash, dizziness, and sun sensitivity.

Let your healthcare provider know about any side effects you're experiencing because these can usually be managed with lifestyle adjustments or medical treatment.

When Tetracycline Is Not Right for You

There are some contraindications to tetracycline.

• Pregnancy: If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, tetracycline isn't the right acne treatment choice for you. Oral tetracycline can affect your baby's bone growth and also cause your baby’s teeth to come in stained.
• Children: Young children also shouldn't take tetracycline because it can cause permanent stains on their teeth. Although sources generally say tetracycline should not be used by kids younger than 8, some recommend holding off on tetracycline use until children are at least 12.

Tetracycline sometimes can cause tooth discoloration for older kids and young adults, too, but these are usually temporary.

Drug Interactions

Tetracycline can interact with other medications. While it can sometimes be prescribed along with another antibiotic, you should tell your healthcare provider about all medications you are taking, because they might not want you to take tetracycline with another antibiotic at the same time.

• Birth control pills: Tetracycline has been known to decrease the contraceptive effect of oral birth control pills. A backup birth control method while on tetracycline is recommended.
• Accutane: Tetracycline can't be taken with isotretinoin (Accutane) because these medications can interact with one another.

Tips

Antibiotics work best when there is a constant amount in your bloodstream. Try to take your medication at regular times each day. Taking it at the same time daily also will make it easier to remember to take it.

Tetracycline can cause stomach upset, and that side effect can be minimized if you eat before you take it.

Drink a full glass of water when taking your medication. This will help to prevent esophagus irritation. Lying down right after taking tetracycline can cause esophagus irritation as well, so don't take it immediately before going to bed.

Dairy can make it less effective, so it is best to avoid taking dairy at the same time as your tetracycline dose.

Tetracycline can make you prone to sunburns, so you have to avoid sun exposure or wear protective clothing and sunscreen when you are taking tetracycline.

Take your medication for as long as your healthcare provider instructs you, even if your skin is looking better.