Tetracycline is an antibiotic that’s used to treat lots of different ailments, including acne.

Tetracycline is aprescription medication, so you’ll need to visit your healthcare provider to get it.

How It Works

Tetracycline works by slowing down the growth of the bacteria that cause acne.

Woman examining pimple

B2M Productions / The Image Bank / Getty Images

It also acts as an anti-inflammatory, so it helps make pimples less swollen and red.

Other oral antibiotics used to treat acne include clindamycin and erythromycin.

Your healthcare provider will know which dosage is best for you.

Possible Side Effects

Tetracycline can cause side effects.

Most people can take this medication without any problems.

When Tetracycline Is Not Right for You

There are some contraindications to tetracycline.

Drug Interactions

Tetracycline can interact with other medications.

Tips

Antibiotics work best when there is a constant amount in your bloodstream.

take a stab at 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.

Drink a full glass of water when taking your medication.

This will help to prevent esophagus irritation.

Leyden JJ, Del rosso JQ.Oral antibiotic therapy for acne vulgaris: pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic perspectives.

J Clin Aesthet Dermatol.

Tetracycline Hydrochloride Capsules (tetracycline hydrochloride) dose, indications, adverse effects, interactions… from PDR.net.

Tetracyclines - Infectious Diseases - MSD Manual Professional Edition.

MSD Manual Professional Edition.

NIAMS/National Institutes of Health.

Questions and Answers About Acne [Brochure].

Bethesda, MD: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.