Minocycline vs doxycycline in the treatment of acne: similarities and differences

Table of Content:
Similarities | Differences | Side-effects of minocycline | Side-effects of doxycycline | Precautions | FAQ

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Minocycline and doxycycline are oral antibiotics considered first-line treatment for moderate-to-severe acne¹. Both medications belong to a class of antibiotics (medications used to treat bacterial infections) called the tetracyclines which target the proliferation of acne-causing bacteria and the inflammation associated with this condition². 

This article will give you an overview of the similarities, differences, side effects and special considerations to take when taking minocycline and doxycycline for the treatment of acne. 

Learning more about these medications and other medications for acne, will help you and your online dermatologist can make an informed decision whether antibiotics are the right acne treatment for you.

Similarities between minocycline and doxycycline

• Mechanism of action: Minocycline and doxycycline are broad spectrum antibiotics which means that they kill many different types of bacteria (including the bacteria causing acne) and parasites. They work by stopping bacteria from making proteins which disrupts essential processes that bacteria rely on for survival, leading to their growth inhibition or death³.

• Efficacy: According to research studies minocycline and doxycycline are both effective in the treatment of acne, while minocycline is slightly better^{4 5 6}

• Anti-inflammatory properties: minocycline and doxycycline also possess anti-inflammatory properties, which means they help reduce the inflammation associated with acne⁷.
  
• Taken by mouth: Both antibiotics are typically taken orally in the form of capsules or tablets.

• Similar dose for acne: The typical doses of minocycline and doxycycline given for the treatment of acne are quite similar: 100 – 200 mg per day.

• Age limit: Minocycline and doxycycline should only be used by children over 12 years of age.

Differences of minocycline vs doxycycline 

Minocycline and doxycycline have some subtle differences in their pharmacokinetic characteristics (the way they are absorbed, metabolized, and eliminated within the body).

• Rapid and complete absorption: When minocycline is taken orally, it is quickly and efficiently absorbed into the bloodstream, which means that the medication can reach therapeutic levels in the body quite fast after it is taken⁸. While doxycycline is also absorbed quickly, dairy or other calcium-rich foods may affect its absorption by 50 to up to 20%⁹.

• Excellent tissue penetration: Both doxycycline and minocycline have good tissue penetration. They can penetrate into various tissues, including the skin; however, minocycline, has a higher lipid solubility allowing for better penetration into sebaceous glands which is beneficial when treating acne¹⁰.

• Longer half-life: The half-life of a drug refers to the time it takes for half of the drug concentration in the body to be eliminated. Doxycycline has a longer half-life compared to minocycline, meaning that it remains active in the body for a longer duration. This allows for less frequent dosing and potentially better adherence to the prescribed regimen^{11 12} .
  
• Side effects: The side effects of each medication are similar but they include some important differences.

Common side effects of minocycline 

• Numbness, tingling, or prickling sensation on skin
• Stomach issues (diarrhea, nausea, vomiting)
• Headaches
• Dry mouth
• Swollen tongue
• Sore throat
• Muscle pain
• Mood changes
• Itching of the rectum or vagina
• Discoloration of skin, scars, nails, teeth or gums
• Changes in color of tears or urine
• Ringing in your ears
• Sensitivity to sunlight
• Hair loss
• In rare cases it may cause autoimmune reactions¹³

Common side effects of doxycycline

• Stomach issues (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite)
• Changes in color of skin, scars, nails, eyes, or mouth
• Itching of the rectum
• Swelling, redness, burning, itching, or irritation of the vagina
• Difficult urination
• Sore throat or nose
• Swollen tongue
• Sensitivity to sunlight
• Dry mouth
• Anxiety
• Back pain¹⁴

Precautions and warning

Both minocycline and doxycycline should be avoided in pregnant women, children under the age of 12 (due to the potential for tooth discoloration and impaired bone growth)

Patients with a history of hypersensitivity to tetracycline antibiotics should not use these medications. 

Since minocycline and doxycycline may cause sun sensitivity, patients should apply sunscreen with a high SPF factor every morning and reapplying it during the day while taking this treatment.

Patients also ask about the interaction between doxycycline and alcohol . See our article, “Can I Drink Alcohol If I Take Doxycycline?,” for a thorough explanation provided by Dr. Carolina Fernandez.

Got any more questions about doxycycline or minocycline?

What is better: doxycycline or minocycline?

The most common question many patients ask is: is minocycline better for acne than doxycycline? The effectiveness of doxycycline and minocycline in treating moderate to severe acne vulgaris is similar¹⁵.

Can you take doxycycline and minocycline together?

Since doxycycline and minocycline are used for the same thing, you will usually only get one antibiotic for your acne. 

Alternatives to minocycline and doxycycline in the treatment of acne

Seysara (sarecycline) is a newer, FDA-approved tetracycline antibiotic used to treat moderate to severe acne on the face and trunk in patients aged 9 years and above. Its mechanism of action involves specifically targeting and decreasing the presence of bacteria responsible for causing acne on the skin¹⁶.

Can minocycline and doxycycline be purchased over the counter?

No, you cannot buy  doxycycline over the counter or minocycline as both of these antibiotics are prescription medications. It is important to use these medications under medical supervision to ensure proper dosage, duration, and to monitor for any potential side effects.

How can you get a prescription for minocycline and doxycycline?

To get a prescription for minocycline or doxycycline, consult with a healthcare professional, either in-person or through online dermatologist service. After assessing your acne condition, the doctor will discuss treatment options, including minocycline and doxycycline, and provide a prescription specifying the dosage, frequency, and duration of the treatment. 

What is the price of minocycline and doxycycline?

The price for 60 tablets generic minocycline 100 mg varies from $30 to $60*.

The price for doxycycline hyclate is $100 to $300*.

The price for 14 tablets of doxycycline monohydrate 100 mg tablets varies from $10 to $30*.

*The price range listed here is just an estimation. Medication prices may vary depending on the state and the pharmacy selected. Miiskin is not responsible and cannot influence the price of the medication as it is independent from these entities.

How long does it take to get a virtual visit for minocycline and doxycycline reviewed?

It typically takes less than 3 working days to get your case reviewed and medication prescribed if needed.

Lee el artículo en Español Minociclina o Doxiciclina ¿Cuál es la diferencia?

Article References:
https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2017/0601/p740.html
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC99026/
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/262791850_Doxycycline_versus_minocycline_in_the_treatment_of_acne_vulgaris_A_double-blind_study
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2530191/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21061764/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/minocycline
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/946598/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3651660/
https://www.ashp.org/-/media/assets/drug-shortages/docs/drug-shortages-comparison-of-doxycycline-and-minocycline.pdf
https://www.drugs.com/compare/doxycycline-vs-minocycline
https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682101.html
https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682063.html
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.3109/09546638909086681?journalCode=ijdt20
https://seysara.com/starting-seysara/

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