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

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.

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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.

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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 better4 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 regimen11 12 .
• Side effects: The side effects of each medication are similar but they include some important differences.

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