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Minocycline works by systematically reducing the amount of bacteria in your body including the "P. Acnes" bacteria that is responsible for causing inflammatory acne lesions.

Unlike tetracycline, minocycline can be taken with milk, other dairy products, or a full meal, although it's absorption will be slightly reduced.

Minocycline is on the FDA Category D list, so it should not be taken during pregnancy because it can cause birth defects.

It's very important that minocycline be kept in a cold dry place and never taken after it has expired because it becomes toxic.

Some of the common but mild effects associated with taking minocycline include nausea, dizziness, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and upset stomach.

The more serious but uncommon side effects include severe headaches, persistent nausea, intense stomach cramps, darker urine, sudden asthma, or problems with your eyesight.

Minocycline is sold under a variety of brand names including Minocin, Arestin, Akamin, Dynacin and Minomycin. I personally took "minocin" 100mg twice daily for a little over a year. My acne improved considerably while I was on minocycline, but then I became complacent and started to miss a pill here and there. I also started skipping doses because I was in college and would occasionally go out and have a few drinks, which I thought wouldn't be too good for my liver.