Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare BenzeFoam vs. Tetracycline

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Benzoyl peroxide and tetracycline are both used to treat acne, but they work in different ways and have different uses. Benzoyl peroxide is an antiseptic available over-the-counter in various forms like gels, creams, and lotions. It works by preventing acne-causing bacteria from growing on your skin. Tetracycline, on the other hand, is a prescription-only antibiotic that treats a wide range of bacterial infections, including severe acne, by stopping bacteria from multiplying in your body. Benzoyl peroxide is applied topically, while tetracycline is taken orally. Benzoyl peroxide can cause skin irritation and is not recommended for people with sensitive skin, whereas tetracycline can cause stomach issues and is not safe for young children or pregnant women. Additionally, tetracycline can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and can interact with certain foods and medications, while benzoyl peroxide can bleach hair and clothing.

  • Benzoyl peroxide
    Tetracycline
  • Benzoyl peroxide
    Tetracycline

  • Summary of BenzeFoam vs. Tetracycline

    Summary for Antiseptic

    Benzoyl peroxide is an affordable medication that works well to clear up acne. It's available over-the-counter and comes in many different forms, but it's not a good option for people with sensitive skin.

    Summary for Tetracycline antibiotic
    Prescription only

    Tetracycline is an antibiotic used to treat many types of bacterial infections, such as respiratory tract infections and urinary tract infections (UTIs). It's also sometimes used to fight acne-causing bacteria. Tetracycline is available as a lower-cost generic capsule that's safe for adults and children over 8 years of age to take. The dosage is taken multiple times a day. Tetracycline can cause unpleasant stomach side effects. There's also a risk of teeth staining in young children whose teeth are still growing.

  • Indications of BenzeFoam vs. Tetracycline

    Indications for
    •Acne
    Indications for
    •Bacterial skin infections
    •Severe acne
    •Respiratory tract infections, including in the nose, throat, and lungs
    •Sexually-transmitted infections (STIs) (e.g., chlamydia, gonorrhea, chancroid, syphilis)
    •Urinary tract infections (UTI)
    •Rickettsial infections (usually from ticks, fleas, or mites), such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever and typhus fever
    •Other less common bacterial infections

  • Pros and Cons of BenzeFoam vs. Tetracycline

    Pros and Const for Antiseptic
    Pros
    •Lower-cost and available over-the-counter
    •Comes in many different forms (e.g., gel, cream, and lotion) and strengths
    •Easy to apply
    •Can be used by people with either dry or oily skin
    Cons
    •Makes your skin more sensitive to sunlight
    •Can bleach your hair, clothing, and bedding
    •Might not work well for people with severe acne
    •Can cause uncomfortable side effects, like skin burning and itching
    •Not a good option for people with sensitive skin
    Pros and Const for Tetracycline antibiotic
    Pros
    •Treats a wide range of bacterial infections, including acne
    •Good option for people with penicillin allergies
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    •Safe to use in children over the age of 8
    Cons
    •Need to take multiple times a day for most infections
    •Can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight
    •Interacts with certain antacids and dairy products, such as milk
    •Not safe for use in pregnancy or young children

  • Common Side Effects of BenzeFoam vs. Tetracycline

    Common Side Effects for
    •Redness
    •Burning
    •Itching
    •Peeling
    •Swelling
    •Dryness
    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Diarrhea
    •Stomach pain or discomfort
    •Loss of appetite
    •Skin rash

  • Warnings of BenzeFoam vs. Tetracycline

    Common Side Effects for
    •Bleaching of hair and clothing
    •Skin irritation
    •Sensitive skin
    Common Side Effects for
    •Color changes to teeth
    •Severe infectious diarrhea
    •Sensitivity to sunlight
    •High pressure around the brain
    •Harm to unborn and young babies
    •Possible kidney and liver damage in people with kidney problems

  • Prices with our coupons for BenzeFoam vs. Tetracycline

    Learn more about Benzoyl peroxide
    Learn more about Tetracycline

Compare other Acne drugs

Benzoyl Peroxide vs TetracyclineCabtreo vs Benzoyl PeroxideEpiduo vs Benzoyl PeroxideRenova vs Benzoyl PeroxideZiana vs Benzoyl Peroxide
View More

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.