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Epiduo vs. Minocycline

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

Key takeaways

Epiduo (adapalene/benzoyl peroxide) and Minocin (minocycline) are both used to treat acne, but they work in different ways and have different uses. Epiduo is a topical gel that combines a retinoid (adapalene) and a topical antibiotic (benzoyl peroxide) to reduce pimples and skin inflammation. You apply it directly to the skin once a day. Minocin, on the other hand, is an oral antibiotic that treats acne from the inside by reducing the bacteria that cause acne. It is taken by mouth and can also treat a variety of bacterial infections, such as UTIs and respiratory infections. Epiduo can cause skin dryness and irritation, while Minocin can cause dizziness. Both can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, but Minocin can interact with birth control pills and blood thinners.

Epiduo

(adapalene / benzoyl peroxide)

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Minocycline

 

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Summary for Epiduo

Prescription only

Epiduo (adapalene / benzoyl peroxide) is a topical gel that contains two active ingredients: adapalene (a retinoid) and benzoyl peroxide (an antiseptic). It's FDA approved to treat acne (pimples) in adults and children. The gel is typically applied to the skin once a day. Side effects aren't common, but can include dry skin, skin irritation, and skin burning. The medication is available as a generic and under two brand names: Epiduo and Epiduo Forte.

Indications for Epiduo

  • Acne in
    • People 9 years and older - Epiduo
    • People 12 years and older - Epiduo Forte

Pros and Cons for Epiduo

Pros

  • Combination of two medications in a single product
  • Only needs to be applied once a day
  • Easy to apply
  • Available as a lower-cost generic

Cons

  • Can make your skin more sensitive to the sunlight
  • Can bleach clothing and bed sheets
  • Can make skin dry or irritated
  • Your skin might look worse before it starts looking better

Common Side Effects for Epiduo

Epiduo:

  • Dry skin (7%)
  • Rash (3%)

Epiduo Forte:

  • Skin irritation (4%)

Warnings for Epiduo

  • Sunburn
  • Skin irritation

Summary for Minocycline

Prescription only

Immediate-release minocycline is a tetracycline antibiotic used to treat many types of bacterial infections in adults and children 8 years and older. These include urinary tract infections (UTIs), sinus infections, and even severe acne. It comes as a tablet or capsule, and is usually taken by mouth every 12 hours. Common side effects include headache, tiredness, and dizziness.

Indications for Minocycline

Pros and Cons for Minocycline

Pros

  • Can take with or without food
  • Treats many different types of bacterial infections
  • A good alternative if you're allergic to penicillin
  • Taken twice a day

Cons

  • Can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight
  • Can stain children's teeth during tooth development
  • Interacts with blood thinners and birth control pills
  • Not safe in pregnancy or breastfeeding

Common Side Effects for Minocycline

Warnings for Minocycline

  • Harm to unborn babies
  • Tooth discoloration
  • Slow bone growth
  • Infectious diarrhea
  • Severe allergic and serious skin reactions
  • Kidney and liver damage
  • Brain and nerve effects
  • High pressure in the brain
  • Autoimmune problems
  • Sun sensitivity
  • Darkening of body tissues
  • New infection

Prices with our coupons for Epiduo vs. Minocycline

Price Card Drug Icon
Adapalene/Benzoyl Peroxide1 tube / 45g of 0.1%/2.5%
--
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Price Card Drug Icon
Minocycline30 capsules / 100mg
$20.36$29.64
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