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Compare 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)
    Minocycline
  • Epiduo (adapalene / benzoyl peroxide)
    Minocycline

  • Summary of Epiduo vs. Minocycline

    Summary for Retinoid / Topical antibiotic
    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.

    Summary for Tetracycline antibiotic
    Prescription only

    Minocycline is an antibiotic that treats many types of bacterial infections, including urinary tract infections (UTIs) and sinus infections. It's also used to treat acne when medications that are applied onto the skin aren't working well. Some common side effects include headache, feeling tired, and dizziness. Minocycline can also stain children's teeth and make you more like to get a sunburn.

  • Indications of Epiduo vs. Minocycline

    Indications for
    •Acne in
    •People 9 years and older - Epiduo
    •People 12 years and older - Epiduo Forte
    Indications for
    •Moderate-to-severe acne
    •Respiratory tract infections, including in the nose, throat, and lungs
    •Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia, gonorrhea, chancroid, and syphilis
    •Skin infections
    •Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
    •Rickettsial infections (usually from ticks, fleas, or mites), such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever and typhus fever
    •Other infections such as anthrax, plague, cholera, and more. Minocycline can be used to treat many other less common infections not listed here.

  • Pros and Cons of Epiduo vs. Minocycline

    Pros and Const for Retinoid / Topical antibiotic
    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
    Pros and Const for Tetracycline antibiotic
    Pros
    •Works well against certain types of acne
    •A good alternative for some infections if you're allergic to penicillin
    •Can take with or without food
    •Might have a lower risk of infectious diarrhea than other antibiotics
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Can make you get sunburns easier
    •Can stain children's teeth during tooth development
    •Interacts with blood thinners and birth control pills
    •Not recommended if you're pregnant or breastfeeding
    •Not available as an oral liquid

  • Common Side Effects of Epiduo vs. Minocycline

    Common Side Effects for

    Epiduo:

    •Dry skin (7%)
    •Rash (3%)

    Epiduo Forte:

    •Skin irritation (4%)
    Common Side Effects for

    For extended-release form:

    •Headache (23%)
    •Feeling tired (9%)
    •Dizziness (9%)
    •Itching (5%)

  • Warnings of Epiduo vs. Minocycline

    Common Side Effects for
    •Sunburn
    •Skin irritation
    Common Side Effects for
    •Harm to unborn babies
    •Color changes to teeth in babies and children
    •Infectious diarrhea
    •Severe allergic and skin reactions
    •Kidney and liver damage
    •High pressure in the brain
    •Darker tissue
    •New infection
    •Autoimmune problems

  • Prices with our coupons for Epiduo vs. Minocycline

    Learn more about Epiduo
    Learn more about Minocycline

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