Key takeaways
Minocycline (Minocin, Minolira, Solodyn) and sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (Bactrim, Septra) are both antibiotics, but they belong to different classes and treat different types of infections. Minocycline is a tetracycline antibiotic that works by stopping bacteria from making certain proteins, which helps treat infections like acne, respiratory infections, and sexually transmitted infections. On the other hand, sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim is a combination of a sulfonamide and an antifolate that stops bacteria from making folic acid, treating infections such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), ear infections, and lung infections. Minocycline is typically taken once or twice a day, while sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim is usually taken twice a day. Both medications can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, but minocycline can also cause dizziness and darken your skin and nails. Sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim can upset your stomach and is not recommended for people with sulfa allergies. Both medications are not recommended during pregnancy due to risks to the unborn baby. Both medications are available as lower-cost generics.
