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Compare Renova vs. Minocycline

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

Key takeaways

Renova (Tretinoin) and minocycline (Minocin) are both prescription medications, but they serve different purposes and belong to different drug classes. Renova is a retinoic acid derivative used topically to reduce fine facial wrinkles, while minocycline is a tetracycline antibiotic taken orally to treat various bacterial infections, including acne. Renova works by helping the skin renew itself, whereas minocycline prevents bacteria from growing. Renova can cause skin irritation and makes you more sensitive to sunlight, requiring the use of sunscreen. Minocycline can also increase sun sensitivity and may cause dizziness, headaches, and even darkening of the skin and nails. Renova isn’t safe for use during pregnancy due to potential harm to the unborn baby, and minocycline is similarly not recommended during pregnancy because it can cause birth defects and affect tooth development in children. While Renova is applied once daily in the evening, minocycline's dosing varies based on the infection being treated and can be taken with or without food.

  • Renova (tretinoin)
    Minocycline
  • Renova (tretinoin)
    Minocycline

  • Summary of Renova vs. Minocycline

    Summary for Retinoic acid derivative
    Prescription only

    Renova is a topical retinoid that contains tretinoin 0.02% cream. Renova (tretinoin) can ease fine facial wrinkles, in addition to the regular use of sunscreen and sun-protective clothing. But it won't help get rid of deep wrinkles or hyperpigmentation from years of sun damage. Renova (tretinoin) is applied to the face once daily in the evening. This medication commonly causes skin irritation and peeling as side effects. Renova is a prescription medication that's brand name only and not available as a generic.

    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 Renova vs. Minocycline

    Indications for
    •Lessen the look of fine face wrinkles
    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 Renova vs. Minocycline

    Pros and Const for Retinoic acid derivative
    Pros
    •Applied only once a day
    •Only need a small pearl-sized amount to have an effect
    •Can use with other cosmetics or skincare products (must wait at least 1 hour after applying Renova)
    Cons
    •Doesn't get rid of deep wrinkles, repair sun-damaged skin, reverse skin aging due to sun damage, or make skin younger
    •Can make you sunburn more easily
    •Not a good choice for females who want to become pregnant or are pregnant
    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 Renova vs. Minocycline

    Common Side Effects for

    Almost all people who used Renova in clinical studies reported one or more of the following:

    •Burning or stinging
    •Peeling
    •Redness
    •Dry skin
    •Itching
    Common Side Effects for

    For extended-release form:

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

  • Warnings of Renova vs. Minocycline

    Common Side Effects for
    •Skin irritation
    •Sunburns
    •Harm to unborn baby
    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 Renova vs. Minocycline

    Learn more about Renova
    Learn more about Minocycline

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