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Tetracycline vs. Claravis

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

Key takeaways

Tetracycline and isotretinoin are both prescription medications, but they serve different purposes and belong to different drug classes. Tetracycline is an antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections, including respiratory tract infections, UTIs, and severe acne. It works by stopping bacteria from growing. Isotretinoin, on the other hand, is a retinoic acid derivative used to treat severe nodular acne that hasn't responded to other treatments. It reduces the amount of oil released by your skin's oil glands. Tetracycline is taken multiple times a day and can cause stomach issues and teeth staining in children, while isotretinoin is taken twice daily for 4 to 5 months and can cause serious birth defects, requiring enrollment in the iPLEDGE program for those who can get pregnant. Additionally, isotretinoin can lead to mood changes and higher pressure in the brain, especially if taken with tetracycline. Both medications can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, but isotretinoin has a broader range of serious side effects, including liver damage and bone fractures.

Tetracycline

 

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Isotretinoin

 

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Summary for Tetracycline

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 for Tetracycline

Pros and Cons for Tetracycline

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 for Tetracycline

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Stomach pain or discomfort
  • Loss of appetite
  • Skin rash

Warnings for Tetracycline

  • 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

Summary for Claravis

Prescription only

Isotretinoin is used to treat nodular acne that can't be cleared up by other acne treatments, including antibiotics. It's taken by mouth twice daily, typically for 4 to 5 months at a time. Because of the risk of serious birth defects, people who can get pregnant need to take pregnancy tests and use birth control before, during, and after treatment. Some common side effects include dry lips, dry skin, back pain, and dry eye. While isotretinoin is no longer available as brand name Accutane, you can still find it under other brands (e.g., Claravis and Amnesteem) and also as lower-cost generics.

Indications for Claravis

  • Nodular acne that hasn't responded well to other treatments

Pros and Cons for Claravis

Pros

  • Works well to clear your skin of severe acne when other treatments haven't worked as well
  • Most people experience clearer skin after just one course of treatment
  • Only need to take for 4 to 5 months for each treatment
  • Clearer skin can last for a while even after you've stopped taking isotretinoin

Cons

  • Can cause serious birth defects
  • Might be at higher risk of bone fractures if you play sports a lot
  • Can raise your blood sugar levels, and you might need to monitor your sugar levels more often
  • Not a good choice if you have a history of mental health problems, including depression, hallucinations, or suicidal thoughts

Common Side Effects for Claravis

  • Dry skin
  • Worsening acne when first starting treatment
  • Dry lips
  • Chapped lips or swelling of the lips
  • Dry eyes
  • Eye problems, including blurry vision
  • Back pain
  • Joint pain
  • Nose bleeds
  • Headache
  • Cold-like symptoms

Warnings for Claravis

  • Harm to unborn baby
  • Depression and thoughts of self-harm
  • Higher pressure in the brain
  • Serious skin reaction
  • Inflammation of the pancreas
  • High cholesterol and triglycerides
  • Hearing problems
  • Liver problems
  • Inflammation of the gut
  • Bone fractures and muscle pain
  • Eye problems

Prices with our coupons for Tetracycline vs. Claravis

Price Card Drug Icon
Tetracycline56 capsules / 500mg
$53.64$760.16
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Isotretinoin30 capsules / 30mg
$57.46$218.11
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