Compare Benzamycin vs. minocycline

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

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Topical treatment for acne and pimples.

Benzamycin (benzoyl peroxide / erythromycin) is a common affordable treatment for acne and pimples, but it can stain clothing and hair.

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3.4/ 5 average rating with 146 reviewsforBenzamycin
Treats bacterial infections.

Solodyn (minocycline) is effective in treating a variety of bacterial infections such as acne, but it can cause permanent tooth staining, especially in an unborn baby and those who are age 8 or younger.

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4.0/ 5 average rating with 17 reviewsforminocycline
Upsides
  • The combination of medicines in Benzamycin (benzoyl peroxide / erythromycin) works better to reduce bacteria in oil glands and improve overall appearance of acne than either medicine alone.
  • Combining an antibiotic with benzoyl peroxide lowers the chances of Benzamycin (benzoyl peroxide / erythromycin) not working as well over time (known as resistance).
  • Can be used in combination with acne pill medicine if your doctor thinks you need it.
  • A generic form of Benzamycin (benzoyl peroxide / erythromycin) is available to help lower cost.
  • May be taken with or without food.
  • Solodyn (minocycline) is used in combination with other medications to treat severe acne.
  • Available as a generic form.
  • Solodyn (minocycline) is less likely to cause sunburn than other tetracycline antibiotics.
  • Can be a good alternative treatment for certain infections when penicillin can't be used.
Downsides
  • Benzamycin (benzoyl peroxide / erythromycin) may not work for everyone. Like with any acne medicine, you may have to try different medicines before finding the one that works for you.
  • You have to apply this twice a day. With some other medicines, you may only need to apply once a day.
  • Is generally only effective for mild to moderate acne. If you have severe acne, you may need an oral medication.
  • The most common form of Benzamycin (benzoyl peroxide / erythromycin) needs to be stored in the fridge and is only good for 3 months even if you have medicine remaining in the container.
  • It can make birth control pills less effective, so barrier methods of birth control like condoms or diaphragms should be used while on Solodyn (minocycline).
  • Can permanently discolor your teeth, mouth, gums and skin. This is more common for pregnant women in their last half of pregnancy, infants, and children 8 and younger.
  • Your skin may be more sensitive to the sun and your chances of getting sunburned are higher.
  • May cause dizziness and affect your driving ability.
  • Not a good option for pregnant women since it can slow down the bone development of a fetus (unborn baby).
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Gel
  • Pill
  • Extended-release pill
Price
Lowest price
$33.25
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Lowest price
$91.10
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Reviews
146 reviews so far
54%
saidit'sworth it
26%
saiditworked well
12%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Benzamycin (benzoyl peroxide / erythromycin)?

Leave a review
17 reviews so far
53%
saidit'sworth it
59%
saiditworked well
18%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Solodyn (minocycline)?

Leave a review
Side effects
6possible side effects
  • Dry skin
    8%
  • Dryness
    3%
  • Hives
    3%
  • Reaction where applied
    3%
  • Eyelid inflammation
    2%
  • Itching
    2%
See more detailed side effects
The Solodyn (minocycline) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
Risks and risk factors
  • Bleaching effects
  • Skin irritation
    • Using other medicines or products that irritate the skin
    • Eczema
    • Extreme temperatures (hot or cold)
  • Allergic reaction
  • Development of more serious infections
    • Long-term use of Benzamycin (benzoyl peroxide / erythromycin)
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • Yellowing of teeth
    • Age 8 or younger
    • Women in their last half of pregnancy
    • Infants
    • Using Solodyn (minocycline) for a long period of time
  • Decreased effectiveness of oral birth control pills
    • Using oral birth control pills
  • New infection
    • Using Solodyn (minocycline) for a long period of time
  • Sunburn
  • Harm to fetus (unborn baby)
    • Women who can potentially or want to become pregnant
    • Pregnant women
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Benzamycin (benzoyl peroxide / erythromycin)
Learn more about Solodyn (minocycline)