Compare doxycycline vs. minocycline

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

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Vibramycin (doxycycline)

Prescription only

Solodyn (minocycline)

Prescription only
Treats bacterial infections.

Vibramycin (doxycycline) is good for treating many bacterial infections, but can increase your skin's sensitivity to sunlight and make you more likely to get a sunburn or rash.

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3.2/ 5 average rating with 112 reviewsfordoxycycline
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
  • Vibramycin (doxycycline) is a good alternative for some types of bacterial infections for people who are allergic to penicillin.
  • Available in generic.
  • Available as a liquid for those who have trouble swallowing.
  • Vibramycin (doxycycline) is safe for people age 65 or older and those who have kidney problems.
  • 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
  • Vibramycin (doxycycline) makes your skin more sensitive to the sun.
  • Vibramycin (doxycycline) can make some birth control less effective, so you may have to use barrier methods (like condoms) while on it.
  • Vitamins, iron supplements, or antacids can't be taken at the same time as Vibramycin (doxycycline).
  • Vibramycin (doxycycline) can cause severe diarrhea that is usually watery and bloody, as late as up to 2 months after finishing the medicine.
  • 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
  • Pill
  • Delayed release pill
  • Liquid
  • Pill
  • Extended-release pill
Price
Lowest price
$9.19
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Lowest price
$90.95
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Reviews
112 reviews so far
49%
saidit'sworth it
36%
saiditworked well
24%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Vibramycin (doxycycline)?

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
The Vibramycin (doxycycline) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
The Solodyn (minocycline) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
Risks and risk factors
  • Color changes in teeth of young children and unborn babies
    • Age 8 or younger
    • Women in their last half of pregnancy
    • Infants
  • Severe diarrhea
    • Using Vibramycin (doxycycline) for a long period of time
  • Sunburn or rash
    • Being in the sun for a long period of time
    • Using tanning salons
  • Harm to fetus (unborn baby)
    • Women who can potentially or want to become pregnant
    • Pregnant women
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 Vibramycin (doxycycline)
Learn more about Solodyn (minocycline)