Long-term tetracyclin use

Two years ago my dermatologist prescribed tetracyclin (250 mg/day) to treat my mild acne problem. He said that I can use it for a long time, without negative side-effects. It works perfect, but if I stop, it comes back immediately (worse than I had it before). Can I use this drug safely for a lifetime, or should I worry about negative side-effects, e.g. the development of resistant bacteria in my gastro-intestinal tract? And what is the evidence for the connection between the use of antibiotics and breast cancer? Is there a topical alternative that is as effective as systemic tetracyclin?

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Tetracycline is safe to take long-term.  The recent study linking chronic antibiotic use to breast cancer raises concern, but this is just one study, and much work needs to be done to see whether it has significance.

As for alternative methods, you should indeed look into whether topical treatments might help.  And even if you stay on tetracycline, you and your doctor should periodically try lowering the dose and tapering you off.  Eventually, you will succeed--acne is not forever.

Take care.

Dr. Rockoff

[JetK60]

I would also like to know this, seeing as I am taking minocycline 100mg/a day.

A few more questions:

Is it possible to develop resistance to this medication?

If an antibiotic kills both good and bad baceteria, how can it be safe to use for a long period of time?

Is it a good idea to take probiotics with it?