Can minocycline be used for pimples?

Q: My friend has started getting pimples, which have spread from her forehead to her cheeks. She consulted a doctor who suggested a tablet called Minoz. Another friend of mine who is married had similar problems. She said that taking contraceptives clears the skin. Is Minoz a contraceptive? As my friend is completely against them. But now she is so desperate that she would take anything to avoid the pimples. She is getting married. Please advise.

A:Minoz is the brand name of a medicine called minocycline (a member of the tetracycline group of antibiotics). Minocycline is also sold under the brand name of Cynomycin. It is an antibiotic and not a contraceptive pill. Other antibiotics are also used in acne such as erythromycin, clindamycin, tetracycline. These can also be used either by application on the skin or by mouth.Minoz is not a contraceptive. Contraceptive pills are not indicated in the treatment of acne though cyproterone (an anti-androgen) with oestrogen (a female hormone) is used in some very severe cases that do not respond to conventional therapies. It is sold under the brand name of Diane-35.