What Is Seysara? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know in 2026

Seysara is a prescription oral antibiotic tablet approved by the FDA for the treatment of moderate to severe acne. If you or your child has been prescribed Seysara, or you're researching it as a potential option, this guide covers everything you need to know about what Seysara is, how it works, how to take it safely, and what to expect.

What Is Seysara?

Seysara is the brand name for sarecycline, a narrow-spectrum tetracycline-class antibiotic. It was approved by the FDA in October 2018 — making it the first new oral antibiotic specifically developed for acne in over 40 years. Seysara is manufactured and marketed by Almirall, LLC.

Unlike older tetracycline antibiotics (doxycycline and minocycline) that have broad antibacterial activity affecting many types of bacteria, Seysara is specifically engineered to have a narrow spectrum — primarily targeting Cutibacterium acnes (formerly called Propionibacterium acnes), the bacteria that play a key role in acne development.

What Is Seysara Used For?

Seysara is FDA-approved for one specific indication:

Treatment of inflammatory lesions of non-nodular moderate to severe acne vulgaris in patients 9 years of age and older

This means Seysara is intended for acne that involves red, swollen pimples (papules and pustules) — not for large, painful cysts deep under the skin (nodular or cystic acne), which may require more aggressive treatment like isotretinoin. Seysara is not a general-purpose antibiotic and has not been evaluated for treating bacterial infections.

Seysara Dosage: How Much Do You Take?

Seysara comes in three tablet strengths, and the correct dose is based on body weight:

60 mg once daily — for patients weighing 33–54 kg (approximately 73–119 lbs)

100 mg once daily — for patients weighing 55–84 kg (approximately 121–185 lbs)

150 mg once daily — for patients weighing 85–136 kg (approximately 187–300 lbs)

Each strength is a yellow, capsule-shaped, film-coated tablet. Seysara is taken once daily and can be taken with or without food. The typical treatment duration is 12 weeks. If there's no improvement after 12 weeks, reassess treatment with your dermatologist.

How to Take Seysara Correctly

Take with plenty of water. Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water to reduce the risk of esophageal irritation or ulceration.

With or without food. You can take Seysara with or without food, but taking it with a light meal may reduce nausea.

Avoid antacids, calcium, iron, and magnesium near the time of dosing. These bind to sarecycline and reduce its absorption. Take Seysara at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after antacids and calcium; 2 hours before or 4 hours after iron.

Don't skip doses. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember — but don't double up if it's almost time for your next dose.

Use sunscreen. Seysara can increase sun sensitivity. Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen daily.

Who Should NOT Take Seysara?

Anyone allergic to tetracyclines (doxycycline, minocycline, demeclocycline, tetracycline, tigecycline)

Pregnant women (risk of fetal harm including tooth discoloration and skeletal malformations)

Breastfeeding women (Seysara passes into breast milk)

Children under 9 years old

Patients currently taking isotretinoin or other oral retinoids (serious interaction risk)

How Effective Is Seysara?

Seysara was studied in over 2,000 patients across three randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials. In these trials, patients treated with Seysara showed significantly greater reduction in inflammatory acne lesions compared to placebo at Week 12. Most patients experienced "clear" or "almost clear" skin by the end of the 12-week treatment period.

Seysara has also demonstrated a low propensity for the development of antibiotic resistance in C. acnes — an advantage highlighted in its FDA-approved label.

What Happens After 12 Weeks?

The FDA-approved label for Seysara states that efficacy beyond 12 weeks and safety beyond 12 months have not been established. Your dermatologist will evaluate your response and decide whether to continue, modify, or transition your acne treatment. Many patients transition to topical maintenance therapy after responding to Seysara. For a deeper dive into side effects, see our companion guide on Seysara side effects