Acne.org Products
Oral Antibiotic
Efficacy
56%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
Note: Should never be used on its own and for a maximum of 3 months.
Oral Antibiotic
Acne.org’s Real World Take
Antibiotics should be used for a maximum of 3 months, provide only moderate benefit and only to some people, and may lead to side effects and strains of resistant bacteria. Studies do show doxycycline can reduce severe acne in the short term, and as far as oral antibiotics are concerned, it’s usually the go-to, but approach with caution and stay your own advocate.
Oral Antibiotic
How to Get It
Have a dermatologist? Make an appointment to get this medication. Don't have a dermatologist? See The American Academy of Dermatology Physician Database to find one.
Used Doxycycline? Rate It:
Choose from 1 to 5 stars
July 5, 2007
Cons:
Doesn't work that well
Well i've been on doxine pills (100mg) for 3 months now, with a slight improvement.
June 26, 2007
Pros:
Works in conjunction with Benzaclin and Retin-A...so far, so good!
Cons:
This is the first time I've had any side effects, but I happened to burp (sorry, I know) yesterday after I'd taken it, and my throat and nose burned for quite a while and my throat STILL hurts...so just watch out.
Worth the risk if you're willing...I don't know why people with mild acne are even on this, I had moderate cystic acne and so far, it's cleared me up.
May 25, 2007
Pros:
None really. Just make sure to eat a little something like a piece of bread or will get nauseous.
Cons:
Sensitivity to the sun! Wonder how summer is guna turn out....
I had never had acne until about age 24-25 and it just got progressively worse. I'm 27 now and always had to use makeup to cover and that also just aggravated it! Finally, at a physical I suggested it to my primary care provider and she gave me doxycycline to try and it slowly has been working. It has been about a month and I hardly ever get a pimple. If I do, it is like just one and that I can live with! I think I had bad cystic acne before around my jaw line and my cheek/side burn area. They were very deep and under the skin so you could not really do anything about them. I am looking so much better now. Very cleared up! Now I just need some time for the hyperpigmentation scars to fade. I just am not looking forward to the day when my body becomes resistant to it as I have heard it does :(
March 27, 2007
Pros:
Super cheap. Through my insurance got this stuff for about $5.
Cons:
Nausea when taken without food, however was told that taking it with food or milk decreases the absorption. dry, flaky, itchy skin and scalp.
Worked well sometimes but was such an on and off again thing. One month it seemed to clear me up fairly well but at the same time my skin felt ultra tight and uncomfortable. Then I would break out, get super flaky and no matter how much moisterizer I applied it was never enough.
**I'm really more of a YES&NO recommend. Some where in the middle of the road. It did seem to work well sometimes but in the long run, I had to quit using it because the dry itchy scalp bothered me. I mean why add another problem to my life**
March 7, 2007
Pros:
cleared up cysts big time
Cons:
must take with food and water or else suffer the consequences
i've been on this medication since december...so far pretty good results, not 100%, but a huge improvement. i'm kinda bummed now reading all the other ratings that after 4-6 months the acne comes back..i'm reaching that deadline, hope i can be spared.
January 24, 2007
Pros:
Worked for around 5-6 months, was overjoyed at the results. Have never experienced any side effects from using it.
Cons:
Came back after 6 months, slowly built up to being worse than before. Now taking 2 per day but to no avail. Will be consulting doctor for something stronger... acne is a burden I can't bear any more and i'm sure others feel the same at some point.
I would take it as a first resort to get rid of it but as soon as acne starts to reappear see your Doc and make him aware it's reappearing. I haven't as I thought upping the dose as my obvioulsy unlearned Doc said would clear it. I have read on here what I thought myself... IT WORKS FOR A BIT, THEN STOPS OUT OF NOWHERE!
October 26, 2006
Pros:
Clears and smooths skin, makes it less sensitive and easier to look after. Overall I look a hell of a lot healthier after using Doxy.
Cons:
I got sick from taking doxy on an empty stomach and with not enough liquids and it was really painful, so make sure you dont lie down for a while after taking it and drink lots of water. it makes you feel a bit sick so take after eating.
If anyone reading this has Rosacea I strongly recommend asking your doctor to put you on Doxy. I've never had particularly bad acne but recently my skin was getting worse (lots of rash like pimples on my cheeks, neck and back, skin felt painful and inflamed that my doc diagnosed as Rosacea). I've been on Doxy for about 5 months and my life is a hell of a lot easier and happier now that I dont have to worry about how awful my skin is going to look when i get out of bed in the morning.
October 22, 2006
Pros:
When my Acne was really really bad, it helped to slow the reappearance of new cysts. I was on it for about 3-4 months.
Cons:
Over a year later, my acne is still coming back - not as bad as it was last year, BUT Doxy doesn't really stop the bumbs completely.
Try it for at least 4 weeks if your acne is really bad - you should see improvement. BUT - Side effects (for girls) - prolonged use of this product gave me a yeast infection. It's an antibiotic so it kills bacteria - good and bad - girls have "good" bacteria down there that helps keep things normal - but Doxy kills that too...
February 24, 2013
Pros:
NONE
Cons:
caused more breaks outs for 3 weeks untill i got a panick attack and anxiety/depression from this drug!
I was a healthy guy now i have to take antidepressants! it totally messed me up in 16 days of using 100mg a night.
November 6, 2012
Pros:
It's free at my pharmacy.
It's reduce all signs of cystic, blackheads, and whiteheads.
Cons:
It takes awhile to fully have some effect, I'm not sure how my skin will react when I don't take it anymore and frankly I'm a little worried, but hopeful!
Give it a try.
Pros:
Very Cheap