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
August 17, 2011
Cons:
Diarrhea, yeast infection, burn if in sun too long, acne came back after stop of use.
I was also using Epiduo gel with this and after about a month I only had about 5 zits. The Epiduo causes a lot burning and irritation (so painful I almost cried) but after about 2 weeks the symptoms were gone and I was religious about taking this antibiotic twice a day. I was very impressed and so happy that my acne was finally gone. I went back to the dermatologist around April, and since the weather was getting nicer he told me that my skin looked great and I can discontinue the use of this antibiotic, but still use the cream. It is now August, and my acne is now back ): It is not as bad as it was, but still pretty bad on my face, none of my chest like there was before, and a little on my back. I'm wondering if it's just because it is hot out and i'm sweating more. I would still recomemd this product, because I'm sure it just wasn't strong enough for me to kill all the bacteria for it to not come back.
June 19, 2009
Pros:
None.
Cons:
I don't think this medication is doing anything at all for my acne. I have a topical I use -- Erythromycin 2% that works far better than this antibiotic. Also, Doxycycline makes me very sick to my stomach, to the point I want to vomit.
I wouldn't bother. Try something else.
April 6, 2009
Pros:
Cheap, effective.
Cons:
Takes a long time to take effect.
Had moderate to severe hormonal cystic acne from 18 and on. I tried a lot of stuff and finally I got fed up with it and went to a derm. He prescribed me 100mg Doxycyline (2x day). I took it in 2-1 intervals (2 on one day, 1 the next) and washed twice a week with a benzoyl peroxide facewash to combat resistance (+cetaphil moisturizer). Didn't have much results for at least 2 months. Starting in the 3rd month, I simply do not have new acne springing up and it's been forever since I've had a breakout. Because no new acne is coming up, my scars have been able to heal at a healthy rate.
March 12, 2009
Pros:
It has helped a lot with my acne i have used it in the past for other cases not necessarily acne.
Cons:
It's really rough on the stomach if not taken with food.
It really helped with my acne, but it wasn't prescribed for it. I have taken it for walking pneumonia for the two times i had it and imagine my surprise when it did clear my acne up. It also helps for walking pneumonia:D
December 31, 2008
Pros:
Everything I asked for. The first month and a half I saw NO improvements... but after that... CLEAR skin. I had acne that ranged from mild to moderate (when I had breakouts), but none of that anymore! Try for atleast 3 months before results
Cons:
Obtained these w/out a prescription... and while not that expensive... I realize I can't take it forever. I don't know if I'll refill or not once my supply runs out, because I don't see how I can go back to acne. Has me bummed out.
HIGHLY recommended. No side effects for me, and I take 2 100mg tablets per day (once at day, once at night). I also use Retin-A and benzoyl peroxide once a day each (apply one after taking a tablet), and wash my face 3 times a day. I did the routine minus the doxycycline for years to no avail, so it definately was the doxycyline that made the difference.
December 28, 2008
Pros:
if you have health insurance it is relatively cheap? (only conceivable pro)
Cons:
gave me an ulcer! i started using it for about two weeks when all of a sudden it became extremely painful for me to swallow anything. it increased the amount of acid my stomach was producing. i had a esophageal ulcer and have acid reflux to this day.
I don't have a sensitive stomach, at least i didn't when i started this medication. I would avoid it.
November 14, 2008
Pros:
skin is so much better
Cons:
nausea. . . not good for you
I have been taking this for about 4 or 5 months now and my skin is an unbelievable amount better. For those of you who are skeptical, wait the couple months and you will see how much it will improve your skin. The only thing. . . I went back to the derma and she wants me to stay on it for longer. . . which I dont want to do, because this medicine kills all bacteria. . . Its really not good for you. And I have noticed some serious changes to my body and personality. You also HAVE to eat before you take this. Im not one whos hungry in the morning, but I have to force myself to eat just so that I wont throw up. I feel like its messing with my eating schedule along with my weight.
But yes, despite the negatives. This product will clear up your skin a significant amount.
October 29, 2008
Pros:
First 2 days all Acne wass gone then came back as it wass before starting Doxy.
Cons:
None
Evryone is different, on me it wont work i will have to take more mg's every week and thats not healthy so i quited after a week due resistans.
Going to try Duac creme now
June 16, 2008
Pros:
first time i started taking it [100mg 2x day] it worked like a charm [1 month and i had no acne]+ its cheap
Cons:
after i stopped taking it, i started to slowly break out, i got it again but it's been about a week and a half and it hasnt done anything, its just gotten worse, i'll give it some more time i guess
i always seem to break out during summer, i started taking doxycycline in december and stopped in april and it has cleared my face, chest and back. after about a month [may] i started breaking out again.
April 28, 2008
Pros:
Reduced redness.Slowly spots are going...not completely gone yet!
Cons:
Sensitive to sunlight.Must take it with yogurt or food and lots of water!!! Upset my stomach at first but then it's settled down.
I'm going use up my prescription (1 month) and go back for more if it's working well. I'm only on 100mg a day though. It seems to be less harsh than Ethromycin.
Pros:
Cleared up my acne after about a month and a half, cleared up my back and chest acne as well.