Oral Antibiotic
Reviews
3.4
1734 Reviews
Oral Antibiotic
Efficacy
56%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
1
2
3
4
5
Note: Should never be used on its own and for a maximum of 3 months.
Oral Antibiotic
Side Effects
Medium-High
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.
Read All About Doxycycline
Compare To Other Treatments
5
20.7%
4
32.9%
3
22.1%
2
12.7%
1
11.5%

Used Doxycycline? Rate It:

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February 16, 2010

Pros:

only product that cleared me up with minimal effort (JUST TAKE THE PILL)

Cons:

Can't drink alcohol on the pill.

If you're having trouble controlling acne with topical treatments, I'd suggest bumping up to an oral antibiotic. The strength is far superior and it'll most likely clear you up.
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February 7, 2010

Pros:

Works over time. olny medication that completely cleared my skin. not hard to swallow. No stomach issues.

Cons:

Takes time to work. (like a month )

Okay so this is my second time on this medication. the first time i took the 100mg once a day know my new derm is making me take 75mg twice a day.I just stared last night so i am hoping it works as good the second time. The first time i took it i swear it was AMAZING. the olny reason my acne came back was beacuse i stoped all meds cause my skin was 100% clear.
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January 22, 2010

Pros:

Working very well, Started seeing very good improvements after one month, No side effects

Cons:

Nothing

coming up the 8th week (using differen at night to) 80-90% of my acne has cleared up, only alot of scarring left over which is clearing to... Being about 2 weeks since a noticeble breakout (which means it must be working i used to break out every few days) Only the odd new head here and there, still a little bit of cystic acne under the jawline
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January 12, 2010

Pros:

worked very quickly, no side effects

Cons:

nothing

i got this two weeks ago from my dermatologist. I have really bad cystic acne on my cheeks and this has so far helped to start clearing it up. It isn't painful anymore and it is going down. I'm also using tretinoid as well. I would recommend drinking a full glass of water when you take this and while you are eating or else it can cause you painful stomach problems. So far, this has solved most of my problems and the acne on my chest has dissapeared completely.
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December 14, 2009

Pros:

No side effects, worked in about 3 days, with resolution of nodular acne that I've had for the last 15 years! One 50mg capsule a day, $4 generic at the local pharmacy, and my face is CLEAR!!!

Cons:

None!

Highly recommended fix for nodular acne. After years (since I was 13) of suffering from acne, which changed into nodular acne in my 30's, I am now blemish-free! Wow.
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December 8, 2009

Pros:

its been a 5 dayz since i am on this pill.
and the results are amazing. i had severe acne vulgaris.However after 5 dayz 85% of it has gone.
I hv been prescribed this for 1 month along with some homeopathic medicine.

Cons:

all is well as of now.
actually i feel that it has increased my appetite.

give it a try atleast once.Hope it works for u as well.
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December 7, 2009

Pros:

Clears up acne from the inside

Cons:

Long term daily dose makes it a bugger but its worth it. Plus you cant stop once the acne is cleared; you've got to finish the whole antibiotic course; or else it's gonna come back worse due to resistance towards the drugs.

I used to take 100mg/once a day when I was 15. After just a few weeks my friends noticed and start complimenting. Then I stopped the course and after a few months it came back worse. Now (I'm 22) I'm back on it and my dermatologist has doubled the dose to twice a day (hated that). But I know it's for a good cause. It's only been a week and I can feel my skin clearing up already. Doxyxycline is really good when combined with these: 1. Retin-A cream (help remove dead skin cells which clogs the pores on you skin) 2. Benzoyl Peroxide (to kill the bacteria from the outside) 3. A very gentle face wash (as not to irritate your skin) I highly recommend it, do try it out. Use it for as long as your dermatologist tells you to. They know as to when the bacteria in your body is really dead. And stick to it. Don't give up if it worsens in the beginning. It typical when you use it with Retin-A. Oh yeah and take the pills with food (no eggs or milk) and lotsa water. And stay out of the sun.
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December 6, 2009

Pros:

-Prevents nodules, cysts, etc
-No allergic reactions

Cons:

-I have to break it into two pieces to swallow xD
-Tastes bad

I was prescribed this antibiotic when i had allergic reaction to solodyn. anyways, so far, so good, i haven't had any bad reactions to the medicine, and so far no nodules, which was the primary reason i got it. been over a month easily and works well. wish i could take it forever(i can deal w/ that) and not worry about getting nodules, but apparently its best to use for only short periods of time (6 months more or less)
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November 28, 2009

Pros:

its doing its job,clearing up the acne i guess,only been taking it for about 2 days :D

Cons:

TUMMY ACHE (N) eugh pleaseplease take with food ! or you'll start to be sick.

i do recommend it,if you can't stand stomach aches don't be on this drug.
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November 21, 2009

Pros:

Cleared my cystic acne completely minus the odd spot. No scarring, but I also use a good moisturiser and Retin-A gel.

Cons:

The results aren't instant but are worth the wait. Moisturising twice a day is essential! Also, I found when trying to come off it my skin returns so I think it is only good for long term usage.

I have been on this for about a year and I previously suffered from fairly severe facial cystic acne which was embarrassing for a young girl, I'm now 20. This has given me really clear skin and it really was terrible before, I'm not exaggerating and now looking at me you wouldn't believe I have ever had acne. I didn't just have it in one area, although the face was the worst, I had light spots on my upper back, chest and the sides of my neck which is now all gone, I really would recommend this to anyone. I know how confidence knocking acne can be. Oh and below I'm guessing the price in dollars, I pay £7.10 a month (Brit).
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Finding a Doctor

The right dermatologist can make a big difference to your patient experience and the success of your acne treatment plan. Here are the steps to find a dermatologist who is a good fit:

  1. Use the search feature on the American Academy of Dermatology website to look for board-certified dermatologists in your area, and filter the search results for doctors with a special interest in treating acne.
  2. Read online patient reviews of any dermatologists you are considering and ask people you know whether they have any experience with these dermatologists.
  3. Do your research and go to your first appointment with questions prepared.
  4. Listen to what your gut feeling tells you once you see a dermatologist in person. If you are not completely comfortable, try a different dermatologist.

Finding a Doctor

Only a select few plastic surgeons specialize in acne scar revision surgery. Be certain to find a provider who specializes in acne scar repair and who is passionate and experienced in this area.

Be sure to:

  • Look at before and after photos, the more the better, especially patients with similar scarring to your own.
  • Be realistic about results. Look for improvement, not a cure.

Questions to ask a potential scar revision specialist:

  • Are you board certified? Be certain that they are board certified.
  • How long have you been performing these procedures? Normally, the more experience the better, however, some younger surgeons may be more on top of the latest procedures.
  • Can I speak to some of your other patients? Ask for references for several patients who had similar scarring and speak to them about the process and their satisfaction with results.

Red flags:

  • Their story changes: As you discuss different treatment options, if they tend to change their mind easily, or agree with whatever you say, consider this a red flag. A confident, experienced surgeon will possess strong, unwavering opinions.
  • Your gut tells you "no": Trust your gut. If you just don't feel that the doctor is the right fit, trust that and move on. On the other hand, if you feel they are the perfect specialist for you, trust that feeling.