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
November 21, 2009
Cons:
Did not get rid of red marks. Peeling, sun sensitivity, have to plan meals carefully-no dairy within 2-3 hours of taking it, must sit up for 30 minutes.
After 4.5 weeks, hardly any new pimples have formed, but the red marks remain. I went back to my doctor yesterday and she said either to wait out the red marks or to consider doing lasers.
November 18, 2009
Pros:
Had perfectly clear skin the whole time on the Doxy, minus the first 2 initial months.
Cons:
Pretty bad breakouts the first month. Second month spent waiting for marks to fade. SOO sick if taken without food.
So the first couple of months are a little rough, but after that, no more break outs whatsoever for the remainder of the year on the medication. Came off Doxy, kept me clear for about 10 months after. Now just starting to break out again, going back to the doctor for something new. Stick with it when you start, the first 8 weeks of hell were COMPLETELY worth the 2 years of clear skin for me. ONLY thing! Oh man, take it with enough food. Only happened to me once, but took it on an empty stomach, sick for about 2 hours before it passed through.
November 18, 2009
Pros:
helped clear up my back. seems to help with cysts
Cons:
My neck is still really broken out. no help with all the little bumbs covering my face. redness from being in sunlight.
So far, it does work, but slowly. I'm still really badly broken out on my neck. It does seem to have helped the sides of my mouth. I don't like the redness and dryness, though. It makes me feel even less attractive.
November 13, 2009
Pros:
very affordable, lesser tendency of developing resistance, very effective in preventing cysts, lesser side effects ( diarrhea )
Cons:
possible renal or hepatic damage in the future
i was on tetracycline for almost a year but i had a major breakout 2 months ago....i also developed terrible diarrhea with tetracycline...so i decided to switch to doxycycline and i never had any cysts for almost a month now...im still using Benzoyl Peroxide gel to lessen the possibility of resistance.
November 4, 2009
Pros:
Works quickly - it's doing a great job in clearing up the acne on my back - upper shoulders and face
Cons:
Makes you sensitive to sunlight - and you MUST eat food before you take this or you will probably start to vomit.. it is explained on the container
from what i have experianced so far it's working very well on my acne and has improved the overall condition of my skin
November 3, 2009
Pros:
Cheap, reduces size and duration of nodular acne, relatively quick acting.
Cons:
Effects don't last very long after ceasing treatment.
Much more potent (smaller dose and quicker onset of results) than other cycline antibiotics, i.e. tetra- and minocycline. Generic tabs cost very little. When used with a benzoyl peroxide cream and salicylic acid cleanser it works well.
October 29, 2009
Pros:
i've seen a great significant difference in size and redness of my acne while using doxy, differen, and duac together. its been almost a month and i'm loving the results. i had moderate to severe acne but it is working VERY EFFECTIVELY!
Cons:
i tend to get a little nauseated a little after taking the pill prior to eating 2 hours before hand.
since i was a teenager i was struggling with moderate to severe acne on my face chest back and even buttox. i used Accutane which cleared me up for a few years but suddenly they all came back again. i tried different topical ointments and antibiotics which did not work for me until my derm. prescribed me Doryx, Differin, and Duac. let me tell you.. its almost been 1 month and my face has significantly changed for the better! no more bad break outs, the cysts are no longer there, and my face does not appear swollen anymore from the huge pimples that i had. i love it and i would recommend it to anybody that is in dire need for a solution to their acne problems. very cheap too!
October 14, 2009
Pros:
I have been on this for 6 months, and I'd say this has improved my complextion by 95%!!! I have noticed a HUGE difference in the number and size of my zits. I no longer worry about a huge breakout before "my time of the month"!!
Cons:
A little worried about the long term affects of this pill. Not sure that its safe to be on an antibiotic for a long period of time. Soon I hope to start a family, and my doctor informed me this shouldn't be taken while pregnant.
I would very much recommend this to anyone. I was also prescribed Differin to use at the same time and it has worked GREAT. I only have one more month left on my prescription and will talk to my dermatologist about my other options as I would like to have children soon. I'm not one who likes to take pills everyday, so hopefully they can give me a topical gel that will have the same affect. Fingers crossed!!!
October 4, 2009
Pros:
It took almost 3 weeks, but I'm getting relief!
Cons:
It makes me feel like I"m going to throw up for about a half hour after I take it.
If you're like me, you're sick of acne and want it gone forever. I am 24 and have never had trouble with acne before now. This was frustrating. I had to stop working out because of an injury (I was training for a marathon), and my hormones got messed up, and viola! Hello, acne! I have been taking this with a sulfa topical prescription and Differin and I am beyond happy to tell you that my face is far less bumpy than I've been in a while. It got worse before it got better (I was actually in tears at one point), but I stuck with it and I'm so glad that I did. If you're suffering like I was, keep your head high. Sometimes it takes a while, but something WILL work... it just takes time. I was so hoping for quick results that I called my derm about 2.5 weeks into it wondering why I was still a mess. He told me to hang in there, and while it was tough, he was right. I understand what you may be going through and I feel for each and every one of you. Keep trying & don't lose hope!
October 3, 2009
Pros:
Working great!!! No new break outs since ive started the medication.
Cons:
Have to take it with food or else i get an upset stomach
Ive been on Doxy for 3 months now and very pleased with the results. Gives me an over all nice glow to my skin.
Pros:
Reduced new acne from forming in combination with Clean & Clear Persa Gel (10% benzoyl peroxide) and Clindamycin solution.