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
June 1, 2013
Didn't Help Me
Cons:
Chest and Back breakous
Increased Oil
Headaches, Nausea, Bloating
I was on doxy for 2 months and unfortunately it didn't work. I have hormonal painful cystic acne and my derm hoped it would help get things under control. After a few weeks on doxy my already oily skin got even oilier (yuck). About 2 weeks before my menstrual cycle i broke out horribly. I got new cystic bumps on my cheeks, chin, and neck. In addition my back and chest broke out everywhere, and they are still breaking out. At my 2 month followup my doctor advised that the next option will be accutane. I hope that will finally rid me of these painful cysts.
May 31, 2013
Helped with acne but dried out my skin and made me sick
Pros:
cleared up some acne
Cons:
stomach problems
dried out skin
A few years ago when my acne was very severe I went to a dermatologist and requested accutane but was told to try this first. First of course I broke out worse the first month, then my acne started to clear up. However, this drug made me very sick. Even though I would make sure to take this on an empty, I threw up constantly and always had stomach pains. It also made my sensitive skin very dry. I now only use natural remedies for my skin problems and have had great results.
May 17, 2013
Pros:
Convienient and easy to take
Cheap with insurance
Cons:
Didn't help acne at all
I now have temporary hypertension
Did not help Acne at all. One side effect that many people do not know about is high blood pressure. If you have taken this med for longer than a month you should check your blood pressure at your local walmart or other places that offer this free service.
May 12, 2013
Pros:
Can pretty much cure moderate acne
Cons:
Some slight stomach pain after taking (make sure you take with no food or it won't work as well, and with like 3 cups of water)
Started with 2 100mg doxycycline a day around a year ago. My acne nearly completely cleared up. Got lazy and tired of the stomach pain that occurred for 10-15 minutes after taking and acne got bad again. Been taking it once a day for a few weeks and I've noticed a HUGE reduction in new acne.
May 8, 2013
After stopping minocycline because it stopped working, My acne was pretty mild for about 3 or for classes then got really bad recently. I was prescribed Doxy 100mg three days ago, to take twice a day for 30 days. The first day was fine and the nausea was bearable as I'd learned to control it from Mino, but the second morning I threw up. I haven't vomited in almost 8 years...that's the end of that.
May 7, 2013
Pros:
Easy to take
Cheap
Just the miracle pill I needed
Cons:
Have to take a big meal with it
Took a month or two to work
I've had acne (moderate/severe) for about 8 years now, but lately I started breaking out badly on my forehead. Then, on my chin and cheeks. I was so fed up with it, and had to find a solution because I didn't want it to get worse. So, I went to a dermatologist and she prescribed me Doxycycline. I took 100 mg once a day. It took a while (1-2 months) for it to work, so be patient. First, I broke out like crazy, then after a while it cleared up. Now, I am on my third month of taking it and I am very pleased with the results. I am acne-free, but every time I forget to take my prescription (let's say for two or three days) I get a zit or two, so I am a little hesitant to get off my meds, because I know it will come back to haunt me again.
April 23, 2013
Pros:
Easy to take since it's taken orally. Calmed down my acne pretty well and still use it to this day. Even better when combined with prescribed topicals. Noticed a very big positive difference in breakout sizes.
Cons:
Depending on where you are, this may or may not be expensive. Bad Side effects could hit you if you don't take it properly. I usually ended up bloating on some days. Really painful.
My recommendation should be the least of your concern because this medication is to be recommended and prescribed by your doctor or derm. For me it works great. Give it a try if you're offered the chance!
April 19, 2013
Pros:
Helped clear up acne
Cons:
Have to wait half hour after taking it to lay down, constant yeast infections, sensitive to light, stops working as soon as 3 days after not taking meds.
I was on Accutane for 3 months, then followed up with this medication. I've been on it for almost a year, taking 100mg/day before bed. It helps, but you have to keep taking it to stay acne free. It also keeps yeast infections around for women. I would recommend it for normal acne, but not severe. My acne was cystic/severe. This is the second time in my life taking Accutane, first time Doxycycline.
April 18, 2013
Pros:
Cleared my skin with no scars left after.
Cons:
Took 6 months to work.
Gave me nausea, headaches, vertigo.
Makes you very sensitive to the sun.
Broke out as soon as I got off of it.
I loved my skin when it finally did clear up. But the side affects we're too much to handle for me. Once I ran out and didn't refill, the acne came right back.
March 31, 2013
Pros:
Clear my face by 2 or 3 days of use
Not expensive
Cons:
No Calcium 3 hours before and after taking it.
Is not a cure, its a help, but while I'm taking it my face is clear!
Its an antibiotic, so its going to have some bad results if is consume in a wrong way.
The key is very simple: don't eat anything with calcium three hours before and three hours after taking it, because CALCIUM prevents the body to absorb it. Some days I wait just 2 hours.
I buy cookies without calcium to eat with the antibiotic, so my stomach not hurt. And wait 1 hour before go to bed!
Pros:
None for me :(