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
March 22, 2009
Cons:
Upsets stomach
I have taken this before and it works well. It did upset my stomach and I don't know when I'm supposed to take it exactly (how many hours before/after eating, no dairy?) does anyone know the specifics? Thanks
March 10, 2009
Pros:
It cleared my face up
Cons:
LOTS of red acne type little bumps on chest and arms!!! Mostly on days I was in the sun!!!
Almost everyone I know has had some type of reaction to this medication. I tried it (hoping for the best) and I will NEVER take it again. I only took it for 8 days and I have been off for 2 weeks. last weekend I was in the sun for about an 1/2 hour total and the next couple of days they got worse. The following weekend I was out for about the same amount of time and I got them again even worse!!! I have been off for two weeks and I still cant go in the sun at all!!! The medication is not worth it one bit. Apparently, it just way too hard on my body! The bumps are on my upper chest and arms (pretty much where the sunlight was). Its sad that I cant go in the sun for 30 mintues without have a reactions for several days. I am a Florida girl and my skin was quite used to the sun before this medication. Also, if you do take it drink plenty of water and eat a meal when you take it. The cost was $13.00 before insurance and I paid $3 with insurance. Good luck to all!!!
March 7, 2009
Pros:
Inexpensive, face is clearer than before
Cons:
rough on the stomach, still get blemishes
I get a bottle with 100 pills for about $16 at walmart without insurance. So don't be fooled by places like Rite Aid that wanted to charge me $60.
I never really got super bad acne until about a year or two ago and my lite to moderate acne went to being moderate to severe. With this medication it helps to keep my breakouts more towards the lite to moderate side. I've been taking this stuff for almost a year and I've noticed during that time of the month or during high stress times the medicine doesn't seem to work.
I used to take the medicine in the morning, but if I don't eat a heavy enough meal the medication makes me want to throw up. Then I'm in bed for half an hour in the fetal position waiting for the pain to go away. I now take it before I go to bed and I don't get any discomfort.
March 6, 2009
Pros:
I just started this product a week ago and just today I took the medication without eating first because the directions say to take it one hour before eating or 2 hours after... but I started feeling nauseus.
Cons:
Ive read all your reviews on this medicine and I'm starting to get worried that this might not work or i might have severe side-effects like others.
I have never used a prescribed medication for the acne on my back, face, or chest and I hope I do not get any yeast infections or get depressed like others have. And I hope this works!
March 3, 2009
Pros:
It did work wonders when used in combination with tazorac for a short period of time.
Cons:
Made my teeth, chest, and underarms yellow. Also Eroded away my enamel quite a bit.
Do not take this anti-biotic for longer than 2 months. Your skin and teeth will start to turn yellow and your tooth enamel will get weaker.
March 1, 2009
Pros:
Cleared up my skin a little
Cons:
Made me EXTREMELY sick to the extent that I had to drop out of college because it killed all the good bacteria in my gastrointestinal tract-the side effects were NOT worth the results at all.
DO NOT TAKE THIS PRODUCT-the results are nowhere near worth the risks.
February 23, 2009
Pros:
Slight decrease in acne lesions.
Cons:
I experienced some of Doxycycline's rarest side-effects: body aches, minor hallucinations, visual disturbances, paranoia, and rapid thinking.
I wasn't too thrilled by the prospect of taking an antibiotic long-term, for numerous reasons. I was taking Doxycycline in addition to a diverse topical regimen (salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, tea tree oil, and occasional aspirin masks), and I think that most of my improvements can be attributed to this topical regimen'"not Doxycycline. It was not worth the price of a visit to the dermatologist, but the medicine itself is quite inexpensive. I say look elsewhere.
February 12, 2009
Pros:
I havent had any sied effexts of the stomach so far. but i ffound my acne became worst within the first week. I stopped but as this has never happened before i'll give it another try.
Cons:
Its not cheap, at least not in Trinidad-$235 for three weeks supply. I am also very concious about the stomach problems as i have had a history.
I have Polycystic ovaries and contraceptives make me sick, so what other choice do i have.
January 26, 2009
Pros:
It seems to be working have been on it for 3 months and have another 3 months to go. so hopefully it clears right up.
Cons:
made me sick if not eaten with food. takes a while to work
it works well and hopefully will clear my acne fully by the end of the 6 months.
January 11, 2009
Pros:
seems to be helping iwth my sinuses/bronchitis
Cons:
breaking my skin out like crazy! acne is actually much worse than before I started taking it. worried about using it with the Tanda blue light therapy for acne.
taking it for other reasons - hoping it's not a permanent change in the condition of my skin 4 bucks at target
Pros:
clears acne