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 23, 2009
Cons:
Took quite a while until I saw results. Horrible breakout within the first few weeks. Started scalp acne.
To be honest, within the first few weeks I started crying in school because I felt horrible; my skin looked worse and I had 3 huge cysts on my forehead that people kept on looking at. But I wasn't prepared to give up. All because I read a review on here that said you should be patient with it, so I have. I've been using this antibiotic for almost 7 weeks now and I can finally see the results. My skin looks much clearer and healthier but it is frustrating having to wait so long until I can be completely happy with my appearance. Doxycycline did give me scalp acne, however, and sometimes the acne which formed on my scalp was painful to sleep on. Fortunately, I haven't experienced stomach pains even when I do not take it on a full stomach. But anyway, I would say only take Doxycycline if you're willing to wait for results and you don't mind an initial breakout.
June 23, 2009
Pros:
Works effectively within 7 days, co-ordinates well with a daily moisturiser.
Cons:
If I stop taking them, acne returns within a week or so.
Great antibiotic if they agree with you, no point taking them if you don't get results or if they are causing you other discomforts, i.e. nausea.
June 17, 2009
Pros:
Take it for acne of the scalp. Takes a little while t work, then pretty much keeps it under control. Still have an occasional bout of scalp acne, but not nearly as bad as when I not taking it!
Cons:
none
With the broad range of antibiotics available for other infections, I certainly wouldn't worry about developing "resistance" to the bacteria causing my scalp acne.
June 15, 2009
Pros:
Has improved my acne dramatically.
Cons:
Still have minimal, minor zits
I still have minor spots but am much clearer, and has stopped the giant painful zits from appearing totally. I have just been prescribed Retin A to use also. Hopefully this stuff works well too.
June 7, 2009
Pros:
Excellente.. it took only two months to work
I clean my face with cetaphil for better results
Cons:
I am losing a lot of weight because of this medicine..
?
June 6, 2009
Pros:
*Cheap for me.
*Has cleared the acne on my jaw line, chin, back, chest, and a little on my forehead.
Cons:
*No cons just yet. I work third shift, so I don't have to worry about the sensitivity to light thing. I take pill after I eat, with a full glass of water.
After a week it's working. My acne was starting to clear up anyways, but this has sped up the process. Just make sure you eat yogurt once or twice a day. Reason being, anti-biotics kill good and bad bacteria, and good bacteria helps fight bad bacteria. So, eating yogurt helps replace the good bacteria.
May 19, 2009
Pros:
I have had moderate acne for 10 years and this has clear up my skin like no other topical product could. It is good for hormonal breakouts, but you still need to use topical prescriptions as well.
Cons:
NONE
I NO LONGER NEED TO WEAR MAKEUP- THIS DRUG IS A LIFESAVER!
May 18, 2009
Pros:
works excellent for adult acne. doctor put me on low dose doxy (50 mg a day). i
Cons:
women develop yeast infection sometimes. thats the only con
i love doxy. its my lifesaver. i hope it continues to work.
May 10, 2009
Pros:
*Reduced acne alot
*Hardly any break outs
Cons:
*Takes a while to see results
Doxy worked really well for me! I used to have moderate Acne but now my skin has completely cleared up and I no longer get pimples, just the odd small one that just lasts for a couple of days.
I would really recommend it although it takes a while to see results, about 3 months. But its worth it! And if you have been on it for a just a short while and havnt seen results yet I'd say stick with it! I had the same problem but a few months in and you will be really gratefull!
April 21, 2009
Pros:
Clear skin for once. I did not even need to use any special facial cleaners, or topical meds, I'd sometimes even sleep with make up on, and got absolutely no breakouts.
Cons:
I had to stop taking it as I became pregnant and the acne did return after about 1 month of not using it. So it probably is true that you need to keep taking them forever, but I seriously would not mind, its a small price to pay to have clear skin.
I am 24, have suffered from acne for at least 12 yrs. Doxycycline is the ONLY thing that cleared my skin. I tried just about EVERYTHING out there, nothing worked. I used it for a little bit over a year.
I'd take one pill when I woke up and one before going to bed. The morning one did make me very nauseous 30 mins after taking it but it would go away after 30 mins too. You can eat after that as well, I think that's the reason you get nauseous.
I did notice that it made my skin more oily but again I did not mind. I'd just pat it with a napkin. My brother suffers from acne too and is now using it, it is working for him as well. As soon as I have my baby I plan on getting back on it. I loved having clear skin. I'm sure that just as: proactiv, nv perricone, clearasil, neutrogena, oxy, clean & clear, tetracycline, cetaphill, avon, mary kay, clinique, chanel, epsom salts, vinegar did not work for me (or my brother) this may not work for everyone either but its sure worth the try. Good
Pros:
Skin is looking much clearer and healthier.