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 11, 2012
I used to have perfect skin but after I came to the UK to study I start breaking out badly. My cheeks and T zone were inflamed and I was miserable. I went through Acne.org and tried everything that had been advised - topically applying manuka honey, topically applying lemon, zinc tablets, duac, clean and clear moisturiser, clinique anti blemish solutions formula, fish oil etc. You name it, I've tried it. Then in September 2011, after visiting my dermatologist, I went on 100mg Doxy twice a day together with Diane 35. I stopped with Diane 35 after a month and continued Doxy for 3 months. I saw no improvement in the first month but in the second, I saw that my skin was slowly clearing up. By the 3rd month, my acne was minimal. After stopping for 2 weeks, my acne started coming back, blobs of cystic acne started appearing and I was distraught. So I was put back on Doxy and tried to slowly ween off the antibiotic by dropping to 100mg once a day. I finally came off the drug in August 2012, it is now November and while my face was never as clear as before and I do always get one or two pimples, my skin condition was much better than the severely inflamed cheeks and T zone I had back in early 2011. I remember feeling so desperate and depressed about my acne, I even stopped going out. I do highly recommend Doxy and you should come off the drug gradually, not stop absolutely. You should also take the drug on a full stomach because I have experienced severe waves of nausea when I first started taking the pill. However, in time you stomach will be able to adapt to the pill and the nausea will die down. I've also stopped taking beans, milk, soya because I found that they contributed to my acne. Also, Avene Cleanance K facial wash I rely on. I'm writing this review so specifically because I remember the state I was in because of my acne and I want to encourage those who feel the same way.
November 6, 2012
Cons:
It takes awhile to fully have some effect, I'm not sure how my skin will react when I don't take it anymore and frankly I'm a little worried, but hopeful!
Give it a try.
October 28, 2012
Pros:
It REALLY works!
It is consistent and it cleared up my skin.
Cons:
Huge, daily pill. And if you forget it for more than a day or two, I tend to break out.
Headaches is a side effect, and i have had some but its an ok price to pay for great skin.
I've always had a little bit of acne, but it was never too bad. I would break out twice month, usually before and after my period and then i would have decent skin for a week or two. But my skin has always had a hyper pigmentation after a blemish. december 2011 my skin took a turn for the worse and by May my skin had cystic acne, lot of pigmentation was pretty bad. My derm put me on the generic (doxycycline) at first, but that made me sick so i switched and Doryx doesn't. It takes time, but by september my skin is pretty much all clear. It GREAT! I sitll get a blemish or two on my period or if i sleep in makeup, but its not NEARLY as bad and goes away much quicker, and i've learned not to pick at them! I also use Ziana, which i really like, and Aczone which really cleared up the redness and pigmentation (but Aczone takes time, but works wonders). My back was also pretty bad, like i was embarrassed to wear any shirt that exposed my back. My back is completely clear now. Doryx is amazing and it just takes time! Bottom line, started in may and im clear in september, with each week getting better. By the way, I have insurance and the cost of the prescription is usually $60, but my derm gave really great coupon card from the manufacturer and it only costs 25 for a month supply. Just ask the doctor for one!
October 17, 2012
Pros:
If you're NOT allergic to it - clears acne
Cons:
-nausea
-rashes
-headache
-makes you very sleepy
First thing to check - if you are allergic to any Tetracyline, DON'T TAKE IT! This medication only works for people who are NOT allergic to any kind of Tetracyline. I did not know this until I took it, I started having headaches, got horrible rashes all over my body. I am on Septra which is the other type of antibiotic which I'm not allergic to and it works perfect for me! (No side effects at all)
October 8, 2012
Pros:
-inexpensive
-easy pill to swallow
Cons:
-caused headaches
-must take with food (even tho it may suggest otherwise)
-stomach aches
I really wanted this product to work for me but unfortunately it gave me horrible headaches. I did not see a difference in my skin after taking it for about 6 weeks. All pills in the 'cycline' family have given me this reaction.
October 7, 2012
Pros:
Cleared cystic bumps on chin in 2 days
Free at Publix pharmacy
Cons:
Hard to swallow at times
Pills made me excessively tired and hungry
Broke out on the left side of my cheeck
My derm prescribed this to me along with tretinoin gel. I took it for 2 months then my derm advised me to stop taking them. I feel better overall not taking the pills. I was constantly tired and hungry. Once I stopped taking the pills I felt like myself, energectic and happy.
October 5, 2012
Pros:
NONE
Cons:
DOES NOT WORK
DOXYCYLINE IS NAUSEATING AND INEFFECTIVE
October 3, 2012
Pros:
-Cleared up acne completely within a month and a half
-Hardly any pimples while on Doxy
-Made any appearing pimples smaller/less inflamed/healed quicker
Cons:
-Increased skin sensitivity
-Started to lose effectiveness after about 7 or 8 months.
I was put on Doxy about 7 months ago to use in conjuction with Epiduo gel. After about a month and a half, my acne was gone. This combination kept my skin very clear for about 7 or 8 months. Now, my acne is starting to return. It is still mild, probably milder than when I first stayed Doxy, but the Doxy unfortunately has lost its effectiveness. I'm now looking into trying another antibiotic to keep my acne away.
October 1, 2012
Pros:
cleared acne
Cons:
nausea inducing
caused gastric ulcers
dried out skin
difficult to swallow
This product did clear up my acne. However, it gave me very dry and flaky skin. It is also very hard to swallow! THIS PILL GOT STUCK IN MY THROAT, AND ERODED IT, CAUSING AN ULCER. I also had one stick to my stomach. It is one of the most painful things that has ever happened to me. I was on a liquid diet for months. IF YOU HAVE TROUBLE SWALLOWING IT, STOP TAKING IT RIGHT AWAY.
September 29, 2012
Pros:
* My scars look better
* Slightly smaller pores
*Fewer whiteheads
Cons:
* Super dry lips ( I have to apply Vaseline like 10 times a day, because my normal Chapstick isn't moisturizing enough)
* Still bad breakouts ( only been using it for 4 days though)
* My face is red all the time
I've tried like 6 or 7 over the counter products, & my acne still looked horrible. So I head to a derm & she gives me doxy, cetaphil, atralin, & alcohol pads. I haven't seen a big improvement, but it hasn't been very long.
The pill is shaped oddly & was slightly hard to shallow ( or is that just me?).
Pros:
It's free at my pharmacy.
It's reduce all signs of cystic, blackheads, and whiteheads.