Acne.org Products
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 24, 2012
Cons:
You must suffer through a few days of extra bad acne in order for the medication to surface all of the bacteria and oil that already exists under your skin. Then it should stay clear.
Works great! I've been on it before while in high school, but had to stop when I joined the military because I couldn't be on drugs in boot camp. My skin stayed clear for a while through boot camp and school, and then I started to break out again, so I went to Navy medical and the doc prescribed it to me again. The downside is that I will need to stop tanning in order to avoid dangerous UV rays, because the medicine makes you hypersensitive to the sun. RIP golden skin, hello clear skin. SO worth the sacrifice.
:)
January 17, 2012
Pros:
Clear Skin
Cons:
Yeast Infections
I have struggled with acne for many years. I recently started breaking out in large cystic acne. My dermatologist prescribed me Doxy for 2 months to clear up the bacteria in my skin that was causing the acne. He also prescribed me Tretinion topical acne cream. I haven't had anymore breakouts since I started using the Doxy. I haven't really experienced side effects from this medication. Many people stated that it made them feel sick, but I haven't had that effect (even when I take it on an empty stomach I feel fine). I do feel a yeast infection coming on, which is common in women when taking antibiotics. I would recommend this, along with a topical cream, to help clear up acne.
November 9, 2011
Pros:
Cheap (but you get what you pay for)
Cons:
Severe Nausea
I took this for three months and had to quit. My nausea was so bad I was living off triscuit crackers. Dead serious. Also, my acne went from pretty bad only on my chin to blown up all over my face. I have cysts and nodules now that are the size of quarts and nickles and they're painful! My chin was the original problem and it FINALLY cleared up by the second month and then two weeks later started breaking out again. This is why I finally decided I'd quit taking them after my prescription ran out. After I finally get my skin cleared up one day when I find something that works, it'll take a lot of money and time to get rid of all the scarring and red spots. Thanks doxy.
October 7, 2011
Pros:
Got rid of acne
did it quickly
Cons:
have to take with food or your stomach complains
This is the only antibiotic that's actually had an effect on my skin. I started it with retin-a about 4 months ago and it's fantastic. I'm now weaning off the retin-a and using just the doxy to keep my skin in check.
July 10, 2011
Pros:
Clears acne
Convenient pill form
Inexpensive generic medication
Cons:
Hard on stomach lining
Nausea
This was the most effective and cheapest acne solution I've found, but it's not worth it. I'm tired of feeling sick all the time. My dermatologist warned that this can be hard on the stomach, and is not recommended as a long-term solution. I totally get that now.
May 18, 2011
Pros:
Nothing
Cons:
Depression
Made me throw up every morning
I saw no change in my acne and I took this pill for probably about four months. I was 13 when I started taking it and I made me so sick but I kept taking it hoping it would work because it was the first antibiotic i'd been on. In order to not throwup I had to drink probably a gallon of water which is impossible, and I couldnt pay attention in class, adn then one the nausea wore off I'd just be in a depression that lasted even after I stopped taking it, so yeah Don't run off to your derm asking for this one.
January 3, 2011
Pros:
Easy small pill to swallow
Cons:
Sometimes can make you nauseas
I have been using doxy for over a month now and i still have a couple active pimples. I read reviews of how this pill can make you feel sick and when i started taking it only certain sporatic occasion my stomach would hurt but the other day after taking one within a short time of eating it made me throw up. In all honesty though i know once i'm off doxy my acne will come back.
August 11, 2010
Pros:
Cleared up about half of my acne
Cons:
Take with food
Stops working when you stop taking it.
You cant take for long periods of time
I am just about 30 and have looked far and wide like most of us for a cure. I started years ago with proactive and other over the counter meds that helped until I stopped taking birth control pills and proactive at the same time then it was all down hill. Solodyn was my first prescription and worked very well until I stopped taking it. Now Im getting off of Doxy with two topical creams one with benzoyl one with retinal-a and a face wash with salicylic acid.
After the first week of the driest red face ever my acne started to go away but over the next 6+ months of taking Doxy my acne has come back. I am still on my search and have just ordered KAVI skin care system.
March 13, 2010
Pros:
none
Cons:
- had no effect
- rectal bleeding
During the past year I decided to visit a dermatologist to help me with my acne. The first course of treatment I was put on was the pill doryx and the lotion Acanya. This comination did absoultely nothing for me except give me drops of blood in the toilet when deficating. I would not recommend this to anyone trying to treat acne based on my experience.
February 27, 2010
Pros:
Nothing
Cons:
Yeast infections. Doesn't work on back/chest acne. Long term antibiotic intake makes the bacteria stronger and more resistant which means horrible relapse after you stop.
I took it originally for my back. Absolutely nothing happened. When I stopped it , I think my face broke out (I had a clear face with occasional pimple or two)... My face won't go back to normal (a year) .... My back is still breaking out as it used to... It doesn't do anything. Wish I didn't waste the time or the hopes on it. It was covered by insurance though. Maybe it will work for some people but it didn't for me. I'm going on accutane now...
Pros:
Has greatly reduced bumps.
Allows pimples to dissapear overnight.
Works, regardless of whether I am wearing makeup.
Boyfriend has noticed. (Says I am beautiful either way though.)