Oral Antibiotic
Reviews
3.4
1734 Reviews
Oral Antibiotic
Efficacy
56%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
1
2
3
4
5
Note: Should never be used on its own and for a maximum of 3 months.
Oral Antibiotic
Side Effects
Medium-High
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.
Read All About Doxycycline
Compare To Other Treatments
5
20.7%
4
32.9%
3
22.1%
2
12.7%
1
11.5%

Used Doxycycline? Rate It:

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February 16, 2010

Pros:

only product that cleared me up with minimal effort (JUST TAKE THE PILL)

Cons:

Can't drink alcohol on the pill.

If you're having trouble controlling acne with topical treatments, I'd suggest bumping up to an oral antibiotic. The strength is far superior and it'll most likely clear you up.
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November 28, 2009

Pros:

4 days in..(also using differen at night)
-noticing my scars are clearing up already
-noticing my pimples that where coming through have come through and already going down

Cons:

nothing as of yet - not getting these stomach pains or anything, however, i am noticing occasional mood swings but i've been told its common when first on antibiotics

I've only just started this treatment along with Differen at night..I never really had that bad acne but genes do have a history of it. About 1-2months ago i got a really bad break out that didn't really go away and kept coming back with cysts etc and it was painful along with very uneven skin and it destroyed my confidence. I've just gone on this treatment and already i'm noticing my pimples coming through and going away alot faster along with my scars starting to clear up..not to much dryness yet but my eyes are getting more and more sensitive when outside which is expected..no stomach pains or nothing so lets wait and see!! Just been on this where i know i'm finally doing something about it makes me smile (even if it dosen't work)
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October 4, 2009

Pros:

It took almost 3 weeks, but I'm getting relief!

Cons:

It makes me feel like I"m going to throw up for about a half hour after I take it.

If you're like me, you're sick of acne and want it gone forever. I am 24 and have never had trouble with acne before now. This was frustrating. I had to stop working out because of an injury (I was training for a marathon), and my hormones got messed up, and viola! Hello, acne! I have been taking this with a sulfa topical prescription and Differin and I am beyond happy to tell you that my face is far less bumpy than I've been in a while. It got worse before it got better (I was actually in tears at one point), but I stuck with it and I'm so glad that I did. If you're suffering like I was, keep your head high. Sometimes it takes a while, but something WILL work... it just takes time. I was so hoping for quick results that I called my derm about 2.5 weeks into it wondering why I was still a mess. He told me to hang in there, and while it was tough, he was right. I understand what you may be going through and I feel for each and every one of you. Keep trying & don't lose hope!
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September 2, 2009

Pros:

Works well assuming the medication is taken daily as indicated on the label. Acne inflammation/irritation substantially decreases throughout the course of 2-3 days since beginning of treatment. Noticeably clearer semi-acne free skin with in 5-8 days.

Cons:

As this medication causes mild nausea and upset stomach (when taken on an empty stomach) taking it with a modest meal is highly recommended. Should be taken with a modest meal crackers or bread to avoid the possibility of upset stomach or vomiting.

This acne treatment has strongly improved my moderately severe acne and helped keep it in control. Also this medication should be taken in the morning to mid day following a non-calcium, dairy or iron rich snack for best absorption results, and sunscreen must be used when exposing skin to direct or artificial sunlight as this medication causes thinning of the skin and will cause irritation or burning of the skin. Lastly taken before bed may cause esophagus/trachea irritation and should be avoided. Overall when taken properly and with the correct steps in mind this medication is excellent in the treatment of acne.
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August 2, 2009

Pros:

still waiting to see results...cleared up a bit of the redness

Cons:

really bad nausea and vomiting everyday

i barely started about a week and a half ago so im still awaiting some more results,im 15 yrs old and out of nowhere i started breaking out real bad all over my chin,back and forehead. i had clear skin before nd maybe two or three zits here and there but i would rather go back to that then what i have now,also i get really big pimples on my chin and forehead,i dont touch them but for some reason when the bump goes away the big red mark stays and leaves me post acne marks not only that but those post acne marks are all over my chin and forehead and i have two big marks from these two big pimples under my nose about 3 centimeters above my lip,my self-esteem is extremely low and i cant even stand to look at myself in the mirror because my face looks horrible and hiding them with makeup makes it worse and it looks really cakey bcuz i try to hide them under all this foundation.ive tried so many acne products like proactive and none work!! anyone in the same situation as me??
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July 16, 2009

Pros:

Haven't see any

Cons:

Haven't see any

Well, I just got done with my accutane treatment about two and half months ago...at first I was clear for atleast a month (perhaps 5 weeks) after accutane, but then slowly but surely I stated seeing it come back...I never had it too bad to begin with, but there were definitely white heads and pimples (I used to only get white heads before accutane, but now I'm actually seeing some red pimples and they hurt) So I saw my dermitologist, and she gave me Doxycyline (100mg) along with Differen and Ac Zone.... Well I just stated using it last week, but I feel weird, really itchy, and i wanna scratch my face pretty bad... I'm thinking about discontinuing Doxy and going back to my Derm and ask her to put me back on accutane....my skin was getting almost flawless while I was on it. Anyone else in similar situation!
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May 24, 2009

Pros:

Noticed improvement in my acne in less then a week

Cons:

The third day I had nausea

I was down to my last result,my doctor said if it doesn't work then I should start the Accutane.Its been only a week and already I'm noticing improvement on my face and chest area, its not completly clear yet but in month I feel ill be completly clear. Ill write back and let you know.
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May 21, 2009

Pros:

none yet.

Cons:

every morning i wake up with a few white heads, and i have developed small zits all over my lower cheeks and around my mouth.

I have been taking doryx for about 4 and a half weeks, and im hoping around 6 weeks my skin will begin to clear up. i started this medication after solidyn was no longer effective. i will write another review in 6 weeks.
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April 20, 2009

Pros:

It takes time for it to work, but it does work.

Cons:

If you plan on being in the sun you cannot take this mediation, like me living at the beach for instance. Stomach aches and sickness also.

I would try to find another medication. You get intensive burns if being in the sun for not even an hour and sun block doesnt really help. i work in a position where i cannot just leave if i feel i need to run to the bathroom if i feel sick. It's proably just not the best choice out there
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January 16, 2009

Pros:

Doesn't make me sick and may have slightly improved my acne. I have taken for 5 weeks and don't see much improvement. I actually stopped taking it for a day but read this site about the six week mark which is doc. did say at least 6 weeks to 3 mo.

Cons:

Disappointing results for 5 weeks of taking. I took another antibiotic for two weeks for a urinary tract infection which did work.

I'm not sure this works. Dossage 100 mg twice a day.
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Finding a Doctor

The right dermatologist can make a big difference to your patient experience and the success of your acne treatment plan. Here are the steps to find a dermatologist who is a good fit:

  1. Use the search feature on the American Academy of Dermatology website to look for board-certified dermatologists in your area, and filter the search results for doctors with a special interest in treating acne.
  2. Read online patient reviews of any dermatologists you are considering and ask people you know whether they have any experience with these dermatologists.
  3. Do your research and go to your first appointment with questions prepared.
  4. Listen to what your gut feeling tells you once you see a dermatologist in person. If you are not completely comfortable, try a different dermatologist.

Finding a Doctor

Only a select few plastic surgeons specialize in acne scar revision surgery. Be certain to find a provider who specializes in acne scar repair and who is passionate and experienced in this area.

Be sure to:

  • Look at before and after photos, the more the better, especially patients with similar scarring to your own.
  • Be realistic about results. Look for improvement, not a cure.

Questions to ask a potential scar revision specialist:

  • Are you board certified? Be certain that they are board certified.
  • How long have you been performing these procedures? Normally, the more experience the better, however, some younger surgeons may be more on top of the latest procedures.
  • Can I speak to some of your other patients? Ask for references for several patients who had similar scarring and speak to them about the process and their satisfaction with results.

Red flags:

  • Their story changes: As you discuss different treatment options, if they tend to change their mind easily, or agree with whatever you say, consider this a red flag. A confident, experienced surgeon will possess strong, unwavering opinions.
  • Your gut tells you "no": Trust your gut. If you just don't feel that the doctor is the right fit, trust that and move on. On the other hand, if you feel they are the perfect specialist for you, trust that feeling.