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, 2009
Cons:
Can cause stomach upset if not taken with food.
Takes a while to work - 7-8 weeks in my particular case.
Causes sensitivity to sun - I got sunburned after only being outside for 10 minutes.
Doxycycline works well, but slowly, against acne. I take 100mg twice a day. I have a hard time remembering to take it the same time every day because my schedule varies quite a bit, so I wish it were more convenient. However, I prefer having to remember to take pills over acne. As mentioned above, it does take a while to see a difference - after 6 weeks or so, I started to notice that some larger, more stubborn spots were fading and the newer ones were smaller and cleared up more quickly (in a few days as opposed to a few weeks). At about 7-8 weeks, this is the first time I could say I don't have a single pimple on my face.
I didn't have major stomach issues. I was told to take it with food. I found that even one bite of food was sufficient to stop most stomach issues. The few times I didn't take it with food, I mostly experienced bloating and gas. I never got as sick as some other posters.
January 3, 2009
Pros:
None so far.
Cons:
I took 50mg/day for 3 months with no improvement. 2nd opinion from a different Dr increased dosage to 100mg/day plus topical Differin. After another month still no improvement but am prepared to give it 2 more months. Increases photosensitivity!
Increased pigmentation from sun exposure despite being very careful and no positive results.
December 31, 2008
Pros:
Cheap if you have insurance. Easy - just pop a pill 2x a day. I'm on the maximum dosage.
Cons:
Makes me nauseous sometimes, even if I've eaten. First month had heartburn/reflux so bad I considered quitting, now that has gone away.
Has helped me after 3+ months of taking it, my breakouts are much less frequent, less painful and less severe overall, but I'm still not clear like I want to be.
September 15, 2008
Pros:
Acne clearing slightly so far. Not as hungry.
Cons:
I was warned by my doctor to take it after dinner on a full stomache and so far I've had no stomache issues. One night I even took it after just eating a banana and I was fine.
I just started using it a couple days ago but I'm noticing all my acne is drying up and most of it is rising to the surface quikly, not so pretty but at least its disapearing. I will absolutely post back wiht more information, but I hope this works. I've tryed Proactive and that just sucks. Im using Duac Gel each night and Clindamycin Phosphate wipes in the morning with a gentle face wash, hope this does the trick :)
July 20, 2008
Pros:
Starting to help clear up my face, I haven't had a breakout since I've started on it.
Cons:
The first time I used it, I took it without food and it made me sick. Be sure to take it when you eat.
I've been using Doxycycline for almost 3 weeks and have already noticed results. My acne is slowly clearing up and I haven't had a breakout since I started taking it. I already have very fair skin that burns very easily, so I'm fine with remembering to put on sunscreen when I'm outdoors. I'm using it with Proactiv and Differin, and with all 3 working together, I'm good so far. :D
January 3, 2008
Pros:
broke me out progressively worse each day instead of improving my skin
Cons:
mild upset stomach, but otherwise I was able to tolerate the medication
Dosycycline didn't work for because I'm assuming that because I was on Minocycline for 4 years before I got on Doxy that I was already immune to the whole Tetracycline class (Doxy and Mino are in the same family). But my sister who took it a couple of years ago found that her skin was completely clear in 2 weeks until she broke out in hives and had to discontinue use
December 15, 2007
Pros:
Improved acne very well
Cons:
Took a long time and didn't completely fix it, got worse before it got better, slow process
I was on a very low dose (50mg) of doxycycline. My acne improved slightly, then got worse. I kept taking the medication and then after 2 months I noticed my skin was a lot clearer. However there were still spots hiding under the skin and areas with pus, just less visible. I am now on a tougher antibiotic and birth control pills, but the doxycycline was a good start and I may go back to it because I still have some prescriptions. I am scared of the long-term effects of taking antibiotics though and also the rebound effect when I stop using it.
November 26, 2007
Pros:
Cleared up the big, red cyst-like bumps
Cons:
Dries your face out like crazy
Still have baby bumps on forehead
Worth trying. Been on Doryx for almost 3 weeks. Had great skin all my life-then turned 30 and was breaking out all over jawline and sides of mouth/cheeks. Derm said it was hormonal and to try Doryx with Duac for spot/topical treatment. Duac does not do anything for me except bleach the hell out of my towels, but the Doryx seems to be working. Going to wait for my "monthly" friend to show up in two weeks to see if Doryx can keep the big cyst-like pimples away! So far so good though-definitely have to moisturize. It's very drying.
November 1, 2007
Pros:
cleared skin up quickly
Cons:
none so far, didn't take with enough water once and had slight stomach acke so take wiht lots of water!
really good had been on oxytetracyline and that cleared my skin but then went down on dose and wasn't taking as regulary and moderate scne came back. happy with results from doxycyline!
October 20, 2007
Pros:
started to clear back, shoulders, chest but as soon as i went off returned to normal
Cons:
didnt clear face for me
hey id say try it. it might work for you and it only cost me $4 new zealand.
Pros:
Effective, especially when used with a topical cream of choice.