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
October 12, 2011
Cons:
Getting sick if taking with little food
Gave me lots of cysts
Headaches
I used it two times in my life and both times I broke out horribly with these pills. My acne got so bad like never before and after about 2 months I stopped using these pills. It also made me feel very sick if taken with little food, felt like throwing up and could not stand.
September 14, 2011
Pros:
-Cleared cystic acne almost entirely!
-Significantly improved back acne
-Results seen within two weeks
Cons:
-Extremely sensitive to the sun!!!!! (I got terrible sun poisoning on my hands for the first month... just from driving in the car to and from work)
-Yellowed teeth
-Consistant slight red flush to the face
-Yeast Infections
-Scalp sensitivity
-Must not take on empty stomach
If your acne bothers you very much, especially if you have cystic acne, I would definitely recommend taking this antibiotic. With that said, I do think that you should be very aware of the side effects! My skin is not completely clear from this antibiotic, but it has improved. That is why all of the side effects were worth it to me. And my side effects were horrible. Right away I got a very severe case of sun poisoning on my hands that lasted for 3 weeks. And that was with applying SPF 70. You must not go out in the sun if you are taking this medication (I am on 100mg). If you are going to spend a day at the beach, my derm said to skip the medication that day (it leaves your body in 24 hours). I even had to wear gloves driving to work in the morning! Yeast overgrowth is a big problem if you are taking this antibiotic long term. Talk to your doctor about potentially taking a probiotic. Another significant side effect is yellowing of the teeth. I have always been known for having extremely white teeth without whitening them, but they are definitely a light shade of yellow now. My mother warned me of this so, I was expecting it. Lastly, take this medicine with food! Taking it on an empty stomach will cause you to feel very sick. I did not have the problem of throwing up at all though. I took 100mg a day for a while, so one pill in the morning and one pill at night. Now I just take 1 pill (50mg) with dinner because I am out in the sun a lot and can't handle taking it in the morning. Ance isn't as clear as it was, but still better than before starting Doxy. Hope this helps!
July 12, 2010
Pros:
My face was already pretty clear. A few zits here and there. But the point is, it kept my face clear and I haven't broken out since I used it.
Cons:
Not much. I had a few bad headaches but I'm not sure if this is a side effect of this drug.
My derm prescribed the generic brand of this so it was covered by Medicaid (and thus free). I didn't have any bad effects that I knew of (aside from the headaches). And now, all I have left are a few light post-acne marks.
December 1, 2009
Pros:
It dried up all excisting acne(not to mention whole face) and makes whatever is deep in the skin come out. Results can be noticed in 2 weeks
Cons:
Drys up skin really bad. Can easily get sunburned if exposed to sun too long.im my case about 10 minutes.works, but really slow will make u really sick if take it on an empty stomach
I have been using doxycycline 100 mg x2 a day along with retin a at night for two weeks now and the combination of both have really dried up my face bad! And i really dont know wich oneis doing it since i started both at the same time. All my acne is dried up and the little bumps i kept feeling but wouldnt come out are coming out and drying up as well once dry what ever was in there just falls off when i wash my face. For moisturiser i use mederma cream spf 30 it helps block the sun, moisterises your face, and also takes care of all the little brown stops left behind. Doxy is a long term use med but lets all be patient. NVR PICK UR FACE. People have either acne, acne scars, or a clear face. And trust acne does go away. So for all of us who are going thru this dont give up. Take the med and be patient. Oh and take with something light like fruit, sandwich, or juice and crckers. Never on empty stomach you'll be sorry if you do.
October 25, 2009
Pros:
works wonders, after taking this for 3 months i've not had major breakouts
Cons:
nausea, and sometimes vomiting. you have to eat something before you take this.
works great, but just eat something prior to taking the pill.
October 7, 2009
Pros:
IT WORKS, made me skin really nice when everything else made me look red, inflammed, and gross
Cons:
i took it on an empty stomach, then ate dinner and thre it all up. i had to take it with food or else i got really sick
I don't have to wear foundation anymore because of Doxy. I hate that I have to rely on a pill to make my skin nice, but it's really worth it because I no longer leave my house feeilng insecure or embarassed about my skin. The generic is relatively inexpensive, too.
September 22, 2009
Pros:
It didn't do anything for me, literally.
Cons:
At first my stomach would hurt right after I took it. I don't feel that anymore.
People have different kinds of acne, and I don't think mine is bacterial.
September 5, 2009
Pros:
worked in the beginning (first few weeks) then regressed
Cons:
if u take a pill even a little late you will regain some bumps and or redness
works in the beginning and you can see results fast but stops working after a few months
August 20, 2009
Pros:
Been using antibiotic for 2 months and has cleared up my cystic acne completely. No skin irritation and no more stomach upset when taken with food.
Cons:
Upsets the tummy if u take it on empty stomach
Have been very pleased with my skin, seen big improvement and all my friends are complementing on how clear my skin looks now.
August 8, 2009
Pros:
I have been taking doxycline for 5 days and and my face is clearing up right before my eyes. I had acne when i was 16 and for some reason it showed up again out of the blue. My face is a lil dry but healing.
Cons:
Some say it gives them sensitivity to sunlight but i am a naturally tan person and never even had sunburn to begin with. When i was 16 it made me sick but now that im 20 i never feel sick wile taking it.
This works great for me I know my acne is due to random hormonal imbalances probably from taking birthcontrol. I dont think this would work as quickly on others but it is a sure way to clear up acne over time. When i was 16 i took it for several months and after taking i got acne again but it wasnt as bad it eventually cleared up over time. Then came again now that im 20. Id recomend this to anyone with acne it is really effective my doctor tould me it may take 2 months to see results and only 5 days have passed and i have no new pimples and all of my old ones are healed. My skin is flaky but i know its from the healing Id rather have a few patches of dry skin than acne any day.
Pros:
None