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
June 9, 2013
not impressed
Cons:
acne came back
very harmful to the body kills off all good bacteria naturally found in gut which allows bad bacteria to flurish, which may contribute to acne
this stuff is the same as any medication, it will work for a while but your acne will eventually come back.
June 7, 2013
Sort of helps
Pros:
Easy to take
Helps swelling redness and inflammation
Cons:
Doesn't help severe cystic acne
Or any sever type of acne
I tried every topical medication for acne but finally found out about doxycycline and was given it by my derm it helped me a lot because my acne was very swollen and infected using his brought down the swelling redness and inflation also helped my infection but didnt really help my acne itself😨
May 7, 2013
Pros:
Easy to take
Cheap
Just the miracle pill I needed
Cons:
Have to take a big meal with it
Took a month or two to work
I've had acne (moderate/severe) for about 8 years now, but lately I started breaking out badly on my forehead. Then, on my chin and cheeks. I was so fed up with it, and had to find a solution because I didn't want it to get worse. So, I went to a dermatologist and she prescribed me Doxycycline. I took 100 mg once a day. It took a while (1-2 months) for it to work, so be patient. First, I broke out like crazy, then after a while it cleared up. Now, I am on my third month of taking it and I am very pleased with the results. I am acne-free, but every time I forget to take my prescription (let's say for two or three days) I get a zit or two, so I am a little hesitant to get off my meds, because I know it will come back to haunt me again.
April 19, 2013
Pros:
Helped clear up acne
Cons:
Have to wait half hour after taking it to lay down, constant yeast infections, sensitive to light, stops working as soon as 3 days after not taking meds.
I was on Accutane for 3 months, then followed up with this medication. I've been on it for almost a year, taking 100mg/day before bed. It helps, but you have to keep taking it to stay acne free. It also keeps yeast infections around for women. I would recommend it for normal acne, but not severe. My acne was cystic/severe. This is the second time in my life taking Accutane, first time Doxycycline.
April 18, 2013
Pros:
Cleared my skin with no scars left after.
Cons:
Took 6 months to work.
Gave me nausea, headaches, vertigo.
Makes you very sensitive to the sun.
Broke out as soon as I got off of it.
I loved my skin when it finally did clear up. But the side affects we're too much to handle for me. Once I ran out and didn't refill, the acne came right back.
March 30, 2013
Pros:
Easy to take
Not overly expensive
No side effects
Cons:
Cleared skin about 50%
Pimples still visible under surface
Not the miracle product I was hoping for
Takes a while to work for the minimal results
Have been on doxy for 6 months. Started with 100mg a day have now been on 200mg a day for 3 months. When I went away and forgot the product for 2 days I did start breaking out again which shows this product does help control the acne a little. However, my skin is far far from clear meaning it did not fully work for me. Used with a cetaphil oily skin cleanser.
March 29, 2013
Pros:
Easy to take
Saw some results
Cons:
Takes a long time
Caused constipation for me
Reliance on medication
Couldnt take supplements 2 hrs before and after
I have been taking doxycycline 50mg/day for about a month now and I have noticed little results but not dramatic. I have two months left and am rather worried my acne will come back worse.
March 23, 2013
Pros:
This worked for a few months and it cleared my skin but it didn't last long; I think your body gets used to it and for it to continue to work you will have to increase your dose every so often.
Cons:
It takes time to see some results.
Acne comes back after you stop treatment.
If your acne is severe and cystic, don't waste your time with this crap, get Accutane. Accutane was my saving grace, I am now acne free FINALLY! I have tried other cheaper regimes that worked. My email: davidsmb07@[link removed]
March 18, 2013
Pros:
I had cystic acne and Doxycycline cleared my acne within a month! I have been taking for 4 years now and I have clear skin majority of the time. It has also cleared up my scarring because I have no new acne coming up onto my skin
Cons:
Although the pill works, it is very harmful to your body. If not taken with food I would throw up almost instantly after taking the pill. I have a hard time taking pills to begin with so I would occasionally feel the pill get stuck in my throat This lead to a HUGE problem. I have taken the pill consistently for 4 years, not always with food (before bed) I warn people to NOT DO THIS! Take it in the morning with food always!
My throat has felt blocked lately, and my stomach and right side of my chest were hurting. It kept getting worse where it was uncomfortable to eat, swallow and drink. I have been to 3 doctors and finally the hospital found out what was wrong. I have a rare side effect caused by this pill called: Esophagitis. This caused by taking the pill on an empty stomach where residue sticks to the lining in your throat and causes acid from your stomach to travel up your esophagitis. I am off the pill now!
March 18, 2013
Pros:
Cleared up acne completely after 4 months of use.
Cons:
Side affects are terrible.. My stomach is very sensitive to everything!
I took doxy 100mg a day along with aczone and my skin began to clear after 1 month. After 3 1/2 to 4 months it completely cleared. About 5 months of stopping this treatment I began to break out again.
Pros:
totally cleared up acne for about a year