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
June 15, 2013
Regret trying this
Cons:
Horrible breakout when you come off it
Nausea if you don't take it correctly
I got sick easily
I was taking oral doxycycline 200mg daily for 1 month then 100 mg daily for 5 months. I was using a mild cleanser and a salicylic acid toner (which reduces marks but not pimples).
My skin was markedly improved in 2 weeks or so. It felt really amazing at the time because i would wake up... go to the mirror and my skin would look like a normal person's for almost 6 months. I did get tiny whiteheads around my period but nothing serious. They would go away quickly. It cleared my face and back which were the only places i ever got acne.
About a week after coming off the antibiotics I started to break out really badly. I got multiple painful cysts about 2 weeks after stopping and I broke out for the first time on my chest. It was aweful. It took a while to get my skin to calm down and I wished I could've locked myself up in my house while it was recovering. It made me regret ever trying it in the first place.
June 9, 2013
Eh
Pros:
Does help a little
Cons:
Doesn't help severe or cystic acne
It does help control a little bit of my acne, although I still break out consistently. Especially with cystic acne.
June 1, 2013
Didn't Help Me
Pros:
None for me :(
Cons:
Chest and Back breakous
Increased Oil
Headaches, Nausea, Bloating
I was on doxy for 2 months and unfortunately it didn't work. I have hormonal painful cystic acne and my derm hoped it would help get things under control. After a few weeks on doxy my already oily skin got even oilier (yuck). About 2 weeks before my menstrual cycle i broke out horribly. I got new cystic bumps on my cheeks, chin, and neck. In addition my back and chest broke out everywhere, and they are still breaking out. At my 2 month followup my doctor advised that the next option will be accutane. I hope that will finally rid me of these painful cysts.
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 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]
February 9, 2013
Pros:
Skin is a little less oily during midday peaks of the day.
Bumps and roughness of the scars become less prominent after a couple of weeks of use.
Cons:
Moderate spots still remain (personally for me along my T-zone) .
This IS NOT a miracle drug and in most cases probably won't give you clear skin after a couple of months of usage.
Very oily skin still remains during warm and humid days.
I was prescribed this encapsulated oral drug a couple of months ago and I have seen minor/moderate improvements. If you have very oily skin like myself then you will be quite satisfied with the results. As I've said this is not a miracle worker like everything you'll have to patient and wait out until you start to see its effects and even after taking the drug for as long as I have unless you're very lucky your skin probably won't fully be rid of acne, spots or blemishes.
January 21, 2013
Pros:
Less oily skin.
Controls (MY) breakouts.
Cons:
nothing so far
Been on it for about 5 days. My face is less oily. And my face isnt breaking out as bad.
June 13, 2012
Pros:
Clearer skin after a week of use
Cons:
I havent found any yet. Other than when I stop using I may end up with acne again :(
I havent experienced any stomach pains. I always take after I have had my breakfast. I havent experienced any headaches. I am still using PhIsohex for the bacteria on the skin it is an antibacterial face/body wash aswell as acne. moisteriser. & for spot treatment I have been using an at home remedy it consists of:
- 1 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1tsp milk
mix into a paste and apply with a small brush onto the spot & leave for a couple to a few hours wash off with warm water & then pat dry. your skin feels instantly smoother.
well mine did :)... I hope that this will help you in any way as it has for me.
June 8, 2012
Pros:
it really works but in the short term
Cons:
nausea and vomiting(if taken before meal)*I'M SERIOUS*
dry up skin
My acne is not severe but after I've recovered from shingles (Feb 2012) , I got infections on my skin and throat. I suffered severe acne and it hurts a lot especially when I wash my face, and I couldn't rub my face too. My doctor gave me doxymycin capsules (green capsule) to be taken one each day after meal for 10 days continuously together with vit C pills to lessen the scars. YES, doxymycin also works for lung infection. So, I took it as prescribed and drink water a lot (i was not using moisturiser during the recovering time) . after 3 weeks or so, my acnes cleared off, only scars left. My doctor also advised me to take vitamin E oil supplement, and i'm medical students. I know really well how vit E works..or you can even google its benefits:) however, it is not advised for a prolonged consumption.
Pros:
Worked fast while I was on it