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 7, 2011
Cons:
Sensitivity to sun, kills good bacteria as well
I have been taking this antibiotic twice a day for about a month and so far it has been working very well. I was concerned about the side effects, but I always take this pill with food, and no upset stomach has occurred. I also take a probiotic to avoid the chance of yeast infection. I did notice a major increase in sensitivity to the sun, my skin starts getting pink within minutes of being outside, but I packed on high spf sunscreen (oil free sunscreen for my face) and that problem went away. Overall, my back acne has cleared up and my face looks much better. I think it's worth it.
May 17, 2011
Pros:
Cleared up acne (sort of)
Cons:
Itchy butt, itchy private parts
Dry skin, chapped lips
Acne comes back immediately if you miss even just one day
Extreme nausea if taken without food
I experienced extreme depression and negative, racing thoughts after taking myself off the drug
Experienced ADHD-like symptoms while taking the drug, couldn't focus on things ever
Loss of appetite after taking myself off the drug
I hate doxycycline. After my doctor said I should stop taking it, I had a very lengthy major depressive episode while the drug was exiting my system completely. I lost all feelings of pleasure in anything for a long period of time, including my girlfriend. I'm still working to regain the feelings that I previously felt for her. I took this drug for about two years straight, and during those entire two years I had ADHD-like symptoms, and had problems focusing in school and with other things. It's not worth taking it, my side-effects were too harsh. My acne wasn't even that bad, for Christ's sake.
May 6, 2011
Pros:
Started to help take down some inflammation and painful swelling.
Cons:
Gave me agonising stomach cramps, a thrush infection, burning sensation in chest, made it difficult to keep food down, didn't do anything more than take some inflammation down and didn't stop or prevent any spots from forming at all.
If your acne is an infection or infected, your main problem is inflammation and you are prepared to man out some really dreadful side effects then this may be the antibiotic for you. If not, then this isn't likely to help improve acne.
June 21, 2010
Pros:
Clears up Acne some, but not nearly as much as you expect. I was on it for a while, and it worked really well but quit working then was put on monocycline and that didn't work so i stopped taking any oral medications for a while. My doctor then put me back on doxycycline and there has only been a minor improvement. I do not have severe acne whatsoever, but I do want clearer skin and this did not work that well.
Cons:
Slow to work
Does not fully clear up the skin
Bad stomach ache if not eaten with food
Try Acutane, if too expensive, there is a generic version that works wonders
January 30, 2010
Pros:
None yet
Cons:
I threw up only like once...no other big problems
I' ve only been taking it for a week, only one pill....im think about taking two..but i dont know if thats gonna make it worse or better? But anyways..i havent seen anyy real change,,,,i hope it works cause pshhhh acne just sucksss big time. i have it on my face, chest, back,arms...everyyywheree! and not bragging but i am reallly pretty....and if i didnt have acne...i would just be soo happpyyyyy!!! i hope this works!
November 16, 2009
Pros:
Cleared up cystic acne well. I didn't suffer from any of the listed side effects.
Cons:
You must be extra careful when out in sunlight.
Didn't fully clear up all visible pimples.
I've done 2 full courses of this medication, about a year apart. I think I did eventually build up a resistance to it. It worked relatively well, but was not the solution to my acne problems. Once I got off the medication (both times) my acne did return within a couple months. Keep in mind that this is an antibiotic, so it is not a product you can stay on forever.
October 21, 2009
Pros:
Cleared up big pimples, and most acne.
Cons:
Left me with little bumps, gave me a stomach ache TAKE WITH FOOD!
i give this credit for clearing up most of my acne and my big pimples. But it did leave me with little tiny acne bumps under the skin. I used this product for 6 months and then was able to go off it and now i use just cleansing stuff and my face is clear.
October 14, 2009
Pros:
I have been on this for 6 months, and I'd say this has improved my complextion by 95%!!! I have noticed a HUGE difference in the number and size of my zits. I no longer worry about a huge breakout before "my time of the month"!!
Cons:
A little worried about the long term affects of this pill. Not sure that its safe to be on an antibiotic for a long period of time. Soon I hope to start a family, and my doctor informed me this shouldn't be taken while pregnant.
I would very much recommend this to anyone. I was also prescribed Differin to use at the same time and it has worked GREAT. I only have one more month left on my prescription and will talk to my dermatologist about my other options as I would like to have children soon. I'm not one who likes to take pills everyday, so hopefully they can give me a topical gel that will have the same affect. Fingers crossed!!!
August 28, 2009
Pros:
None
Cons:
Gave me an ulcer!
Was in ER for burning pain in chest, ends up an ulcer in my esophagus from Doxy!!
August 19, 2009
Pros:
clear my skin in 1-2 month!
Gave me a brighter complexion.
Cons:
Did not leave lasting results. Acne came back once i stopped using it.
THIS IS NOT A QUICK FIX!! taking this requires patience and committment but IT DOES WORK!!!!! Ive taken them twice on two separate occasions. the 2nd time around i consistently took them as prescribed every day, drank 1/2 gallon of water every day(about 8 glasses. they sell the bottles @ walmart), washed my face 3x a day, along with Cetaphil moisturizer and a bleaching cream only on my dark spots, as prescribed by my Dr. After about 5-6 weeks
MY SKIN WAS FLAWLESS!! my coworkers even noticed and i had new found confidence...On the down side, i stopped taking it bc i was told that being on antibiotics too long is bad for your health, and my breakouts returned. HOWEVER, if i had kept up with the rest of my regimine this may not have been the case. Since then i have taken ACCUTANE and the results were NOT as good as Doxycyclene.
I would def. give this another shot, but be prepared to change ur diet along with it!! HEALTHY FOOD, NO SMOKING AND LOTS OF WATER>
Pros:
Gets rid of blackheads
Clears body acne