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
April 3, 2009
Cons:
* Long term antibiotic use isn't a good idea
* Decreases effectiveness of birth control pills
* Can cause yeast infections
Taking any type of antibiotic is merely a temporary fix for acne since long-term antibiotic use can seriously mess up your body. And once you stop taking them, your acne will come back. I was having a really bad problem with breakouts and cysts on my chin and took doxy as a last resort. It does take awhile to actually see any improvement. And I will admit it has helped with a large majority of my acne, although I do not have clear skin and still break out. I fear that once I stop taking doxy my acne will return, if it does not become resistant to the antibiotics on it's own. Unfortunately if you are helped by antibiotics many dermatologists will tell you to take them forever and will not pursue other treatment options. I guess they are good to take if you have a really bad acne problem, but only on a temporary basis.
March 23, 2009
Pros:
Clears skin!!!!!
Cons:
Wide array of side effects to look out for
Does make you sick if you take it on a completely empty stomach, but it doesn't work if you eat it with a lot of food. I don't get sick if I take it two hours after eating. Also make sure you sit up for a half hour after taking it, I didn't and it caused a stomach ulcer. The ulcer cleared up quickly after I started following instructions. Once I started following all the instructions the doxycycline started working really well, and I haven't had any side effects. I just wouldn't recommend taking the pill and then going on a long run, it will cause the nausea side effect to kick in VERY strongly.
March 16, 2009
Pros:
I've only been on Doxy for 2 weeks but I saw a remarkable improvement in only 5 days. My main gripe was a bunch of small surface pimples on my forehead. Nothing else worked, but Doxy has made them all disappear. Very happy with the effect on my acne.
Cons:
The strict timing of ingesting this med is a hassle. Taken only on an empty stomach, 2 hours after eating and 1 hour before eating makes it challenging but for a clear complexion I will glady do it!
I do get an upset tummy after taking it-not
I've read SO many posts here where people say that take this drug with food. My directions CLEARLY state that this drug must be taken on a completely empty stomach to be effective. I've followed the directions to the letter and take 100mg X2 a day on an empty stomach and have watched my face get better and better with each passing day. I have also read that the results are not permanent for many people - effectiveness sometimes wears off after taking Doxy for a few months. I've only been on it for 2 weeks but even a short reprieve from those pesky pimples is most welcomed. :o)
March 6, 2009
Pros:
I just started this product a week ago and just today I took the medication without eating first because the directions say to take it one hour before eating or 2 hours after... but I started feeling nauseus.
Cons:
Ive read all your reviews on this medicine and I'm starting to get worried that this might not work or i might have severe side-effects like others.
I have never used a prescribed medication for the acne on my back, face, or chest and I hope I do not get any yeast infections or get depressed like others have. And I hope this works!
February 14, 2009
Pros:
Affordable -- without health insurance; effective; side effects, though noticeable, are very manageable compared with those of other treatments; my skin looks great
Cons:
Unexpected reactions with sweeteners and other food additives! (Unable to determine exactly which ones)
I've had no experiences taking 100 mg daily of this drug that have not been shared already in all of the comments that I've read, except this one: Do not mix with Red Bull! I eat and drink as directed, and I don't suffer from anything but a mildly "not pleasant" feeling in my stomach -- like I'm not queasy but can feel that I've taken a dose that day (the feeling usually will subside within a couple of hours). But though discovering sugar-free Red Bull made me think that I really had discovered wings, I had to go back to coffee when I started taking this drug, because the combo made me violently and instantaneously ill, within fewer than about 10 minutes. I thought it was just the aspartame, but, unfortunately, regular Red Bull produced the same result. So, for the commenters who are perplexed about all of the nausea talk here, you can try this experiment for yourself; however, I wouldn't recommend it unless you want to live the ipecac scene from that one episode of "Family Guy."
February 12, 2009
Pros:
I havent had any sied effexts of the stomach so far. but i ffound my acne became worst within the first week. I stopped but as this has never happened before i'll give it another try.
Cons:
Its not cheap, at least not in Trinidad-$235 for three weeks supply. I am also very concious about the stomach problems as i have had a history.
I have Polycystic ovaries and contraceptives make me sick, so what other choice do i have.
February 6, 2009
Pros:
Wow my face is literally almost gone from acne except for a few tiny pimples here and there. I just have some red dots from previous acnes but those will subside over time.
Cons:
takes patience, many of us who suffer from acne want a quick fix but this isnt one of them. youll see result within a week or more. it took me about a week and a half to see results.
it's great! takes a little time but it's all worth it when you have a pizza face haha
January 30, 2009
Pros:
It works!! Dont pay attention to all the negative posts about "instantanous puking" not EVERYONE gets a stomach ache from this med.
I've been using it for only about a week and my skin is already NOTICEABLY clearer .
Reccomended!
Cons:
is slight stomach ache for first couple days
diareah
Not all that bad. I take them 2X a day without food. Doesn't bother me all that much
good
works fast
cheap
get from doctor, no need for derm
i use in combination with acnefree severe kit, 1 zinc pill per day, and 1 flaxseed oil pill per day. have this med once in the morning (dont eat for an hour or two) and then once at night. (i do take this dose with my dinner)
December 28, 2008
Pros:
none
Cons:
its making my skin worse!!!
im not sure if its because ive only been on it for a month and its supposed to get worse before it gets better?
if anyone knows please help!!!
i wouldnt recommend it.
December 25, 2008
Pros:
Made the skin on my arms and back very smooth. I guess it's helping my face, I'm also using Differin and Benzaclin, so results could be from that.
Cons:
Makes you very thirsty, so be sure to drink lots of water.
I think it's working. I'm using two different topical products at the same time, so I'm not sure which is helping more, but I'm certain that it is helping the skin on my back and my arms. I have horrible breakouts there in the summer when I sweat and my skin is always rough and oily. Now that I'm on the antibiotic, I've noticed my skin is incredibly smooth and my marks are fading.
Pros:
* Cheap
* Helps clear some acne