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
February 24, 2009
Cons:
warning to anyone about to start the capsule form of this medication. DO NOT TAKE IT ON EMPTY STOMACH.
if you must take on empty stomach, try taking the first time when you have no place to go for a least 3 hours. I took the first 100mg capsule at about 7:30am on empty stomach. within 20 minutes, I had one of the worst stomach upset in my life, been to the bathroom, came extremely close to throwing up and had to go lie down. I did not feel any better until 2 1/2 hrs later. I had to miss work for that morning
February 23, 2009
Pros:
Slight decrease in acne lesions.
Cons:
I experienced some of Doxycycline's rarest side-effects: body aches, minor hallucinations, visual disturbances, paranoia, and rapid thinking.
I wasn't too thrilled by the prospect of taking an antibiotic long-term, for numerous reasons. I was taking Doxycycline in addition to a diverse topical regimen (salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, tea tree oil, and occasional aspirin masks), and I think that most of my improvements can be attributed to this topical regimen'"not Doxycycline. It was not worth the price of a visit to the dermatologist, but the medicine itself is quite inexpensive. I say look elsewhere.
January 27, 2009
Pros:
Cleared up mild-moderate acne in about a month, no untolerable side effects, can eat with food.
Cons:
First few weeks it gave me an upset stomach, no dairy within 1 hour of taking med.
Worked great while I was on it however, as soon as I discontinued it my acne returned. Been on and off doxy for about 3 yrs. and have just switched to tetracycline.
January 24, 2009
Pros:
Works fast (for me)
Cheap
No side effects
Cons:
none so far!
I've had mild acne for about 4 years now. This past year it has become worse. I've been breaking out in combination acne (nodules included). I went to my dermatologist and he prescribed me Retin-A micro with docycycline. I was in the middle of a pretty bad break out at the time and it cleared up within 2 days!
I highly recommend the use of the Neutrogena Healthy Skin Rejuvenator 2 times a week with treatment - it does a great job of sloughing off dead skin. IMPORTANT: I've read some posts here about people who are using Retin-A with Benzoyl Peroxide and not seeing results. DO NOT use the two together! BP neutralizes the effects of Retin-A rendering it useless. The Retin-A web site states this!!
December 31, 2008
Pros:
I'm sure if you are patient it will work.
Cons:
I've been taking it for about 2 weeks I've seen a very slight change not drastic. I think its working but I had another massive spot apper the other day on an area that I don't usually get spots on. I wouldn't hold my breath with this product
I wouldn't hold your breath. I was told by my doctor that I would see the difference in few days but there has not been that much of a difference. Its slowly getting better.
December 29, 2008
Pros:
Seems to be working (hopefully).. it has been almost on month. I am really hoping that by six weeks I will be clear. I eat it with oatmeal in the morning (no milk) and have not had any side effects.
Cons:
Takes a long time to work.
BIG break out in the first few weeks.
We will see. It is cheap with health insurance. It is convienent to take one pill every morning.
December 2, 2008
Pros:
Easy to take
Cons:
Stomach aches, have to stay out of the sunlight
I havent been on it for very long, but my acne has got about 50 percent worse. I read most the reviews, and in general, most everyone is saying it will go away.
November 30, 2008
Pros:
no new acne, old acne disappearing
Cons:
skin is dry, thirsty alot, some nausea
have only been taking for 1 week along with using 2.5% benzoyl peroxide cream on face and back, and face is almost completely clear from any new acne and old red marks are fading. Back and shoulders aren't having any new acne.
November 17, 2008
Pros:
It's helping to clear up my skin.
Cons:
Stomach upset, and take a long time to work.
I am in my 6-7 week and it's clearing up right now. I still have some scars and some small break ups.
November 14, 2008
Pros:
it seems like it was working
Cons:
DO NOT TAKE RIGHT BEFORE BED!!! my doctor never told me this and I developed 4 ulcers!!!! the drug went down and irritated my espohagus causing 2 ulcers then went down a bit more causing 2 more ulcers before it was done with the night.
I took this medicine for about a week or two and my face was clearing up. But then I took a pill right before I went to bed, so I guess the capsule never went all the way done and next morning I woke up with 4 ulcers in my esophagus!!!!!! I saw them on the endoscopy!! they were kissing ulcers. Let me tell you this is the worst thing I've ever experienced. I could not even drink water for couple of days because it was hurting so much! and it was causing a lot of belching which was then pushing up against the ulcers, and hurting them, I was so miserable!!! Doxy also made me not hungrey, I had no appitite and I LOVE FOOD! I must have lost 5 pounds when I started on the pill and then compounded with the ulcers, I was 10 lbs in the negative and I only weigh 110lbs to begin with (for 5'7" girl) I guess if you are looking to loose weight this is the perfect drug for you :)
Pros:
yet to discover