Oral Antibiotic
Reviews
3.4
1734 Reviews
Oral Antibiotic
Efficacy
56%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
1
2
3
4
5
Note: Should never be used on its own and for a maximum of 3 months.
Oral Antibiotic
Side Effects
Medium-High
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.
Read All About Doxycycline
Compare To Other Treatments
5
20.7%
4
32.9%
3
22.1%
2
12.7%
1
11.5%

Used Doxycycline? Rate It:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
May 22, 2008

Pros:

easy to take, no side effects (except being hungry for a while), some change

Cons:

none really. Upset stomach people complain about may be just from being hungry! ha. I take it first thing in the morning and wait a couple hours to eat, so the stomach can start to hurt.

I've been taking it a month now and noticed a bit of difference. ot much, but a bit. I'm still hoping that this month it will clear up more, if not I'll try something new
April 29, 2008

Pros:

I haven't really noticed a big different, maybe fewer deep pimples.

Cons:

Makes me really sick if not taken with food, but isn't absorbed by the body as well with food. Just kind of annoying to have to remember to take it after meal.

Really haven't noticed that much of a difference. I feel like there are better products out there. Maybe I will give it a little longer.
April 27, 2008

Pros:

It kind of started to work at first

Cons:

I was on it for a little over a month and I really saw no change. Having to change around my morning breakfast routine just to take the pill at a time when it would get absorbed properly was annoying...plus, it is very expensive.

I stopped using it because I was seeing no results and it was very expensive. Plus, I don't like the thought of being on antibiotics for prolonged periods of time.
April 25, 2008

Pros:

It seemed to work in the first couple weeks. Clearing up my forehead and that's about it.

Cons:

If you eat you have to wait an hour after eating, then take the pill.Made parts of my face extremely dry and red.

The only good thing about this product was not having to take it.
April 11, 2008

Pros:

Totally works-i used it for two months and it cleared up my forehead cysts and chin pimples. Never had problem with stomach, etc. Just once a day 100 mg tablet.

Cons:

Left my skin clear but very dry-sandpapery. Nothing lotion can't fix. Must take it with something as will give you cramps or vomit.

Used for 2 months and quit because was worried about being on antibiotic for long period. Cysts came back and went to see Derm today to ask questions. Derm says the ONLY way to get rid of cystic acne is via antibiotics. you must fix from inside out. no topical ointment alone will get rid of it. I voiced concerns about long term antibiotic usage w/regards to immune system and she told me that Doryx (Doxycycline) does NOT affect your immune system in any way and is completely safe to take-even for years. Got 3 months worth. I am taking 100mg for 3 months to get rid of the acne, then i am going down to the 40mg to maintain. She also gave me samples of Ziana-a clindimycin/retin A (very little retin A) combo cream to "heal" my scars and current blemishes. ONLY use at night on spots only. I will update on the Ziana.
April 9, 2008

Pros:

Beautiful Flawless Skin

Cons:

Sunburn Easily

I used this product for about a year. I have really bad acne and tried everything and after a month of using Doryx my skin was so good i couldn't believe it. I went off it about 5 months ago and my acne came back so i started taking Diane 35 and its horrible. Hasn't fixed my skin at all. I hope to go back on Doryx soon.
April 3, 2008

Pros:

Too soon to tell

Cons:

Will make you nauseous!!

I have struggled with acne my whole life tried all different types of face washes, prescriptions creams, recently even tried a laser treatment which was a waste of money. The Doxy is sort of my last hope. I am also using Duac cream at night. It has only been 3 days but I haven't had any new breakouts which is good and I notice some scars fading. Not sure if it's the Duac or Doxy. I took the Doxy last night with outfood and literally 5 minutes later I was throwing up. Be sure to take it with at least some bread! I will review this product again once I've been on it a little longer.
March 11, 2008

Pros:

I took Dorxy and cleared me up in two weeks. This is a generic i think but should do the same. Only been on this pill for two days.

Cons:

Never take on an empty stomach. And apple juice does not help. I took this pill on an empty stomach with some appl juice. 20mins later i felt really queasy. 45mins later i was vomiting everywhere.

The instructions say this medicine is most effective on an empty stomach but will make you really sick. This product is kinda confusing. I did feel better after i barfed and it made me really sleepy, Bonus! I have insomnia.
February 27, 2008

Pros:

iv been on doxy for just over 2 weeks. and hasnt made any improvment as yet.. im not sure how well it works just yet, if it starts clearin up my acne in a few more weeks, 2 more weeks of worser acne isnt that bad, since iv suffrered from it for years

Cons:

my acne has gotton worse since being on it, hasnt cleared up at all. im hoping its just getting worse before it gets better...

i have a 6 month subscription to this stuff,even though its just making it worse atm, i think if i stay on it if it will ultimatly clear in a few more weeks.. well thats what im hoping for..and i havent had any side effects..
February 26, 2008

Pros:

Definitely decreased acne while I was using it.

Cons:

Very upset stomach if taken without food. As soon as my prescription ran out my acne came back.

It works while you're on it, but make sure you eat immediately!

Finding a Doctor

The right dermatologist can make a big difference to your patient experience and the success of your acne treatment plan. Here are the steps to find a dermatologist who is a good fit:

  1. Use the search feature on the American Academy of Dermatology website to look for board-certified dermatologists in your area, and filter the search results for doctors with a special interest in treating acne.
  2. Read online patient reviews of any dermatologists you are considering and ask people you know whether they have any experience with these dermatologists.
  3. Do your research and go to your first appointment with questions prepared.
  4. Listen to what your gut feeling tells you once you see a dermatologist in person. If you are not completely comfortable, try a different dermatologist.

Finding a Doctor

Only a select few plastic surgeons specialize in acne scar revision surgery. Be certain to find a provider who specializes in acne scar repair and who is passionate and experienced in this area.

Be sure to:

  • Look at before and after photos, the more the better, especially patients with similar scarring to your own.
  • Be realistic about results. Look for improvement, not a cure.

Questions to ask a potential scar revision specialist:

  • Are you board certified? Be certain that they are board certified.
  • How long have you been performing these procedures? Normally, the more experience the better, however, some younger surgeons may be more on top of the latest procedures.
  • Can I speak to some of your other patients? Ask for references for several patients who had similar scarring and speak to them about the process and their satisfaction with results.

Red flags:

  • Their story changes: As you discuss different treatment options, if they tend to change their mind easily, or agree with whatever you say, consider this a red flag. A confident, experienced surgeon will possess strong, unwavering opinions.
  • Your gut tells you "no": Trust your gut. If you just don't feel that the doctor is the right fit, trust that and move on. On the other hand, if you feel they are the perfect specialist for you, trust that feeling.