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
November 1, 2007

Pros:

i have seen that my back is cleared up pretty good but my chest didnt really clear up

Cons:

stomach cramps

it wont make your acne worse, but your stomach will be in pain
October 28, 2007

Pros:

It does clear my face, but not 100%.

Cons:

Terrible belly/head aches if not taken with water/food. Once I didn't eat enough and actually puked!

I am also doing photo-facial laser treatments for my face, so I have to go off these meds 3 days in advance. This definitely interferes with the effectiveness of the antibiotics. For best results, you HAVE to consistently take this. I used to take Doryx, which was a godsend for me: I had perfect skin with it! But stupid Kaiser will only give you generics, so I'm stuck with this Rx, and it's definitely not as good. Even worse: I have to take it morning and night instead of just once a day. I'd say give this a shot if your Dr. recommends it, but BE CONSISTENT!
October 19, 2007

Pros:

Extremely fast working! Drying cyst up within 24 hours.

Cons:

None yet.

I was put on this last night because I had a 2-inch wide, 1-inch high cyst located near my left eye. Instead of cutting it open, the doctor wanted me to try Doxy and return in 48 hours to have it drained if it was not improving. Upon waking this morning, it is 3 times smaller than it was when I went to bed. I have used many antibiotics and have never had such success before. Try it...it can't hurt!
October 10, 2007

Pros:

worked very well at start
cleared all backne and most face

Cons:

only worked for first couple months
no other side effects thouggh

it worked really well at first with no side effects but now it doesnt do anything. so i stopped taking it and am on minocylin which isnt working too well so i want to go on accutane
September 26, 2007

Pros:

none

Cons:

No effect.

Did not work for me.. Switched to minocycline which gave me rash/swelling and sent to E.R
August 29, 2007

Pros:

easy to take
works after a couple of weeks
total success.. skin is almost totally clear

Cons:

if u dont take with food most likely to have an upset stomach

use it
July 20, 2007

Pros:

none yet.

Cons:

Hasn't worked for me after one week. If anything, my face has gotten worse.

Can't hurt to try it?
July 7, 2007

Pros:

It is cheap in regards to getting a prescription.It will not happen over night so stick with it.It has helped every time I have used it.

Cons:

Can make you sick to stomach as all antibiotics.Will make you sun sensitive.

It will work IF you give it time and use it as it says. You should eat first. Do not take dairy products when you take it. Do not take vitamins within a couple of hours before or after. Certain vitamins will take away from its ability to work. PLEASE read the directions when you get it. (Drink a FULL GLASS OF WATER when you take it and DO NOT LIE DOWN FOR 30 MINUTES after. This will help with stomach upset. AGAIN DRINK A FULL GLASS OF WATER when taking each pill. This will also help with stomach upset. Use a screen block if going to beach or pool. Make sure the screen block is OIL FREE and WON"T CLOG PORES. GOOD LUCK!!!
May 19, 2007

Pros:

NONE

Cons:

Didnt work at all

These tablets are crap!! I have moderate acne and this did absolutely nothing, my doctor put my on it for 1year and I have seen no improvements. It may work for mild acne what isn't that bad, but for anything worse I advise you not to waste your money!!
April 23, 2007

Pros:

Super easy and convenient. Has worked very well so far, even with just a week's use.

Cons:

None-

I have been using Doxy 100 mg once a day. I Also was advised that its ok to take with dairy and food, no problems! Im also taking in conjunction with contraceptives. So far, so good! I would reccommend this product as of now.

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.