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
June 2, 2012

Pros:

Clears up acne for 2 - 3 weeks

Cons:

goes back after that 2-3 weeks,
my acne became worse now that the clear phase of over i have spots everywhere now!

it was good for 2 - 3 weeks but its now a nightmare, only reason i rated it 4 is because of the clear phase...
May 27, 2012

Pros:

None

Cons:

Made my acne even worse
Little red bumps all over my face and forehead that I never had before

Started taking this for about a month and a half, the only thing it did to my face was making my entire forehead break out in big red bumps consistently and even after going off the medication the bumps have still stayed.
April 18, 2012

Pros:

Got rid of pimples
Got rid of redness
Did not dry skin

Cons:

Takes a while to kick in
At first acne gets worse
have to plan out meals

I am 14 and have suffered from acne for about 2-3 years. I had tried most over the counter products and a many prescription topical creams but nothing seemed to work that well. My dermatologist then prescribed doxy. I used it for the first month with no results. My acne may have even gotten worse. Then when I was about to give up on week 6 it started to work very well. The redness went away and I stopped breaking out. Now about 7 weeks after I started I have only scars left.
May 6, 2012

Pros:

Helps clear things up

Cons:

Not a fix for acne, once you stop taking the medication the acne comes back.

I got severe joint pains to the point I couldn't walk without crutches.

I wouldn't use the medication again.
March 8, 2012

Pros:

- Reduces Cysts overnight, in redness and size (not completely)
- Smooth skin

Cons:

- Doesn't keep skin clear for long (so far)
- Skin broke out with more Cysts and blackheads than ever before after a month
- Takes a while to work

-With time I feel like it'll work 100%. -It reliable with reducing cysts by a small amount over night.
February 12, 2012

Pros:

Cheap on the NHS
Works for some

Cons:

Didn't work for me
Outbreaks of thrush
Antibiotics are bad for your health

So today I've been on Doxy for 3 months, having patiently waited that long but it still didn't do much for my acne. I have moderate acne on my back, cleavage area and shoulders and I can't see any change after all the time with Doxy. I didn't get any new outbreaks but still have angry red spots which seem never to go away. From taking antibiotics, women are prone to get thrush and so it was with me. If Doxy had worked well, the side effects probably would be worth it, but as I only had the nasty side effects and no benefit from this antibiotic, I now stop taking it. My GP didn't want to prescribe me Accutane but advised me to take Doxy for several months. Fortunately I'll go to a dermatologist soon and hope I'll get something that works for me then.
November 24, 2011

Pros:

-Easy to get
-Works well

Cons:

-Not being to eat dairy products afterwards
-Heartburn
-Stomach Pain
-Overall sick feeling

This medicine is not for people with horrible acne. For horrible acne, you'll need to start off with something else. I have light acne, and I am also on a benzoyl peroxide gel and differin. I have been using this only for a day, but I am already seeing tons of side effects. If you take this medicine, you basically cannot safely have milk products, and there are many other restrictions. This is like baby acctuane, lol, I would not recommend this to other teen girls, this medicine is too restrictive. As for results, I have been taking this for 2 days and my skin has improved slightly.
October 19, 2011

Pros:

None

Cons:

Made me feel sick. Made my skin worst

I never wrote a review before but since I always read them decided to share. Those peels were horrible for me. Made my skin much worse and I felt sick all the time. Once even threw up from it. I wasn't taking it on empty stomach. Anyways, after I stopped taking them my skin actually got better. Hope it helps someone
August 18, 2011

Pros:

Cleared up acne
No new breakouts

Cons:

Stopped working after 6 months

This really did work for the first 6 months but I think my body became immune to it. I recommend it to anyone who hasn't tried it yet, as it might continue to work for you.
August 17, 2011

Pros:

-seems to be clearing acne somewhat
-cheap

Cons:

-severe nausea and upset stomach

this is the first antibiotic iv'e ever been on for acne and it is doing okay in treating my acne, definitely no miracle. DO NOT take a hot shower after taking this pill on an empty stomach you will black out and more likely than not puke.

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.