Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsUsesDosage and How ToContraindicationsPossible Side EffectsInteractionsAlternatives
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Uses
Dosage and How To
Contraindications
Possible Side Effects
Interactions
Alternatives
Doxycycline is commonly prescribed in pill or capsule form either as a generic medication or under the brand names Doryx, Vibramycin, Oracea, Adoxa, and others. When prescribed for acne, healthcare providers usually recommend taking it for about three to four months.
This article explains what doxycycline can (and cannot) do, how it should be used, and what side effects you might expect while taking it.
Doxycycline Uses
Inflammatory acne is the type in which bacteria inside a pore cause a red, swollen, pus-filled bump (pustule) on the skin.Cystic acneandnodular acneare two types of inflammatory acne.
As an oral drug, doxycycline is a good choice if you have an acne breakout on the back or other parts of the body that are difficult to reach with topical drugs.
Doxycycline is far less effective in treating non-inflammatory acne conditions likewhiteheads(closedcomedones),blackheads(open comedones), ormilia(subdermal cysts).
Doxycycline Dosage and How to Use
You’ll need a prescription from your healthcare provider to take doxycycline. Doses vary from as low as 40 milligrams (mg) once daily to 100 mg twice daily.
Doxycycline is typically prescribed alongsidetopical retinoidsandbenzoyl peroxide. As doxycycline treats the underlying infection, the other drugs inhibit processes that contribute to pimples. Topical retinoids likeDifferin (adapalene)are especially good at unblocking clogged pores, while benzoyl peroxide helps shed dead skin cells that contribute to pore blockages.
Using doxycycline alongside these topical drugs also reduces the risk ofantibiotic resistanceas less doxycycline is used over a shorter period of time to achieve skin clearance.
Duration of Use
When indicated, doxycycline is typically used for three to four months.Your healthcare provider will take you off the drug once your skin has improved. You’ll then stay on topical treatments long-term to keep breakouts away.
People with especially severe cystic or nodular acne may need to use doxycycline for longer periods of time.Each case is assessed individually, weighing the benefits against the risks.
Regular follow-up appointments will be scheduled to check if the drug is working or if you need a different type of treatment.
1:46Click Play to Learn More About Doxycycline Acne Treatments
1:46
Click Play to Learn More About Doxycycline Acne Treatments
Who Should Not Take Doxycycline
Doxycycline is not a one-size-fits-all solution for acne and may not be suitable for certain groups. This includes:
If doxycycline cannot be used, other oral or topical antibiotics like erythromycin can be prescribed.
Doxycycline Side Effects
Like all medications, doxycycline can causeside effects. While most are relatively mild and manageable, some people may experience profound or intolerable symptoms.
Possible side effects of doxycycline include:
Call your healthcare provider if you experience any unusual side effects or if side effects are becoming intolerable.
Upset Stomach and Diarrhea
Doxycycline can cause nausea and stomach upset.Taking the pill with food can help, but avoid dairy which can interfere with the absorption of doxycycline and make it less effective. When taking doxycycline, wait at least an hour before drinking or eating any dairy product.
Dairy may alsocauseacne because of hormones in milk products. One theory is that dairy foods increase inflammation in the body, leading to worse breakouts.
Esophagus Pain
Doxycycline can irritate youresophagus(the tube connecting your throat to your stomach). This can not only make it harder to swallow but also triggeracid refluxandheartburn.
Sensitivity to Sunlight
Doxycycline can make the skin more sensitive to the sun, referred to asphotosensitivity. Symptoms include a skin rash, itching, and redness as well as an increased risk of sunburn. It can also causephotophobiain which your eyes are extra-sensitive to sunlight.
If prescribed doxycycline, always use sunscreen and reapply it often when spending time outdoors. You should also protect your eyes with sunglasses.
Can Doxycycline Make You Fat?It’s possible that doxycycline can cause weight gain with long-term use. Studies suggest this could be due to the antibiotic’s effect ongut bacteria, causing the loss of “good” bacteria that can affect digestion. However, more research is needed.
Can Doxycycline Make You Fat?
It’s possible that doxycycline can cause weight gain with long-term use. Studies suggest this could be due to the antibiotic’s effect ongut bacteria, causing the loss of “good” bacteria that can affect digestion. However, more research is needed.
Doxycycline Interactions
Doxycycline can interact with many drugs and supplements and affect how they work. These include:
Let your healthcare provider know about any prescription or over-the-counter medications or supplements you take. This can help reduce the risk of a drug interaction.
Alternative Antibiotics for Acne
If you cannot take doxycycline for any reason, your dermatologist might prescribe an alternative antibiotic. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, effective alternatives include:
Your dermatologist will work with you to determine the best option for you based on your symptoms and medication history.
How Much Does Doxycycline Cost?The price of doxycycline can vary depending on the pharmacy and your health insurance. A 100-mg doxycycline generic typically costs between $8 and $13 for 20 capsules.
How Much Does Doxycycline Cost?
The price of doxycycline can vary depending on the pharmacy and your health insurance. A 100-mg doxycycline generic typically costs between $8 and $13 for 20 capsules.
Summary
Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, sore throat, and changes in skin or nail color.
Finding the Right Dermatologist to Help Clear Your Acne
15 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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