Lowers levels of acne-causing bacteria: The medication directly lowers the levels of acne-causing bacteria p. Like the other tetracyclines, it does this by inhibiting the protein synthesis of this bacteria, explains Carqueville.
The other benefit of this? Reduced bacterial levels also reduce subsequent inflammation in the skin, points out Zeichner. On that note Impacts the immune system: Doxy also reduces inflammation in a more direct way, via its effects on the immune system. It is worth pointing out, however, that this isn't a benefit exclusive to doxycycline, but rather something all tetracycline antibiotics do, as shown in a study.
This double-whammy of anti-inflammatory benefits is why this drug reduces the redness and tenderness of active pimples, adds Carqueville. At the risk of pulling a Captain Obvious, you'll first have to get a prescription from your dermatologist. It's extremely important only to take this medication under the direct guidance of a dermatologist, as it can have some serious side effects more on that below.
The dosage is usually 50 to milligrams, taken once or twice daily," says Carqueville. Doxycycline can have some gastrointestinal side effects more on those in a minute , so both of the dermatologists we spoke with also advise taking the medication with a full glass of water. Also important: Take it at least 30 minutes, if not an hour, before lying down to minimize the risk of developing heartburn.
It's a no-no if you're pregnant or breast-feeding, as well as for anyone who is allergic to tetracyclines. Zeichner also suggests talking to your dermatologist about combining oral doxy with a product that contains benzoyl peroxide, a topical ingredient that also has antibacterial activity against p. And to that point, keep in mind that this isn't going to be a long-term treatment.
While you do need to be on it for several weeks to see effects, "it should be limited to three or four months of use, and discontinued as soon as possible," cautions Zeichner. This is the general rule of thumb for any oral antibiotic being used as an acne treatment, again, in order to minimize the likelihood of bacterial resistance. Once you're off of it, topical treatments should be enough to maintain the results achieved. If not, your dermatologist will likely suggest an alternative oral drug, such as a hormonal therapy or a heavy-duty medication called isotretinoin, Zeichner says.
We mentioned heartburn, and that is in fact one of the biggest potential side effects. Nausea and vomiting are also possible side effects, as is increased sun sensitivity, so be extra diligent about your sun protection practices, advises Carqueville. Still, it's worth noting that even though a study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found both doxycycline and minocycline to be effective acne treatments , the side effect profile is theoretically safer and more tolerable with doxy, according to Carqueville.
She adds that while there tend to be less GI symptoms that come with minocycline, it may be associated with rare hypersensitivity reactions and ringing in the ears, which aren't side effects of doxycycline. In other words, while this may sound like a long list of potentially unpleasant side effects, at the end of the day, doxycycline is still considered to be a top-notch safe and effective oral antibiotic for acne.
Del Rosso JQ. Oral doxycycline in the management of acne vulgaris: current perspectives on clinical use and recent findings with a new double-scored small tablet formulation. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. Xu H, Li H. Am J Clin Dermatol.
I took a good look at my skin-care regimen, and stripped it down to the basics. Now, I just use cleansing balm , serum, and night cream in the evenings; and an exfoliant , the same serum, and face oil in the mornings. That stuck. After two months, Dr. Shah suggested I switch to a lower dosage. My skin had cleared up considerably in that time — my skin-tone was more even, and I was able to walk out of the house in just sunscreen and concealer , which was pretty life-changing.
But since I still had a few breakouts on my back, I balked. She relented, and I refilled my prescription. Side Effects That night, I popped my pill right before bed and fell asleep.
Five hours later, I awoke to a hellish sensation under my sternum. It felt like the pill had lodged there and was radiating heat. I did, in fact, have some gnarly acid reflux — something I'd never experienced before. Turns out, doxycycline can cause heartburn if not taken immediately after a meal — or if you lay down within an hour of taking a pill. Shah later said. I saw some of that, too. Results But I am happy to report that my skin has never looked better. I feel more confident about myself than I have in ages.
If I do break out and I can count on one hand the number of zits that have cropped up since I started the meds , the blemish is gone within a day.
I've also come to worship my skin-care regimen. I'm not rushing through it or just relying on makeup wipes to take off my face at night.
It's a ritual. It's what will keep my skin clear after I stop taking the drugs — which I'm planning to make a life mission. Shah sees me phasing out the drugs in the next few months, and it remains to be seen whether my acne will come back after I'm done.
To help clear up your infection completely, keep taking this medicine for the full time of treatment, even if you begin to feel better after a few days.
If you stop taking this medicine too soon, your symptoms may return. The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine.
If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so. The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine. If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.
Do not double doses. Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing. If your symptoms do not improve within a few days, or if they become worse, check with your doctor. Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while using this medicine, tell your doctor right away.
This medicine may darken the color of your skin, nails, eyes, teeth, gums, or scars. Talk with your doctor if you have any concerns. Doxycycline may cause diarrhea, and in some cases it can be severe. It may occur 2 months or more after you stop taking this medicine.
Do not take any medicine to treat diarrhea without first checking with your doctor. Diarrhea medicines may make the diarrhea worse or make it last longer. If you have any questions about this or if mild diarrhea continues or gets worse, check with your doctor. Birth control pills containing estrogen may not work properly while you are using doxycycline.
To keep from getting pregnant, use other forms of birth control. These include condoms, a diaphragm, or a contraceptive foam or jelly. Doxycycline may cause your skin to be more sensitive to sunlight than it is normally.
Exposure to sunlight, even for short periods of time, may cause skin rash, itching, redness or other discoloration of the skin, or a severe sunburn. When you begin taking this medicine:. Serious skin reactions, including drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms can occur with this medicine. Check with your doctor right away if you have blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, red skin lesions, severe acne or a skin rash, sores or ulcers on the skin, fever or chills, cough, sore throat, swollen, painful, or tender lymph glands in the neck, armpit, or groin, or yellow skin or eyes while using this medicine.
This medicine may cause increased pressure inside the head intracranial hypertension. This is more likely to occur in women of childbearing age who are overweight or have a history of intracranial hypertension. Tell your doctor right away if you have a headache, blurred vision, or changes in vision.
Contact your doctor immediately if fever, rash, joint pain, or tiredness occurs. These could be symptoms of an autoimmune syndrome where the body attacks itself.
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