Doxycycline is a generic antibiotic used to treat bladder infections, sexually transmitted diseases and gum disease. People with moderate to severe acne may also take doxycycline to help clear their skin, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Systemic drugs such as this one are generally used as a more advanced solution for acne, after topical preparations have failed to achieve satisfactory results.
Step 1
Take a pregnancy test, if applicable, to rule out pregnancy, before beginning to treat your acne with doxycycline. The antibiotic is a "category D" drug, meaning that it could cause harm to an unborn baby. Defects could include, but are not limited to, a permanent discoloration of the child's teeth, according to Drugs.com. Children younger than 8 years old should not use the medication for the same reason. If you choose to treat your acne with doxycycline and are sexually active, be sure to use a reliable form of birth control during your course of treatment.
Step 2
Ask your doctor if you are an ideal candidate for doxycycline if your breakouts affect large portions of your body, such as your back or chest, in addition to your face. The American Academy of Dermatology states that the drug is most often prescribed for widespread acne that is moderate to severe because this form of acne can sometimes be resistant to topical medications. If you have acne on your face only, your doctor will most likely put you on a regimen of topical creams or ointments first, before prescribing doxycycline.
Step 3
Take the antibiotic twice daily or as directed by your doctor. Jan V. Hirschmann writes in a May 2003 "Journal Watch Dermatology" article that usual doses of doxycycline for acne treatment range between 50 and 100 mg, taken twice each day. Drugs.com reports that the medication should not be taken with dairy products because your body will have a harder time absorbing the active ingredients.
Step 4
Continue to take doxycycline as long as your doctor has directed, even if your skin appears to clear. Treatment times vary, but some low-dose courses of doxycycline may be used for as long as 6 months to achieve satisfactory results.
Step 5
Protect your skin from the sun while you take doxycycline to treat your acne. This type of antibiotic can make your skin more sensitive to light, increasing your risk of sunburn. Use sunscreen when you go outside.
Things You'll Need
- Pregnancy test
- Birth control
- Doxycycline
- Suncreen
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