Acne treatments vary from topical over-the-counter varieties to surgical removal procedures. However, some people require prescription drugs to get at the heart of their acne problems. Doxycycline, an antibiotic, is sometimes prescribed for the treatment of acne. While generally safe, it's important to understand the side effects and potential adverse reactions possible before considering it as an acne treatment.
Acne Types
Many types of acne exist. Many people deal with blackheads and whiteheads on a daily basis. However, these milder forms of acne are usually treatable with mild topical creams. For more severe types of acne, antibiotics are sometimes required to kill the underlying bacteria on the skin that's causing the breakouts. Such types include pustules, nodules and cysts, all of which carry some level of inflammation and could lead to scarring if not treated promptly.
Doxycycline: Identification
Doxycycline is an antibiotic drug with a variety of uses. It falls under the tetracycline category of antibiotics and often goes by the brand names Doryx, Oracea, Vibramycin, Periostat and Alodox. It slows down the growth of bacteria in your body and can be used to eliminate several types of infections like gonorrhea, chlamydia, gum disease, UTIs and of course, acne. It's also used to treat acne rosacea.
Doxycycline: Function
Doxycycline is one of a handful of antibiotic drugs that are effective in treating acne. Standing alongside tetracycline and minocycline, doxycycline is best at killing bacteria that causes inflammatory acne. It's also a go-to treatment for those who have experienced less than desirable results with other antibiotics.
Side Effects
As with any drug, doxycycline carries with it a few side effects. For instance, it can cause stomach upset including diarrhea and nausea as well as sores in the mouth or the genitals, and vaginal discomfort. Some also might suffer from a swollen tongue.
Adverse Reactions
In rare instances, doxycycline can produce serious reactions or even allergic reactions in those seeking to treat their acne. Signs that you should seek medical attention include headache, blurred vision, flu-like symptoms, rash, jaundice, palpitations, weakness and infrequent urination. Signs of an allergy to the drug include swelling of the throat, lips or face, hives and problems breathing.
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