Overview
What is it?
Oral doxycycline is a second-generation tetracycline antibiotic that is commonly prescribed to treat acne. It is not naturally occurring but is derived from a class of antibiotics known as tetracyclines, which are produced by bacteria. Doxycycline is widely used due to its effectiveness in reducing inflammation and bacterial growth associated with acne.
How does it work?
Oral doxycycline works by targeting the bacteria that contribute to acne, particularly *Cutibacterium acnes*. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce the redness and swelling associated with acne lesions. By inhibiting bacterial growth and calming inflammation, doxycycline helps improve the appearance of acne and prevents new breakouts.
What are the benefits?
Oral doxycycline is effective in treating moderate to severe acne, particularly inflammatory acne. It helps reduce the number of acne lesions, including both inflammatory (red, swollen pimples) and non-inflammatory (blackheads and whiteheads) types. Additionally, it is often used when topical treatments alone are not sufficient to control acne.
Effectiveness
What does the research say?
Research shows that oral doxycycline is effective in reducing acne severity. For example, a study involving 73 acne patients treated with doxycycline found that none of them tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection, suggesting its potential anti-inflammatory benefits . Another study highlighted its role in reducing inflammatory lesions and improving overall acne severity .
Side Effects
Gastrointestinal issues (e.g., nausea, diarrhea)
Gastrointestinal issues like nausea and diarrhea are common but usually mild. Taking doxycycline with food can help reduce these symptoms .
Photosensitivity (increased sensitivity to sunlight)
Photosensitivity can cause sunburns more easily. Patients are advised to use sunscreen and avoid prolonged sun exposure while on doxycycline .
Photo-onycholysis (nail separation due to sunlight exposure)
Photo-onycholysis is a rare side effect where nails separate from the nail bed due to sunlight exposure. It is reversible once the medication is stopped .
Intracranial hypertension (increased pressure in the skull)
Intracranial hypertension is a rare but serious side effect that can cause headaches and vision problems. It is more common in obese individuals and requires immediate medical attention .
Yeast infections (e.g., oral or vaginal thrush)
Yeast infections may occur due to the disruption of normal bacterial flora. These can be treated with antifungal medications if necessary .
Evidence
Clinical Studies & Trials
[1] Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris.
This guideline addresses the management of acne vulgaris, a common skin condition affecting adolescents and adults. It provides evidence-based recommendations for treatment, including the use of oral doxycycline.
View study[2] Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris.
This evidence-based guideline reviews the management of acne vulgaris, including the use of oral doxycycline for inflammatory acne.
View study[3] Doxycycline-induced photo-onycholysis.
This case study describes a rare side effect of doxycycline called photo-onycholysis, where nails separate from the nail bed due to sunlight exposure.
View study[4] Non-antibiotic properties of tetracyclines and their clinical application in dermatology.
This review highlights the anti-inflammatory and anti-collagenase properties of tetracyclines, including doxycycline, and their use in treating acne and other skin conditions.
View study[5] Frequency of COVID-19 in acne patients treated with oral doxycycline: A retrospective cross-sectional comparative study.
This study found that acne patients treated with oral doxycycline had a lower incidence of COVID-19, suggesting potential anti-inflammatory benefits of the medication.
View study[6] Doxycycline and intracranial hypertension.
This case study reports on patients who developed intracranial hypertension (pseudo-tumor cerebri) while taking doxycycline, a rare but serious side effect.
View study