Doxycycline

Doxycycline is an antibiotic that's used to control acne.  Doxycycline works by killing the p.acne bacteria that contribute to formation of an acne lesion.

Doxycycline comes in a capsule, tablet, or liquid and is taken orally.  Normally it's taken twice per day but can be taken up to four times a day.   Doxycycline may be taken with or without food, but can cause upset stomach with some patients.

Before taking doxycycline:

• Make sure you do not have an allergy to doxycycline, minocycline, tetracycline, or sulfites.
• Let your acne physician know if you are taking any other medications, or over the counter products.  Iron supplements, multivitamins, calcium supplements, antacids, or laxatives may reduce the effectiveness of doxycycline.
• Let your physician know if you have other medical problems, especially liver or kidney disease.
• Make sure to let your acne physician know if you are pregnant, trying to conceive or breastfeeding.  Doxycycline can impede bone and tooth development in a nursing baby and may cause harm to an unborn baby.

Are there any side effects?

• There is an increased risk of sunburn with doxycycline.  Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun as doxycycline may cause sensitivity to sunlight and increased risk of sunburn.
• Doxycycline may decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills.  It is adviseable to use a second form of birth control while taking doxycycline to ensure protection from unintended pregnancy.
• Doxycycline can cause permanent tooth discoloration and adversely affect growth.Children younger than 8 years of age should not take doxycycline.
• Do not take iron supplements, multivitamins, calcium supplements, antacids, or laxatives within 2 hours of taking doxycycline. These products may decrease the effectiveness of doxycycline.
• Some patients may experience an allergic reaction while on doxycycline.  This reaction can include difficulty breathing or closing of the throat, swelling of the face, tongue, or lips and hives.
• You may experience severe headache, vision changes, or confusion when taking doxycycline.
• Liver damage is a risk (yellowing of the skin or eyes, nausea, abdominal pain or discomfort, unusual bleeding or bruising, severe fatigue) when using doxycycline.
• You may exerience blood problems related to fever, fatigue, easy bruising or bleeding when taking doxycycline.
• Lesser side effects of doxycyclineinclude nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, and susceptibility to vaginal yeast infections.