Dermatologists prescribe antibiotics for severe cases of acne that are actively inflamed to prevent the spread of infection and the risks of developing scars. One such antibiotic commonly given is doxycycline. If you have been prescribed doxycycline for acne control, understand that the drug definitely works, but just like other antibiotics, follow carefully your doctor’s instructions to minimize its side effects.
When it is given
Doxycycline is a relative of tetracycline which is also prescribed for infected acne. It is given to people who cannot tolerate or whose acne no longer responds to tetracycline or erythromycin treatment. The usual dosage is 50 mg to 100 mg twice a day. Its main advantage is its efficacy and the fact that it can be effective even at a relatively low dosage compared to other antibiotics. It is often used in conjunction with topical treatment such as tretinoin or benzoyl peroxide.
Potential Side Effects
Image via Wikipedia
Doxycycline is fairly well-tolerated by most users. The most common side effects are nausea, upset stomach, photosensitivity (sun allergy, e.g., rashes, sunburn), and vaginal yeast infections in women. Like other drugs in the tetracycline family, it should not be given to pregnant women as it can have harmful effects on the bone and teeth development of the fetus. It can also stain the teeth in children and for this reason, is not given to children below 8 years of age.
Guidelines in using Doxycycline
Here are some guidelines to observe when taking doxycycline for acne. Following these will ensure that the drug will work at maximum efficacy and with minimal side effects:
- Take doxycycline with meals and with plenty of fluids to reduce chances of stomach irritation.
- Antibiotics like doxycycline kill good and bad bacteria alike. To replenish your good intestinal bacteria, take beneficial yogurt capsules daily throughout the duration of treatment.
- Do not lie down within one hour of taking the drug to avoid irritation of the esophagus or esophagitis, a condition that can be painful.
- Follow strictly the recommended dosing interval to ensure adequate levels of the antibiotic is maintained in the body for maximum effectiveness.
- Finish the full course of treatment prescribed by your doctor. At no point should you discontinue treatment even if you have already seen improvements in your symptoms. Stopping an antibiotic treatment prematurely can cause remaining bacteria to develop resistance to the drug and make your acne harder to treat than before.
- Avoid drinking alcohol as it can hasten the elimination of doxycycline in the body.
- Doxycycline may cause photosensitivity and sunburn. Protect yourself from the sun by using sunblocks. Use physical ways of blocking its rays through hats, clothing, umbrellas, and portable shelters.