I have been taking 100mg of doxcycline morning and night for a little under four weeks (along with tretinion cream at night and occasionally a moisturizing cream I got from my holistic estyticean in the morning) and am discouraged. I have a very clean diet and try to drink a lot of water, and still my acne is bad. Actually, I feel like it's been worsening. I didn't used to get puss at the heads of my zits, and now I have a face full of it! My cheeks used to be pretty clear, but now they're being affected! I have tried SOOO many things for my skin and feel very self conscious about it; if this doesn't work, I'll be very upset, especially after reading such raving reviews.
So I guess my question is: Is this normal? Should I wait longer? Is it a drug that has to clear out the yucky stuff before it can begin to work? If so, it's sure taking its sweet time.
How long does doxycycline usually take to work for acne?
Question posted by Smileyface6622 on 6 June 2013
Last updated on 28 October 2015 by suzanne66
Answers
It is normal to take doxycycline for up to four weeks to see if there is any improvement in your acne. There is often a good response to treatment by six weeks. However, it can take up to three months (sometimes longer) for maximum response and for the skin to be generally free of spots. Note: the most common reason for a treatment failure is because some people think that treatment is not working after a couple of weeks or so and give up. It's best to limit a course of antibiotics to 3 months, if possible.
Doxycycline works by killing bacteria that contribute to the cause of acne. It also has a direct effect of reducing inflammation. It has little effect on unplugging blocked pores - which you can see as blackheads and whiteheads. The tretinoin cream will help more with these.
For more information see: https://www.drugs.com/mcd/acne
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Further information
- Doxycycline uses and safety info
- Doxycycline prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Doxycycline (detailed)
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