Doxycycline for Acne: The Essential Guide
Doxycycline is a popular antibiotic for acne. Learn how doxycycline works for acne, as well as its side effects, cost, and alternatives to consider.
doxycycline hyclate
Used for Acne, Bacterial Infection, Eye Infection, Lower Respiratory Infection, Malaria, Pneumonia, Typhoid, Upper Respiratory Infection, Urinary Tract Infection
Used for Acne, Bacterial Infection, Eye Infection, Lower Respiratory Infection, Malaria, Pneumonia, Typhoid, Upper Respiratory Infection, Urinary Tract Infection
Doxycycline hyclate is an antibiotic that treats many conditions, including acne, chlamydia, sinus infection, and urinary tract infection (UTI). It's taken by mouth, typically once or twice daily. It comes as capsules, tablets, and a liquid syrup. Side effects of doxycycline hyclate include stomach upset, nausea, and vomiting.
What is Doxycycline hyclate?
What is Doxycycline hyclate used for?
Doxycycline hyclate is used to prevent malaria due to the parasite Plasmodium falciparum and to treat many different infections caused by bacteria. Some examples include:
- Respiratory tract infections, including in the nose, throat, and lungs
- Infections caused by ticks, mites, or fleas (Rocky Mountain spotted fever or typhus fever)
- Sexually-transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia, gonorrhea, chancroid, and syphilis
- Lyme disease
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Severe acne
- Anthrax
- Plague
- Cholera
How Doxycycline hyclate works
Doxycycline hyclate is a tetracycline antibiotic. It prevents some bacteria and parasites from making certain proteins, which stops them from multiplying and spreading in your body.
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Vibramycin hyclate, Targadox, Doryx, Doryx MPC, Acticlate |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Tetracycline antibiotic |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | Lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
More on Doxycycline hyclate essentials
Side effects of Doxycycline hyclate
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Stomach upset
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Sunburn
Less Common Side Effects
- Diarrhea
- Swollen tongue
- Trouble swallowing
- Intestinal (gut) inflammation
- Vaginal yeast infection
- Rash
Doxycycline hyclate serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Infectious diarrhea: severe diarrhea, watery or bloody stools, stomach cramps, stomach pain, fever, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting
- Pseudotumor cerebri or intracranial hypertension (high pressure in the brain): headache, dizziness, blurred vision, swelling inside eye, vision changes, double vision, vision loss
- Severe allergic reaction: itchy red rash (hives), trouble breathing, chest tightness, swelling of lips, tongue, face, or eyes
- Serious skin reactions: fever, chills, muscle aches, tiredness, rash, blistering or peeling skin
When do Doxycycline hyclate possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
H
D
W
M
Diarrhea
Nausea
Sensitivity to the sun
Irritated esophagus
Seek immediate medical care if you experience this side effect.
More on Doxycycline hyclate side effects
The following Doxycycline hyclate side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Incidence not known
Blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
chills
clay-colored stools
dark urine
decreased appetite
diarrhea, watery and severe, which may also be bloody
difficulty with swallowing
dizziness
fast heartbeat
feeling of discomfort
headache
hives, itching, puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
hives or welts, itching, or rash
increased thirst
indigestion
inflammation of the joints
joint or muscle pain
large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
loss of appetite
numbness or tingling of the face, hands, or feet
pain in the stomach, side, or abdomen, possibly radiating to the back
red skin lesions, often with a purple center
redness and soreness of the eyes
redness of the skin
sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips
stomach cramps
stomach pain or tenderness
swelling of the feet or lower legs
swollen, painful, or tender lymph glands in the neck, armpit, or groin
tightness in the chest
unusual tiredness or weakness
unusual weight loss
vomiting
yellow eyes or skin
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Incidence not known
Back, leg, or stomach pains
black, tarry stools
bleeding gums
blood in the urine or stools
blurred vision
bulging soft spot on the head of an infant
change in the ability to see colors, especially blue or yellow
chest pain, discomfort, or burning
cracks in the skin
decrease in vision
difficulty breathing
discoloration of the thyroid glands
double vision
general body swelling
increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight
loss of heat from the body
lower back or side pain
nosebleeds
pain or burning in the throat
pain with swallowing
painful or difficult urination
pale skin
pinpoint red spots on the skin
rash with flat lesions or small raised lesions on the skin
red, swollen skin
redness or other discoloration of the skin
redness, swelling, or soreness of the tongue
severe nausea
severe stomach pain
severe sunburn
tooth discoloration
unusual bleeding or bruising
vomiting blood
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Get your GoodRx coupon
$56.00
GoodRx discount
$10.14
Pros and cons of Doxycycline hyclate
Pros
- Good alternative for some infections if you're allergic to penicillins
- Treats many different infections, including severe acne and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia
- Available as a liquid for those who have trouble swallowing pills
- Likely safe for people who have kidney problems
Cons
- Can raise your risk of sunburns
- Can sometimes cause stomach discomfort or stomach upset
- Interacts with blood thinners and birth control pills
- Not safe for young children or pregnant females
Pharmacist tips for Doxycycline hyclate
- Finish your entire course of doxycycline hyclate, even if you start to feel better. Stopping doxycycline hyclate too soon can cause your infection to come back and become harder to treat.
- Take each dose of doxycycline hyclate with plenty of water to prevent burning, irritation, and ulcers in your esophagus (the tube that connects your throat to your stomach). Try not to lie down too soon after taking it to ensure it gets into your stomach.
- If you're taking Vibramycin calcium (doxycycline calcium) syrup, make sure to use the measuring syringe or spoon provided by your pharmacist. Don't use household spoons or cups because this might cause you to take the wrong amount.
- Antacids containing calcium, aluminum, and magnesium interact with doxycycline hyclate and affect how well it gets absorbed and works in your body. Examples include Tums or Rolaids. Other medications that interact with doxycycline hyclate include bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) and medications containing iron. If you take any of these medications, let your healthcare provider know before starting doxycycline hyclate.
- If you're taking Doryx MPC, Doryx, or any other forms of delayed-release doxycycline hyclate, don't crush or chew the tablet because this can affect how well the medication gets absorbed into your body. Always swallow the tablet whole with plenty of water.
- You can carefully break Doryx tablets and sprinkle them over a spoonful of room temperature or cold applesauce and then swallow right away. Don't chew or crush the pellets because this can damage the medication.
- Doxycycline hyclate can interact with your birth control pill and cause it to not to work as well. To prevent becoming pregnant, consider using an additional form of birth control, such as condoms, while taking doxycycline hyclate. Ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider if you have questions about other forms of birth control.
- Doxycycline hyclate can interact with blood thinners and raise your risk of bleeding. Examples of blood thinners include warfarin (Coumadin), apixaban (Eliquis), and rivaroxaban (Xarelto). For your safety, your healthcare provider might lower the dose of your blood thinner while you're taking doxycycline hyclate.
- Avoid spending too much time in the sun or using tanning beds while taking doxycycline hyclate, since it can make your skin more sensitive to sun damage. Wear protective clothing and sunscreen before going outside to reduce your risk of sunburn.
- If you have to take doxycycline hyclate for a long time, your healthcare provider might perform routine blood tests to make sure your labs are within the normal range. Doxycycline hyclate can lower your red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, which are all necessary to build a strong immune system and to fight infections. Let your provider know if this concerns you.
- If you experience severe diarrhea or watery, bloody stools while taking doxycycline hyclate or anytime after you stop, contact your provider.
More on Doxycycline hyclate tips
Risks and warnings for Doxycycline hyclate
Doxycycline hyclate can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Permanent tooth discoloration
- Risk factors: Children 8 years and younger | Pregnancy | Long-term use or repeated use of doxycycline hyclate
Tetracycline antibiotics, such as doxycycline hyclate, can cause permanent tooth discoloration and yellow, gray, or brown staining of teeth in babies and young children under the age of 8. It can also cause thinning of the teeth (enamel hypoplasia) and affect growth and development of teeth in children. The risk is higher with long-term use of the medication or with repeated short-term courses. The risk is also higher during the second half of pregnancy. If you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or your child is younger than 8 years old, avoid using doxycycline hyclate unless it's absolutely necessary to treat a life-threatening infection. Speak with your provider about the risks and benefits of this medication.
Severe diarrhea
- Risk factors: Use of multiple antibiotics | Long-term use of antibiotics | Older age | History of colon or gut problems
Antibiotics, such as doxycycline hyclate, can cause severe diarrhea known as Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (commonly known as C. diff). Antibiotics get rid of the good bacteria in your gut and change the normal conditions of your gut and colon. This leads to the growth of bacteria like C. diff. This can happen any time while you're taking doxycycline hyclate and even over two months after you stop taking the antibiotic. C. diff diarrhea can become life-threatening if it isn't treated properly. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have diarrhea, loose or watery stools, fever, stomach pain and cramps, nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite.
Severe skin reactions
In some rare cases, people have developed really bad, potentially life-threatening skin reactions after starting doxycycline hyclate. These are types of allergic rashes that are painful and create blisters all over the body. Get medical help right away if you notice a new rash, have a rash and a fever, unexplained blisters, or new sores inside your mouth.
High pressure in the brain (intracranial hypertension or pseudotumor cerebri)
- Risk factors: Women of childbearing age who are overweight or have history of high pressure in the brain | Taking isotretinoin with doxycycline hyclate | Taking other medications that raise pressure in the brain
Doxycycline hyclate can cause high pressure in your brain, a condition called intracranial hypertension or pseudotumor cerebri. The chances are higher in women of childbearing age who are either overweight or have a history of high pressure in the brain. The risk is also higher if you take doxycycline hyclate with isotretinoin (Absorica). It usually goes away after you stop taking doxycycline hyclate, but it can cause permanent vision loss. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have a headache, dizziness, blurred vision, swelling inside your eye, double vision, vision loss, or any vision changes.
Harm to unborn and young babies
- Risk factors: Pregnancy | Women of childbearing age | Premature babies
Avoid using doxycycline hyclate if you're pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant because it can cause serious harm to your unborn baby. Doxycycline hyclate can cross the placenta and have harmful effects on the growth and development of your unborn baby's teeth and bones. It can also affect bone growth when given to babies who were born early. Pregnant women shouldn't take doxycycline hyclate unless it's absolutely necessary.
Sunburn
- Risk factors: Exposure to sunlight or ultraviolet light
Doxycycline hyclate can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and cause serious sunburns. Avoid direct exposure to sunlight by wearing sun-protective clothing, such as hats. Apply sunscreen or sunblock lotion before going outside, even on cloudy days. You should also avoid tanning beds while taking doxycycline hyclate. If you notice skin redness, irritation, or sunburn, stop taking doxycycline hyclate and let your healthcare provider know.
Damage to the esophagus
Make sure to take your dose of doxycycline hyclate with plenty of water and avoid lying down for at least 30 minutes afterwards. This is because if the medication is stuck in your esophagus, there's a risk that it can cause irritation and damage, and sometimes ulcers ,in the esophagus. Let your provider know right away if you start to feel pain or a burning sensation in your throat or chest. If your esophagus is damaged, then your provider might ask you to stop taking doxycycline hyclate.
New infections
Like other antibiotics, using doxycycline hyclate can lead to overgrowth of other bacteria or fungi. This can lead to a new infection, such as a vaginal yeast infection. Don't use this medication longer than prescribed. Let your provider know if you experience symptoms of an infection, such as fever, chills, or vaginal itching, discharge, or odor.
Drug-resistant bacteria
- Risk factors: Taking doxycycline hyclate for a non-bacterial infection
You should only take doxycycline hyclate for bacterial infections. Using doxycycline hyclate or other antibiotics when they are not necessary can lead to drug-resistant bacteria, which are much harder to treat.
Doxycycline hyclate dosage
The average cost for 14 capsules of 100mg of Doxycycline hyclate is $10.14 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 81.89% off the average retail price of $56.00.
Typical dosage for Doxycycline hyclate
Treatment of infections: Your dose will depend on your condition. You should take the medication exactly as prescribed by your provider. In general:
-
Doxycycline hyclate (Acticlate, Doryx, Targadox, Vibramycin) and Vibramycin calcium (doxycycline calcium):
- Adults and children (weight 99 lbs or more): The typical dose is 100 mg by mouth once or twice daily, depending on how serious your infection is.
- Children 8 years and older (weight less than 99 lbs): Your child's provider will determine your child's dose based on their body weight. The typical dose is 2.2 mg/kg of body weight by mouth once or twice daily, depending on how serious the infection is.
-
Doryx MPC (doxycycline hyclate) tablets:
- Adults and children (weight 99 lbs or more): The typical dose is 120 mg by mouth 2 times (12 hours apart) on the first day. The typical maintenance dose is 120 mg by mouth once daily or 60 mg twice daily, depending on how serious your infection is.
- Children 8 years and older (weight less than 99 lbs): Your child's provider will determine your child's dose based on their body weight. The typical dose is 2.6 mg/kg of body weight by mouth once to twice daily, depending on how serious your infection is.
Prevention of malaria: Start 1 to 2 days before travel to the malarious area and continue daily during travel and for 4 weeks after leaving the malarious area.
-
Doxycycline hyclate (Acticlate, Doryx, Targadox, Vibramycin) and Vibramycin calcium (doxycycline calcium):
- Adults and children (weight 99 lbs or more): The typical dose is 100 mg by mouth once daily.
- Children 8 years and older (weight less than 99 lbs): Your child's provider will determine your child's dose based on their body weight. The typical dose is 2 mg/kg of body weight by mouth once daily.
-
Doryx MPC (doxycycline hyclate) tablets:
- Adults and children (weight 99 lbs or more) The typical dose is 120 mg by mouth once daily.
- Children 8 years and older (weight less than 99 lbs) Your child's provider will determine your child's dose based on their body weight. The typical dose is 2.4 mg/kg of body weight by mouth once daily.
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Doxycycline hyclate reviews
GoodRx has partnered with to provide reviews on the different aspects of Doxycycline hyclate.
Effectiveness
Learn more about the effectiveness of Doxycycline hyclate based on real life experiences.
Overall Rating
Based on 90 people taking this medication
2.9
Effectiveness by condition:
Lyme disease58 reviews
2.3
acne12 reviews
2.7
methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus9 reviews
2.9
pneumonia6 reviews
3.1
sinus infection (sinusitis)5 reviews
3.5
Side effects
Learn more about the side effects others have reported while taking Doxycycline hyclate.
Severity of side effects
Based on 242 people taking this medication
0%
50%
100%
Top side effects
Based on 242 people taking this medication
Nausea
16%
Nausea and vomiting
5%
Diarrhea
5%
Skin sensitivity to sun (photosensitivity)
4%
Upset stomach
3%
Usage
Review why people stop taking this medication and how long they take it.
Reasons people stopped taking Doxycycline hyclate
Based on 365 people who have taken this medication
Course of treatment ended
49%
Doctor's advice
20%
Side effects too severe
13%
Did not seem to work
10%
Other
7%
Personal research
3%
Expense
1%
How long people take Doxycycline hyclate
Based on 180 people who have taken this medication
0%
50%
100%
Powered by:
Interactions between Doxycycline hyclate and other drugs
Doxycycline hyclate may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Doxycycline hyclate. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.
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Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Amoxicillin
- Ampicillin
- Ascorbic Acid
- Bacampicillin
- Bexarotene
- Cholera Vaccine, Live
- Cloxacillin
- Desogestrel
- Dicloxacillin
- Dienogest
- Drospirenone
- Estradiol
- Ethinyl Estradiol
- Ethynodiol
- Etretinate
- Gestodene
- Isotretinoin
- Levonorgestrel
- Mestranol
- Methicillin
- Methotrexate
- Methoxyflurane
- Nafcillin
- Nomegestrol
- Norethindrone
- Norgestimate
- Norgestrel
- Oxacillin
- Penicillin G
- Penicillin G Benzathine
- Penicillin G Procaine
- Penicillin V
- Piperacillin
- Pivampicillin
- Porfimer
- Sultamicillin
- Temocillin
- Tretinoin
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Aluminum Carbonate, Basic
- Aluminum Hydroxide
- Aluminum Phosphate
- Aminolevulinic Acid
- Bismuth Subsalicylate
- Calcium
- Dihydroxyaluminum Aminoacetate
- Dihydroxyaluminum Sodium Carbonate
- Iron
- Magaldrate
- Magnesium Carbonate
- Magnesium Hydroxide
- Magnesium Oxide
- Magnesium Trisilicate
- Rifampin
- Rifapentine
How much does Doxycycline hyclate cost?
To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
What are alternatives to Doxycycline hyclate?
There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Doxycycline hyclate. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
Doxycycline hyclate
Used for:
Doxycycline hyclate is used to prevent malaria due to the parasite Plasmodium falciparum and to treat many different infections caused by bacteria. Some examples include:
$10.14View prices
Used for:
Adults
Azithromycin (Zithromax) can treat certain types of:
Children
Azithromycin (Zithromax) can treat certain types of:
$7.91View prices
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Doxy PEP: Can Doxycycline Actually Prevent STIs After Sex?
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Chlamydia: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
Chlamydia is a common and curable sexually transmitted infection (STI). Learn about chlamydia symptoms, treatment, causes, prevention, and more.
How Long Does Doxycycline Take to Work? Plus, 6 More Doxycycline FAQs
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11 Things to Know Before Taking Antibiotics
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Doxycycline is an effective antibiotic that treats a wide range of infections, but are there alternatives? Learn more here.
Doxycycline hyclate images
