Doxycycline

Doxycycline is a prescription antibiotic tablet belonging to the tetracycline family, and it's one of the most commonly prescribed oral treatments for moderate to severe acne in the UK. It works in two ways — it kills the bacteria (Cutibacterium acnes) that infects pores and causes spots, and it also reduces inflammation, which helps to calm red, swollen, and painful breakouts. It's particularly effective for inflammatory acne, including pustules, nodules, and cystic spots. Doxycycline is usually prescribed alongside a topical acne treatment for the best results. A consultation with one of our clinicians at Access Doctor is required before it can be prescribed.

Doxycycline is not an overnight fix — it needs time to build up its effect. Most people start to notice an improvement in their skin within 4 to 8 weeks of starting treatment, with the best results typically seen after 12 weeks of consistent use. It's important to keep taking doxycycline regularly even if you don't see immediate results, as stopping too early can cause your acne to return and may contribute to antibiotic resistance. If you haven't seen any improvement after 12 weeks, speak to your own doctor who can advise on alternative treatments.

The usual dose for acne is one 100mg capsule taken once a day, preferably in the morning. Take it after a meal to reduce the risk of nausea or stomach upset, and always swallow it with a full glass of water. Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking it, as this can cause irritation to the throat or oesophagus. Try to take it at the same time each day to keep it working consistently. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember — but if it's nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed one and carry on as normal. Never take a double dose.

Yes — this is one of the most important things to be aware of when taking doxycycline. It can make your skin significantly more sensitive to sunlight, increasing the risk of sunburn, redness, and skin rashes even after relatively short sun exposure. While taking doxycycline, you should apply a high-factor sunscreen (SPF 50+) every day, wear protective clothing, and avoid prolonged sun exposure or sunbeds. If you notice unusual redness or a rash after being in the sun, contact your doctor.

Most people tolerate doxycycline well, but some side effects can occur. The most commonly reported ones are nausea, an upset stomach, diarrhoea, and heartburn — these are usually mild and can often be reduced by taking doxycycline with food. Increased sensitivity to sunlight is also common. In rare cases, more serious side effects can occur, including a severe allergic reaction, inflammation of the bowel, or increased pressure inside the head — symptoms of which include persistent headache or blurred vision. If you experience any severe or unusual symptoms, stop taking doxycycline and seek medical advice promptly.

This is a commonly asked question. Doxycycline may reduce the effectiveness of combined oral contraceptive pills, so it's advisable to use additional contraception — such as condoms — while taking it, particularly during the first few weeks of treatment. If you experience significant vomiting or diarrhoea while taking doxycycline, the absorption of both the antibiotic and any oral contraceptive may be affected, so use extra contraception during this time and speak to your doctor.

It's best to avoid alcohol while taking doxycycline. Alcohol can reduce how effective the medication is and may also increase the risk of side effects such as nausea and stomach upset. While an occasional drink is unlikely to cause serious harm, it's sensible to keep alcohol to a minimum and avoid binge drinking throughout your course of treatment.

No — doxycycline is not recommended during pregnancy, as it can affect the development of the baby's teeth and bones. If you discover you are pregnant while taking doxycycline, stop taking it and contact your GP straight away. It is also not recommended while breastfeeding, as it can pass into breast milk and may affect your baby. If you need acne treatment during pregnancy or breastfeeding, speak to your GP who can advise on the safest alternatives for you.