Acne Antibiotics Information For Patients
Doxycycline and Minocycline are tetracycline antibiotics that may be used for infection, acne, rosacea, or other inflammatory skin conditions.
Some common side effects (but not all) include:
- Drug interactions: DO NOT TAKE if you are on coumadin/warfarin, Accutane, or other antibiotics. It is ok to take with birth control. We always recommend using a back-up method of birth control. Please ask your doctor if you are worried about any potential interactions and inform your doctor of all medications and supplements you take by mouth.
- Increased sun sensitivity (sunburn): Wear sunglasses, hats and sunscreen with SPF 30. Reapply sunscreen every two hours when outdoors. Do not forget about protecting your hands, chest and rest of your body (not just the face!)
- GI upset, nausea, esophagitis: Always take these pills with lots of water! A pill stuck in the esophagus can cause significant irritation. Avoid “popping” a pill right before bed or laying flat and stay upright for at least thirty minutes to one hour after taking a pill.
- Yeast infections: If you are prone to yeast infections, you may want to take a probiotic.
- If you develop a severe headache, vision changes, rash, discoloration/staining of your teeth or skin, lupus-like-syndrome, or severe nausea, please alert our office immediately. DO NOT USE while pregnant or breastfeeding or if under the age of 8.
Other Recommendations:
We always advise taking doxycycline/minocycline with food, but please avoid taking it at the same time as taking calcium (antacids, milk), magnesium (laxatives), iron, potassium or any multivitamins.
Please note, our goal is always to avoid the use of long term antibiotics. Your provider will discuss alternative long term treatment solutions with you if your course has exceeded several months duration.
For More Information, Contact DermWellesley
If you have any questions about antibiotics that are used for the treatment of skin conditions including their common side effects, our team of dermatologists would be happy to help you. Simply use our contact form to message our office or give us a call during our business hours.
