Doxycycline For Acne
Doxycycline acne is used for more severe cases of acne, like the other tetracycline related antibiotics of which it is a derivative.
Some suggest that minocycline and doxycycline are slightly more effective in treating acne than tetracycline itself. All of these antibiotics treat acne by affecting the growth of bacteria that is involved with acne infections.
Doxycycline has proven to be effective in treating acne; particularly in cases of moderate to severe acne. In a study conducted in Turkey and published in 2005 doxycycline was shown to be as effective as another treatment known as azithromycin. In the study, doxycyline was demonstrated as providing improvement in the acne experienced by members participating in the study. Improvement in the acne was shown to continue up to two months following cessation of the treatment. It should be noted that side effects related to the use of doxycycline in this study were noted and included photosensitivity.
Among the 40 patients who completed the study, the mean reduction in inflammatory lesions and comedones was 52% in the doxycycline group versus 18% in the placebo group, a significant difference. There were no changes in either group in the composition of the surface skin flora or in antimicrobial susceptibility.
Doxycycline is originally prescribed to individuals who are suffering from bacterial infections like chlamydia and gonorrhea. But later on, it has become a medication for severe acne. This antibiotic is often associated with tetracycline because of its effectiveness in reducing pimples and inflammatory acne.
How Does It Work?
This is bacteriostatic, that is, it inhibits the growth of bacteria. It has a broad spectrum and is effective for retarding the growth of several different strains. It is part of the tetracycline family and is used for syphilis, gonorrhea, Lyme’s disease and to prevent malaria.
What type of drug is Doxycycline?
Doxycycline is a type of drug known as a tetracycline antibacterial. Antibacterial means that the drug fights bacteria. The word “tetracycline” refers to the chemical structure of the drug. That is, drugs that are in the tetracycline class have four 6-membered rings that make up their basic structure. This makes sense when you consider that the word “tetra” in Latin means “four,” and the word “cycline” comes from the Greek word, “kyklos,” meaning “circle.”
Before Taking Doxycycline
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to doxycycline, or to similar medicines such as demeclocycline (Declomycin), minocycline (Dynacin, Minocin, Solodyn, Vectrin), or tetracycline (Brodspec, Panmycin, Sumycin, Tetracap). Before taking doxycycline, tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease. You may not be able to take doxycycline, or you may need a dose adjustment or special tests during treatment.
Doxycycline for Acne Treatment
Doxycycline acne is used for more severe cases of acne, like the other tetracycline related antibiotics of which it is a derivative.
Some suggest that minocycline and doxycycline are slightly more effective in treating acne than tetracycline itself. All of these antibiotics treat acne by affecting the growth of bacteria that is involved with acne infections.
