Is Doxycycline right for me?

I have suffered from moderate to severe acne on my back for a while now and was on minocycline for about 10 weeks with poor results.  My Dr. then switched me to Doxycycline which he said I would have to be on for about 2 months before he would be able to tell if it was working.  Aren't the 2 drugs very similar, and is it possible that one would work and not the other? Also, I work out a few times a week and sweat a lot.  Does this contribute to my breakouts as well, not that I want to stop these workouts although it seems that I am between a rock and a hard place as far as they go.  Also, if the doxy doesn't work is accutane the next step?

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Doxycycline is related to minocycline, but is a different drug, so it's worth trying.  Your doctor is right about the expected time frame for improvement.  If doxycycline doesn't clear things up in 3-4 months, there are other, non-cycline antibiotics which could be tried, and beyond those, Accutane may be worth considering.

Despite what people say, sweating from working out does not aggravate acne.  At most, it makes pimples redder, but that's just a visual effect, not a true worsening.

Take care.

Dr. Rockoff

[corishea84]

A related discussion, Doxycycl side effects was started.