Doxycycline is a tetracycline antibiotic used for inflammatory acne at 100 mg daily (or 40 mg modified-release anti-inflammatory dose in Oracea). Beyond direct antibacterial effects, doxycycline inhibits matrix metalloproteinases and neutrophil chemotaxis at sub-antimicrobial doses, reducing inflammatory papules and pustules.
AAD guidelines recommend limiting oral antibiotic monotherapy to 12 weeks where possible, always pairing with topical retinoids and benzoyl peroxide to prevent resistance. Doxycycline is not maintenance therapy; it bridges until topicals control disease.
Side effects
Photosensitivity (sunscreen essential), GI upset, esophagitis if taken without water, rare intracranial hypertension. Avoid in pregnancy and children under 8 due to teeth staining.
CLYR Health offers doxycycline 100 mg capsules as a preview acne SKU for provider-supervised inflammatory acne protocols combined with topicals like triple-combination gel.