Doxycycline is an acne antibiotic commonly used for moderate to severe breakouts. Acne is, of course, not the only medical condition it is used to treat. Doxycycline is also used against other bacterial problems, including chlamydia, streptococcus, gonorrhea, and others.
Doxycycline for acne is usually given as a long term management solution, so the side effects associated with it can become more of an issue with some people. This is particularly true for women who get thrush from taking antibiotics. The only possible solution to this (aside from choosing another type of acne treatment) is to take probiotic supplements daily, and possibly a prebiotic as well. Prebiotics make probiotic supplements more effective by providing conditions in which these beneficial bacteria thrive.
Thrush is not the only thing women have to worry about with doxycycline. If they are pregnant, women should not take it as it interferes with the optimal development of an unborn baby’s bones. Generally, doctors won’t prescribe it to pregnant women unless there are no other treatment options available. In the case of acne, they definitely would not prescribe it. However, if you are trying to conceive, you should consider discontinuing with doxycycline.
For those who suffer from heartburn, antacids made with calcium, aluminum, or magnesium should not be taken at the same time as this antibiotic. It binds with doxycycline in the intestine, thus rendering it ineffective. This is also true of any supplements containing these minerals. In fact, in instances where supplements interfere with the uptake of a medication by the body, it’s generally not recommended taking them within 2 hours of each other.
Fortunately, these side effects of doxycycline are not really common, aside from the usual association of thrush with antibiotics. Some people may find they have loose stools, abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting, however.
