From the Research
Doxycycline should be used for a maximum of 3-6 months for adolescent acne, with a standard dosage of 50-100 mg once or twice daily, and should be combined with topical benzoyl peroxide to prevent resistance. The treatment duration and dosage may vary depending on the severity of the acne and the patient's response to treatment 1. It is essential to evaluate the patient's improvement after the initial treatment period and transition to topical maintenance therapy when appropriate. Side effects to monitor include photosensitivity, gastrointestinal upset, and rarely, pseudotumor cerebri. Doxycycline should be taken with a full glass of water, either with or without food, and not within 2 hours of calcium-containing products, antacids, or iron supplements which can reduce absorption. The antibiotic works by both killing P. acnes bacteria and reducing inflammation. For female adolescents, contraception counseling is important as doxycycline can reduce the effectiveness of hormonal birth control and is contraindicated in pregnancy.
Some key points to consider when treating adolescent acne with doxycycline include:
- The importance of combining systemic antibiotics with topical treatments, such as benzoyl peroxide, to prevent resistance 2
- The need to monitor for side effects, such as photosensitivity and gastrointestinal upset, and to adjust the treatment plan accordingly
- The importance of evaluating the patient's improvement after the initial treatment period and transitioning to topical maintenance therapy when appropriate
- The need for contraception counseling in female adolescents, as doxycycline can reduce the effectiveness of hormonal birth control and is contraindicated in pregnancy
It is also important to note that doxycycline is just one part of a comprehensive treatment plan for adolescent acne, and that other treatments, such as topical retinoids and hormonal therapies, may also be necessary to achieve optimal results 3, 1.