Doxycycline and Adapalene gel

How do I take Doxycycline and Adapalene gel?

Doxycycline should be taken once a day with a meal and lots of water, you should be sitting or standing when taking the tablet and make sure you take it well before going to bed.

Adapalene gel (generic Differin) should be applied thinly to the affected area each evening before going to bed.

How does Doxycycline and Adapalene gel work?

The combination of these two medications works to tackle both the causes and the effects of acne.

Doxycycline is an antibiotic and therefore works to eradicate the bacteria that cause acne, preventing the formation of acne in the first place.

Adapalene gel is a retinoid and works to reduce redness, soreness and inflammation caused by acne. As acne is so often caused by blocked pores, Adapalene gel unblocks these pores and breaks down blackheads and whiteheads.

Is this combination acne treatment effective?

The pairing of Doxycycline and Adapalene gel for cream is effective on a variety of types of acne and is therefore a rounded acne treatment.

Adapalene gel is effective for those who experience comedones (blackheads and whiteheads). Oral antibiotics can be effective at treating pustules (small bumps filled with pus) as well as nodular and cystic acne.

Are there any side effects to Doxycycline or Adapalene gel?

Like a lot of medications, some people may experience side effects when taking Doxycycline or applying Adapalene gel.

The most common side effects of taking Doxycycline include nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, shortness of breath, dizziness, fast heart rate and swelling limbs. It also increases sensitivity to the sun, so it is important to apply appropriate SPF when out in the sunshine. 

When taking Adapalene gel some people may experience dry skin, skin irritation, burning sensation or redness.

For full information on side effects and correct use, see the Doxycycline and Adapalene gel patient information leaflets.

Is it safe to take Doxycycline or apply Adapalene gel during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Neither Doxycycline or Adapalene gel should be used while pregnant or breastfeeding.

Will this combination treatment interact with other medications?

Other medications can interfere with the effectiveness of Doxycycline, so it is important you let us know about any other medications you are taking.

Adapalene gel can be used at the same time as other topical treatments, however they should be applied at different times of day and could not contain tretinoin, isotretinoin or tazarotene.

Alternative acne treatments

Instead of taking oral antibiotics, some women may be prescribed the oral contraceptive Co-cyprindiol alongside a topical solution to treat their acne. Some people who experience acne may just prescribed a cream or gel along to tackle their condition. 

Reordering treatment

We will contact you through your Patient Record 6 weeks from your order to see how you are getting on with the medication. We may ask for some photos at this time as well to assess the response to treatment. It will also be an opportunity for you to give us feedback on your acne. To reorder your treatment, go to your Patient Record and select ‘reorder’. You will be required to fill in the online questionnaire each time you reorder.