Doxycycline and Benzoyl Peroxide gel

You should take Doxycycline once a day with a meal, lots of water and make sure you are sitting or standing. It is important to also leave some time between taking the tablet and going to bed.

Benzoyl Peroxide gel (generic Acnecide) should be applied to clean, dry skin once or twice a day depending on how your skin reacts to the treatment.

Doxycycline is an antibiotic that works to kill the bacteria that cause acne. Benzoyl Peroxide gel also works to eradicate the bacteria that cause acne, as it has antibacterial qualities. Added to this

Benzoyl Peroxide gel breaks down keratin, a protein that is a part of the skin’s structure. This means it breaks down blackheads and whiteheads, as well as unblocking sebaceous glands.

This combination of acne treatments is most effective for those people who experience papules (small red bumps), pustules (red bumps with white tips) and nodules or cysts (much larger lumps which are more likely to cause scarring).

The antibacterial nature of both medications makes it an effective treatment for tackling the cause of acne. Benzoyl Peroxide gel will also work on the appearance of acne, clearing inflammation and redness.

Both Doxycycline and Benzoyl Peroxide gel are likely to make the skin more sensitive to sunlight, sunbeds and sun lamps should be avoided and a suitable SPF should be worn.

Doxycycline can, for some people, cause nausea, abdominal pain, dizziness and shortness of breath. Benzoyl Peroxide gel can cause a mild burning sensation, redness, dryness, peeling skin. It is also worth bearing in mind Benzoyl Peroxide gel will bleach, hair and fabric it comes into contact with.

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