Doxycycline and Adapalene Gel

Doxycycline should be taken once a day with a meal and plenty of water; it should be taken sitting or standing, and it should be taken well before going to bed.

Each evening before going to bed, apply a thin layer of adapalene gel (generic Differin) to the affected area.

The combination of these two medications addresses both the causes and the symptoms of acne.

Doxycycline is an antibiotic, so it works to eliminate the bacteria that cause acne, thereby preventing acne from forming in the first place.

Adapalene gel is a retinoid that works to reduce acne-related redness, soreness, and inflammation. Because acne is frequently caused by clogged pores, Adapalene gel unclogs these pores and dissolves blackheads and whiteheads.

The combination of Doxycycline and Adapalene gel for cream is effective on a wide range of acne types and thus provides a well-rounded acne treatment.

Adapalene gel is useful for people who have comedones (blackheads and whiteheads). Oral antibiotics can be used to treat pustules (small bumps filled with pus), nodular acne, and cystic acne.

Some people may experience side effects when taking Doxycycline or applying Adapalene gel, as they do with many medications.

Nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, shortness of breath, dizziness, fast heart rate, and swelling limbs are the most common side effects of Doxycycline. It also makes you more sensitive to the sun, so wear sunscreen when you’re out in the sun.

Some people who use Adapalene gel may experience dry skin, skin irritation, a burning sensation, or redness.

See the patient information leaflets for Doxycycline and Adapalene gel for more information on side effects and proper use.

While pregnant or breastfeeding, neither Doxycycline nor Adapalene gel should be used.

Other medications can reduce the effectiveness of Doxycycline, so please inform us of any other medications you are taking.

Adapalene gel can be used in conjunction with other topical treatments; however, they should be applied at different times of the day and cannot contain tretinoin, isotretinoin, or tazarotene.

Instead of taking oral antibiotics, some women may be prescribed the oral contraceptive Co-cyprindiol in conjunction with a topical acne treatment. Some acne sufferers may only be prescribed a cream or gel to treat their condition.