Doxycycline and Epiduo gel

Doxycycline

Take doxycycline once daily, ideally with a meal and a full glass of water. Sit or stand while taking it, and avoid lying down for at least 30 minutes afterwards so it’s less likely to irritate your stomach. 

Epiduo gel

• Before bed, gently wash your face, rinse and pat dry.

• Smooth a thin layer of Epiduo gel onto your clean, dry skin.

• Let the gel dry fully before using moisturiser or putting on make‑up, and use a non‑oily sunscreen each morning (SPF 30+).

• Epiduo gel may irritate your eyes and the benzoyl peroxide in it can bleach towels, clothing, bedding or even your hair. So always wash your hands after applying it.

Doxycycline is an antibiotic that reduces the amount of acne-causing bacteria on your skin and calms inflammation. 

Epiduo gel contains two active ingredients: 

• Benzoyl peroxide is antibacterial, gently exfoliating, controls oil and has an anti-inflammatory effect. This can reduce redness, swelling and help prevent breakouts. 

• Adapalene is a topical retinoid. Its main actions are to normalise skin cell development, prevent pores from being blocked and promote skin renewal. 

Combining the two increases the chance of getting smoother, less inflamed skin by tackling different acne triggers at the same time.

When you have mild-to-moderate acne, doctors and clinicians will usually prescribe topical treatments like Epiduo gel, and this may be combined with antibiotic tablets like doxycycline.

It usually takes around 6 weeks before oral antibiotics like doxycycline make a noticeable improvement in your skin. 

Gels with more than one active ingredient may work better. Adding a topical gel containing benzoyl peroxide can also help the antibiotic do its job while limiting the chance that the germs become resistant to it.

Doxycycline may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, so apply a non-oily sunscreen and avoid using sunbeds. Other possible side effects include nausea, an upset stomach or diarrhoea. Always let your doctor or clinician know if you get severe or persistent symptoms. 

As it combines two active ingredients, when you use Epiduo gel you could get side effects from adapalene (a retinoid) or benzoyl peroxide. Common side effects include dry or peeling skin, redness, mild burning or stinging and Itching or irritation.

The benzoyl peroxide in Epiduo gel can also increase your sensitivity to sunlight. So, it’s even more important to protect yourself. Apply a non oily, fragrance-free sunscreen daily (SPF 30+), try to stay out of the sun when it’s most intense and avoid sun beds. 

Full details on use and safety are in the doxycycline and Epiduo gel patient information leaflets.