Doxycycline: Uses, Alternatives, and What You Need to Know

When you need to fight off a stubborn bacterial infection, doxycycline, a broad-spectrum tetracycline-class antibiotic used to treat everything from acne to Lyme disease. Also known as a tetracycline antibiotic, it works by stopping bacteria from making proteins they need to survive. It’s not just for acne—doxycycline is often the go-to for tick-borne illnesses, chest infections, and even some sexually transmitted infections. Doctors pick it because it’s effective, affordable, and works against a wide range of bugs.

But doxycycline isn’t the only option. If you can’t take it—maybe because of stomach issues, sun sensitivity, or an allergy—you’ll likely hear about amoxicillin, a penicillin-based antibiotic often used for ear, sinus, and respiratory infections, or azithromycin, a macrolide antibiotic that’s taken less frequently and often better tolerated. Some people switch to cefuroxime, a cephalosporin antibiotic used when doxycycline fails or isn’t suitable. Each has its own strengths: amoxicillin is gentle on the stomach, azithromycin has a shorter course, and cefuroxime covers different bacteria. The choice depends on what you’re treating, your history, and how your body reacts.

Side effects matter too. Doxycycline can make you more sensitive to sunlight, upset your stomach, or cause yeast infections. It’s not for kids under 8 or pregnant women, because it can affect bone and tooth development. If you’ve had bad reactions to other antibiotics, your doctor might test for resistance before prescribing it. And while it’s often used for long-term acne, taking it longer than needed can lead to resistant bacteria—something we’re seeing more of worldwide.

What you’ll find here isn’t just a list of articles. It’s a real-world look at how doxycycline stacks up against other antibiotics like cefuroxime and clindamycin, what people actually experience, and how to spot when a different drug might work better. You’ll see comparisons on dosing, safety, cost, and how these drugs fit into everyday treatment plans—not just textbook theory. Whether you’re managing a skin infection, recovering from a tick bite, or just trying to understand why your doctor chose one pill over another, this collection gives you the facts without the fluff.