Why is doxycycline often prescribed over other similar class antibiotics to treat hair loss from LPP?

Question

How would you on average rank doxycycline, tetracycline versus minocycline for treating LPP? How would you rank these 3 meds on average for side effects? Thanks.

Jeff Rapaport, MD · Answer

In my opinion, the advantage of using doxycycline is that it has been proven to work in a sub antimicrobial dose as an anti-inflammatory agent. We usually prescribe 20 mg either twice a day or once a day. This is a generic equivalent of a dermatologic drug used to treat rosacea called Oracea.

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

They are fairly similar in terms of efficacy but good studies have yet to be published. Personally I prefer doxycycline over others. Tetracycline is less expensive which is great but it needs to be taken on an empty stomach. Minocycline can sometimes be associated side effects that are not seen commonly with other tetracycline members including joint pains and lupus like phenomenon. Doxycycline can be taken with food and tends to have the least overall chances of side effects compared to minocycline and tetracycline. That is not to say of course it does not have side effects because it certainly does. Doxycycline can cause upset stomache, headaches and tends to be the most photosensitizing. All in all, please see speak with your dermatologist about other specific side effects of the tetracycline group.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

The use of doxycycline rather than tetracycline is because if is tolerated better by most patients who take it than other medications for LLP

Why is doxycycline often prescribed over other similar class antibiotics to treat hair loss from LPP?

Answers (3)

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