Which antibiotic wins for skin infections? study pits doxycycline against TMP-SMX

NCT ID NCT03637400

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study compared two common antibiotics, doxycycline and TMP-SMX, for treating uncomplicated skin infections like boils and cellulitis. 269 people aged 9 to 85 took one of the drugs for 7 days. Researchers checked if the infection cleared up early, at the end of treatment, and one month later.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

doxycycline and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX)

What this could lead to

If one antibiotic works better, it could help doctors choose the best treatment for common skin infections, reducing complications.

What could go wrong

This is a Phase 2 study with 269 people, so results may not apply to everyone. Both drugs have side effects like nausea or allergic reactions.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

cellulitis methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus infectious disease skin infection

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Harbor-UCLA Medical Center

    Torrance, California, 90509, United States

  • Olive View-UCLA Medical Center

    Sylmar, California, 91342, United States

  • Washington University

    St Louis, Missouri, 63130, United States