Advertising Survey

We would like your input on how advertising is currently used in the site.

Please take this short survey to help us out.

Hide this message

Home > Medicines & Drugs > Doxycycline

Print this page

Doxycycline


  • Swallow doxycycline tablets whole (not crushed or chewed), with plenty of water, while sitting or standing - this will stop them from sticking in the throat and causing irritation.
  • The most common side-effects are nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.

About doxycycline

Type of medicineAntibiotic
Used forBacterial infections (such as chest infections)
Sexually transmitted bacterial infections
Skin conditions such as acne and facial rosacea
To prevent malaria
For some types of mouth infections
Also calledDoxylar®
Efracea®
Periostat®
Vibramycin-D®
Available asCapsule, dispersible tablet, tablets, and modified release capsules

Doxycycline stops bacteria from functioning and so stops numbers from increasing.

Before taking doxycycline

Before taking doxycycline make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you suffer from liver disease or alcohol problems.
  • If you suffer from porphyria (a blood disorder).
  • If you suffer from systemic lupus erythematosus (a blood disorder).
  • If you suffer from myasthenia gravis (a muscle weakening disease).
  • If the patient is under 12 years of age.
  • If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to take doxycycline

  • Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
  • Swallow doxycycline capsules whole, not crushed or chewed, with plenty of water, while sitting or standing. Avoid taking them just before lying down or bedtime.
  • If you are taking doxycycline dispersible tablets, mix the prescribed dose in water just before taking.
  • Do not take any indigestion remedies, iron or zinc supplements at the same time as this medicine. Take them at least two hours before or two hours after a dose of doxycycline.
  • Try to take this medicine at regular intervals, as directed by your doctor, to keep a steady level of doxycycline in your body.
  • If you are taking doxycycline for malaria, you must follow carefully any instructions you have been given by your doctor or pharmacist.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Even if your condition has improved it is important to complete the prescribed course of doxycycline. If you stop taking this medicine too soon your infection is likely to return and could be more difficult to treat.
  • If you are using hormonal contraception (the 'pill'), the current advice (January 2011) is that additional contraceptive precautions such as condoms are not required during a course of this antibiotic unless you are sick or have diarrhoea. If you need further advice, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
  • This antibiotic may stop the oral typhoid vaccine from working. If you are having any vaccinations, make sure the person treating you knows that you are taking this medicine.

Can doxycycline cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effectsWhat can I do if I experience this
Feeling or being sickDrink plenty of liquid. Stick to simple foods such as dry toast. If vomiting continues to be a problem speak to your doctor
HeartburnSpeak with your pharmacist who may be able to suggest a suitable remedy. If it is severe or continues speak with your doctor
DiarrhoeaDrink plenty of water to replace lost fluids. If diarrhoea continues to be a problem or it is severe, speak to your pharmacist or doctor
Difficulty swallowing, sore or painful tongue or mouth, loss of appetite, noises in the ear, soreness and itching of the rectal or genital areaSpeak with your doctor
Skin rashesDoxycycline may increase the sensitivity of your skin to sunlight. Use a sun block product to prevent this, especially in strong sunlight. If this does occur speak with your doctor

Important: if you have a severe headache, blurred vision, severe rash or are bruising very easily, contact your doctor straight away

How to store doxycycline

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

The pharmacists and clinicians responsible for the production of this document are:
Original Author: Helen Allen
Last Checked: 5 Oct 2009		Current Version: Helen Allen
Document ID: 4029  Version: 27		Peer Reviewer: Dr Cathy Jackson
© EMIS
Provide feedback