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Doxycycline

  • Doxycycline is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections.
  • 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 medicine Antibiotic
Used for Bacterial infections including sexually transmitted diseases and skin conditions such as acne. It is also used to prevent malaria and for some types of mouth infections.
Also called Vibramycin; Vibramycin-D
Available as Capsule, dispersible tablet, tablets

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

How to take doxycycline

  • Swallow doxycycline capsules whole, not crushed or chewed, with plenty of water, during meals, while sitting or standing. Avoid taking them just before lying down or bedtime.
  • Mix the prescribed dose of doxycycline dispersible tablets 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.
  • Important: Combined oral contraceptives may be less effective while you are taking a short course of doxycycline. In addition to taking the contraceptive pill, use a barrier method of contraception (e.g. condoms) while you are taking doxycycline and for at least seven days after your course of doxycycline has finished. If these seven days run into a 'pill-free' week, start taking the next packet of pills without leaving a break. If you are taking the type of contraceptive pill that is taken every day or if you need any further advice, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

Can doxycycline cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which 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-effects What can I do if I experience this
Feeling or being sick Drink plenty of liquid. Stick to simple foods such as dry toast. If vomiting continues to be a problem speak to your doctor.
Heartburn Speak with your pharmacist who may be able to suggest a suitable remedy. If it is severe or continues speak with your doctor.
Diarrhoea Drink plenty of water to replace lost fluids. If diarrhoea continues to be a problem 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 area. Speak with your doctor.
Skin rashes Doxycycline 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 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. Always take the container with you, if possible, 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.
© EMIS 2007 DocID:
4029		 DocRef:
dils2288		 Last Updated:
7 Feb 2007		 Date of Next Review:
6 Feb 2009		 Version:
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PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

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