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Doxycycline

Doxycycline is an antibiotic that's used to treat infections including:

  • chest and dental infections
  • skin infections and conditions like rosacea
  • sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
  • other rare infections

It can also be used to prevent malaria if you're travelling abroad.

Doxycycline is available on prescription. It comes as capsules, tablets and tablets which dissolve in water (dispersible).

Who can take doxycycline

Doxycycline is usually taken by adults and children over 12 years old. For some infections, doxycycline can be taken by younger children.

Doxycycline is not suitable for some people. To make sure it's safe for you, tell your doctor if you:

  • have ever had an allergic reaction to doxycycline or any other medicine
  • have kidney or liver problems
  • have an inflamed food pipe (oesophagitis)
  • have lupus, an autoimmune disease
  • have myasthenia gravis, a condition that causes severe muscle weakness
  • are pregnant or breastfeeding

Dosage

Your dose of doxycycline depends on why you are taking it. The usual dose is 100mg to 200mg, taken once or twice a day.

You might take a lower dose, such as 40mg once a day or 20mg twice a day, for rosacea or gum infections.

Children younger than 12 years old may need to take a lower dose than adults. The dose depends on your child's age and weight. If you're taking doxycycline more than once a day, try to space your doses evenly throughout the day.

Dose for malaria

You'll usually take 100mg once a day in the morning.

Carry on taking doxycycline until you've completed the course, even if you feel better. If you stop your treatment early, the infection could come back, or you may no longer be protected against malaria.

If you're taking a lower dose of 40mg of doxycycline a day for rosacea or gum infections, take it at least 1 hour before food.

If you're taking a higher dose of 100mg or more for other types of infection, you can take it with or without food. But you're less likely to feel sick if you have it with food.

Do not take your medicine together with dairy products. This is because dairy foods like milk, cheese and yoghurt can stop your body from absorbing doxycycline. You can have dairy products a few hours before or after your dose.

It's important to take doxycycline while you're in an upright position. You can be sitting, standing or walking. This will stop the medicine irritating your food pipe or stomach. Avoid lying down for at least 30 minutes after taking doxycycline.

If you take it twice a day, this could be first thing in the morning, and in the evening – before you go to bed. Try to avoid lying down for at least 30 minutes after taking doxycycline. This helps to prevent any irritation.

If you're taking doxycycline for malaria, start your treatment 1 or 2 days before going to an area with malaria. Stop taking it 4 weeks after leaving the area. Check with your doctor or pharmacist that doxycycline is the best medicine to prevent malaria in the country you are travelling to.

How to take capsules or standard tablets

Swallow your doxycycline whole with at least 150ml of water. Not swallowing them with enough water can cause swelling and irritation in your throat (oesophagitis).

How to take dispersible tablets

Dissolve the tablet in a small amount of water. Let the tablet break up fully then swallow the drink.

If you forget to take it

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it's nearly time for your next dose. If that happens, just leave out the dose you missed and take your next dose at the usual time.

Never take 2 doses at the same time. Never take an extra dose to make up for a forgotten one.

If you often forget doses, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to remember to take your medicines.

If you take too much

Taking 1 extra dose of doxycycline is unlikely to harm you. But speak to your pharmacist or doctor if you're worried, or you have taken more than 1 extra dose.

Common side effects

These common side effects of doxycycline happen in around 1 in 10 people. There are things you can do to help cope with them:

Speak to a doctor or pharmacist if the advice on how to cope does not help and the side effect is still bothering you or does not go away.

Serious side effects are rare and happen in less than 1 in 1,000 people.

Contact 111 or call a doctor now if you have:

  • bruising or bleeding you cannot explain (including nosebleeds), a sore throat, high temperature and feeling tired or generally unwell – these can be signs of blood problems
  • diarrhoea (possibly with stomach cramps) that contains blood or mucus – if you have severe diarrhoea that lasts longer than 4 days, also speak to a doctor
  • ringing or buzzing in your ears
  • pale poo and dark pee, and the whites of your eyes turn yellow or your skin turns yellow (although this may be less obvious on brown or black skin) – these can be signs of liver problems
  • joint or muscle pain since starting doxycycline
  • severe headaches, vomiting and problems with your vision – these could be signs of pressure around your brain (intracranial hypertension)
  • a fingernail that starts coming away from its base – this could be a reaction to sunlight called photo-onycholysis
  • a sore or swollen mouth, lips or tongue
  • severe pain in your stomach, with or without bloody diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting – these can be signs of pancreatitis
  • difficulty or pain when you swallow, a sore throat, acid reflux, a smaller appetite or chest pain which gets worse when you eat – these could be signs of an inflamed food pipe (oesophagitis) or oesophageal ulcer

Go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111.

Serious allergic reaction

In rare cases, doxycycline can cause a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis).

These are not all the side effects of doxycycline. For a full list see the leaflet inside your medicines packet.

Doxycycline and pregnancy

Doxycycline is not recommended during pregnancy. It can affect tooth and bone development in your baby. Talk to your doctor about taking a different antibiotic.

If your doctor or health visitor says your baby is healthy, you can take doxycycline for a short time (less than 3 weeks) while breastfeeding.

Doxycycline passes into breast milk in fairly small amounts. However, the calcium in your milk sticks to the doxycycline so the baby cannot absorb very much.

When used for a short time, doxycycline is unlikely to cause side effects in your baby. When used for longer, there is a small chance that it can affect teeth and bone development. However, this has only happened when babies have been given doxycycline directly. It has not happened when babies have doxycycline through breast milk.

If you need to take doxycycline for longer than a few weeks, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

If your baby is not feeding as well as usual, has a rash, has stomach upset, or has oral thrush (a fungal infection in their mouth), or if you have any other concerns about your baby, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, health visitor or midwife.

Doxycycline and fertility

There's no clear evidence to suggest that taking doxycycline reduces fertility in either men or women.

Speak to a pharmacist or your doctor if you're trying to get pregnant, as doxycycline is not recommended in pregnancy and other treatments may be more suitable.

Cautions with other medicines

There are some medicines that do not mix well with doxycycline. Before taking it, tell your doctor if you're already taking any of these medicines:

  • indigestion remedies (antacids)
  • stomach ulcer medicines that contain bismuth such as Pepto-Bismol
  • other antibiotics, such as rifampicin
  • acne medicines containing vitamin A, such as isotretinoin
  • warfarin, a medicine to help prevent blood clots
  • medicines for epilepsy, such as phenytoin or carbamazepine
  • ciclosporin, a medicine that calms down your immune system

A typhoid vaccine given by mouth (orally) may not work properly if you're taking doxycycline. It is OK to have the typhoid vaccine that comes as an injection when taking antibiotics, as it is not a live vaccine.

Tell your doctor if you're taking any supplements including:

  • anything which contains aluminium, bismuth, calcium, magnesium or zinc
  • iron supplements

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656 public posts

Doxycycline

Radioisotope incorporation into proteins was reduced by doxycycline. DNA fragmentation, consistent with apoptosis, was demonstrated in cells treated with doxycycline. These data suggest that doxycycline may have potential utility in the management of prostate cancer."
Radioisotope incorporation into proteins was reduced by doxycycline. DNA fragmentation, consistent with apoptosis, was demonstrated in cells treated with doxycycline. These data suggest that doxycycline may have potential utility in the management of prostate cancer."
pca2004 profile image
pca2004
in Fight Prostate Cancer
21 days ago

Doxycycline

Any advice on how I need to take these I supplied a sputum sample and they found a bug in it gp gave me these antibiotics but no advice on how to take them. Chemist where I picked them up said just follow the instructions. I have been told to stay off dairy products. Thank you
Any advice on how I need to take these I supplied a sputum sample and they found a bug in it gp gave me these antibiotics but no advice on how to take them. Chemist where I picked them up said just follow the instructions. I have been told to stay off dairy products. Thank you
Lina-61 profile image
Lina-61
in Lung Conditions Community Forum
2 months ago

Cancel Care Oncology Protocol

The C.O.C. protocol .The 4 prescription drugs Metformin, Avostatin, Doxycycline, Membenazole Is anyone here on them?
The C.O.C. protocol .The 4 prescription drugs Metformin, Avostatin, Doxycycline, Membenazole Is anyone here on them?
DeLeMere profile image
DeLeMere
in Advanced Prostate Cancer
2 months ago
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Medication

I have had my meds delivered thank goodness, they are Doxycycline (100mg) and Prednisolone (5mg) Has anyone had any experience of these
I have had my meds delivered thank goodness, they are Doxycycline (100mg) and Prednisolone (5mg) Has anyone had any experience of these
Doggie123-UK profile image
Doggie123-UK
in Lung Conditions Community Forum
29 days ago

Taking doxycycline

hello, I found out recently that I have chlamydia and so started the treatment just a few days ago, which is doxycycline. Question is, can I still have sex with my partner using condoms?
hello, I found out recently that I have chlamydia and so started the treatment just a few days ago, which is doxycycline. Question is, can I still have sex with my partner using condoms?
Landim profile image
Landim
in BASHH
5 months ago

Gut Microbiome, ADT & Doxycycline

What is the effect of Doxycycline added to [3] or [4]? *** What follows is somewhat fragmentary. [1]  not covered [2]  "In PC-bearing mice,  ... PC reduced the relative abundance of Akkermansia muciniphila in the gut, and this effect was reversed by ADT."  
What is the effect of Doxycycline added to [3] or [4]? *** What follows is somewhat fragmentary. [1]  not covered [2]  "In PC-bearing mice,  ... PC reduced the relative abundance of Akkermansia muciniphila in the gut, and this effect was reversed by ADT."  
pca2004 profile image
pca2004
in Fight Prostate Cancer
18 days ago

Antibiotics

I have cirrhosis and have been prescribed some Doxycycline by my GP. After I investigated with them they weren’t sure if I can take these meds… They said they would speak to a consultant and get back to me. That won’t be till Wednesday at the earliest though.
I have cirrhosis and have been prescribed some Doxycycline by my GP. After I investigated with them they weren’t sure if I can take these meds… They said they would speak to a consultant and get back to me. That won’t be till Wednesday at the earliest though.
Danz1 profile image
Danz1
in British Liver Trust
1 month ago

Doxycycline

Anyone had experience with having to take doxycycline for 3 weeks? Am two weeks into the course and my heart has been all over the place and bp down to 115/55 with no bp pills. Gone v pale and am having to supplement with extra iron but not within 2-3hours of the doxycycline. Any advice please?
Anyone had experience with having to take doxycycline for 3 weeks? Am two weeks into the course and my heart has been all over the place and bp down to 115/55 with no bp pills. Gone v pale and am having to supplement with extra iron but not within 2-3hours of the doxycycline. Any advice please?
GrannyE profile image
GrannyE
in AF Association
7 months ago

sti info

I have been told from hospital they had a slight detect of Chlamydia my partner and I have to get tested but he thinks I have cheated when I have never in my whole life wouldn’t and haven’t ever in my whole life I’m on antibiotics have been for about 3 days now they called Doxycycline how long it
I have been told from hospital they had a slight detect of Chlamydia my partner and I have to get tested but he thinks I have cheated when I have never in my whole life wouldn’t and haven’t ever in my whole life I’m on antibiotics have been for about 3 days now they called Doxycycline how long it
Shortstuff86 profile image
Shortstuff86
in BASHH
2 months ago

Doxycycline

Doctor prescribed 100 doxycycline twice a day for 10 days. Are there men on his forum taking doxycycline as alternative treatment for there Pca? If so why? Thanks
Doctor prescribed 100 doxycycline twice a day for 10 days. Are there men on his forum taking doxycycline as alternative treatment for there Pca? If so why? Thanks
lewicki profile image
lewicki
in Advanced Prostate Cancer
7 months ago

Reducing steroids

Went hospital. 40mg steroids for 3 days and an antibiotic called Doxycycline. As I had reduced my steroids for PMR and GCA to 8mg a day, I was wondering if I should keep to 8mg a day after the last day of 40mg? I forgot to ask the doctor at hospital. My thoughts would be helpful. Thank you.
Went hospital. 40mg steroids for 3 days and an antibiotic called Doxycycline. As I had reduced my steroids for PMR and GCA to 8mg a day, I was wondering if I should keep to 8mg a day after the last day of 40mg? I forgot to ask the doctor at hospital. My thoughts would be helpful. Thank you.
Richmond162 profile image
Richmond162
in PMRGCAuk
2 months ago

Advice please on possible flare-up of bronchiectasis and when to start taking emergency pack of Doxycycline

What is best thing to do and should I be taking the Doxycycline emergency pack? Be grateful for any guidance/own experiences. Wishing all a happy and healthy New Year.
What is best thing to do and should I be taking the Doxycycline emergency pack? Be grateful for any guidance/own experiences. Wishing all a happy and healthy New Year.
Frustrated12 profile image
Frustrated12
in Lung Conditions Community Forum
25 days ago

Reactions to Antibiotics and unable to treat UTI/Prostatitis

Histologic effect of sclerotherapy on rat femoral nerve "Results: The results suggest that topical doxycycline induces tissue reactions which are different from normal saline.
Histologic effect of sclerotherapy on rat femoral nerve "Results: The results suggest that topical doxycycline induces tissue reactions which are different from normal saline.
Whoa182 profile image
Whoa182
in Pernicious Anaemia Society
13 days ago

Doxycycline affecting platelets

Hi all have had to take doxycycline for 3 weeks as a precaution after oral surgery has anyone had any experience good or bad with change in platlelet count?
Hi all have had to take doxycycline for 3 weeks as a precaution after oral surgery has anyone had any experience good or bad with change in platlelet count?
Loftyc profile image
Loftyc
in ITP Support Association
6 months ago

Effect of Doxycycline in Levodopa Treated Parkinson's Disease Patients

New clinical trial registered in Bangladesh: Researchers will be evaluating doxycycline (50mg 2x daily or placebo) in 60 individuals with levodopa-treated Parkinsons; 8 weeks treatment randomised, double blinded; UPDRS & C-reactive protein are endpoints https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05492019
New clinical trial registered in Bangladesh: Researchers will be evaluating doxycycline (50mg 2x daily or placebo) in 60 individuals with levodopa-treated Parkinsons; 8 weeks treatment randomised, double blinded; UPDRS & C-reactive protein are endpoints https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05492019
Farooqji profile image
Farooqji
in Cure Parkinson's
5 months ago

Antibiotics update

I’ve now finished my course of Doxycycline and feel much better. I have the occasional cough but my chest is clear and my breathing has almost recovered. BUT, I really hope I don’t need that particular antibiotic again because they made me feel almost as ill as the original infection.
I’ve now finished my course of Doxycycline and feel much better. I have the occasional cough but my chest is clear and my breathing has almost recovered. BUT, I really hope I don’t need that particular antibiotic again because they made me feel almost as ill as the original infection.
Janann25 profile image
Janann25
in Lung Conditions Community Forum
2 months ago

CLL and complications

I have a great consultant, presently I take c--trimoxazole 960 mg daily and Doxycycline. I am at the stage i can know when a sepsis attack is coming on. Over the past 2 months iam constantly cold and my temp is on average 35.9c. Mentally iam at an all time low .
I have a great consultant, presently I take c--trimoxazole 960 mg daily and Doxycycline. I am at the stage i can know when a sepsis attack is coming on. Over the past 2 months iam constantly cold and my temp is on average 35.9c. Mentally iam at an all time low .
Tonnross profile image
Tonnross
in CLL Support
2 months ago

Recently diagnosed bronchiectasis

I have started Doxycycline on advice of GP. Normally I do 30mins of exercise daily but am resting completely today and taken day off work. Please could someone advise if doing the right thing or should I be keeping as active as possible Thank you
I have started Doxycycline on advice of GP. Normally I do 30mins of exercise daily but am resting completely today and taken day off work. Please could someone advise if doing the right thing or should I be keeping as active as possible Thank you
Poochpants55 profile image
Poochpants55
in Bronchiectasis Support
29 days ago

bronchiectasis flare up

I have started Doxycycline on advice of GP. Normally I do 30mins of exercise daily but am resting completely today and taken day off work. Please could someone advise if doing the right thing or should I be keeping as active as possible Than you
I have started Doxycycline on advice of GP. Normally I do 30mins of exercise daily but am resting completely today and taken day off work. Please could someone advise if doing the right thing or should I be keeping as active as possible Than you
Poochpants55 profile image
Poochpants55
in Lung Conditions Community Forum
29 days ago

Chest infection

He has been taking Doxycycline since Monday but he is still very chesty. The course is 14 days so not sure when we can expect the antibiotics to start working. Any advice would be most helpful given that it is difficult to contact drs now until Tuesday.
He has been taking Doxycycline since Monday but he is still very chesty. The course is 14 days so not sure when we can expect the antibiotics to start working. Any advice would be most helpful given that it is difficult to contact drs now until Tuesday.
Maninblack profile image
Maninblack
in Lung Conditions Community Forum
4 months ago
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