Doxycycline - Brand names: Vibramycin-D, Efracea, Periostat

What doxycycline is for

Doxycycline is mainly used to treat bacterial infections, including some:

• urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
• chest infections
• gum infections

It's also sometimes used to:

• treat skin conditions like acne and rosacea
• prevent malaria while travelling in parts of the world where malaria is common

How to take doxycycline

Doxycycline usually comes as tablets or capsules that you swallow. There's also a type of tablet that you dissolve in water and drink (dispersible tablets).

How much you need to take and for how long depends on why you're taking it. Most people need to take it once or twice a day for a few days or weeks.

Always check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine. Ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice if you're not sure how to take it or have any problems taking it.

When taking doxycycline:

• try to take it at the same time each day – if you take it twice a day, this could be once in the morning and once in the evening
• swallow tablets or capsules whole with a glass of water while sitting or standing up – if you're taking dispersible tablets, let the tablet dissolve in a glass of water before swallowing it
• avoid lying down for at least 30 minutes after taking it (this helps stop the medicine irritating your throat)

Check your packet or leaflet to see if you should take your medicine with food or not. This will depend on the dose you're taking and what you're taking it for.

If you miss a dose of doxycycline

If you forget to take a dose of doxycycline, take it as soon as you remember, unless it's nearly time for your next dose.

If it's nearly time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose at the usual time.

Do not take 2 doses to make up for a missed dose.

If you take too much doxycycline

Taking an extra dose of doxycycline is unlikely to cause problems, but it's important to get medical advice if you take too much as it can sometimes be dangerous.

Side effects of doxycycline

Like all medicines, doxycycline can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.

Common side effects

Common side effects of doxycycline include:

• headaches
• feeling sick (nausea) and being sick (vomiting)
• a rash

Doxycycline should not affect your ability to drive, ride a bike or use machinery.

Serious side effects

Doxycycline can sometimes cause serious side effects, although most of them are rare.

Possible serious side effects of doxycycline include:

• an allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) – causing symptoms such as a swollen throat or tongue, a raised, itchy rash and difficulty breathing
• your skin being more sensitive to the sun – causing symptoms such as a rash, itching and redness (this may be harder to see on brown or black skin)
• inflammation in the bowel – causing symptoms such as a stomach ache and bloody diarrhoea
• changes in your blood cells – causing symptoms such as tiredness, bruising easily or getting ill a lot

Who can and cannot take doxycycline

Most adults and children aged 12 years or over can take doxycycline.

It's not usually given to younger children because it can affect how their teeth develop.

Doxycycline is not suitable for some people. For example, it may not be suitable if:

• you've had an allergic reaction to doxycycline or another antibiotic
• you have a liver or kidney condition
• you have lupus or myasthenia gravis
• you have problems with alcohol dependence
• you're pregnant or breastfeeding

Before taking doxycycline, tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions.

Breastfeeding and doxycycline

Tell your doctor if you're breastfeeding. Doxycycline is not usually used while breastfeeding because there's a risk it could cause side effects in your baby or affect how their teeth develop.

But a doctor may recommend it if the benefits outweigh the risks. The risks are lower if you take it for a short time.

If you're taking doxycycline while breastfeeding, speak to a healthcare professional or call NHS 111 if you have any concerns about your baby.

Pregnancy and doxycycline

Tell your doctor if you're pregnant. Doxycycline is not usually used during pregnancy because it can affect how your baby’s teeth develop.

But a doctor may recommend it if the benefits outweigh the risks. The risks are lower if you take it early in pregnancy (within the first 13 weeks).

Find out more about taking doxycycline during pregnancy on the Bumps (Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy) website

Taking doxycycline with other medicines, herbal remedies and supplements

There are some medicines, remedies and supplements that may not mix well with doxycycline.

This includes some types of:

• anticoagulants (such as warfarin)
• antacids and other indigestion treatments
• acne medicines
• medicines or supplements that contain iron or zinc

Before taking doxycycline, tell your doctor if you're taking any other medicines, herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.

Food, drink and alcohol with doxycycline

You can eat as normal while taking doxycycline, but it's best not to drink alcohol because it can stop the medicine working properly.