Doxycycline

Please note: these are basic guidelines, refer to your doctor for a professional medical opinion.

Popular brand names:

A-Lennon Doxycycline, Cyclidox, Doxycyl, Dumoxin

Drug group:

Tetracycline antibiotic

Prescription needed?

Yes

What does it do?

Doxycycline is a tetracycline antibiotic used to treat various infections:

• Urinary, respiratory, and gastrointestinal tracts infections
• Oral/dental, eye and skin infections; and acne
• Sexually transmitted diseases and prostate infections

Doxycycline is also used in some parts of the world for malaria prevention.

How should it be used?

• Doxycycline should be taken with plenty of water, or with/after food (absorption is not significantly impaired by milk and food) – to avoid indigestion and nausea
• Doses should be taken in a sitting/standing position, and well before going to bed - to avoid the risk of throat irritation
• Do not take antacid preparations containing iron/calcium/magnesium within 2–3 hours of doxycycline

What is the typical dosage?

Your doctor will recommend a dosage tailored to your need, but typically:

Adults 100–200mg daily, taken 1–2 x daily

How quickly will it start to work?

1–12 hours (several weeks for acne) 
                        

How long will the effects last?

Up to 24 hours (several weeks for acne) 
     

When should I stop using it?

Take the full course as prescribed. 
                      

Is it safe for prolonged use?

Not usually prescribed long term (except for acne)

What are the possible side effects?

Side effects from doxycycline are rare.

The following have been reported:

• Less common: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea (although less likely to cause diarrhoea than other tetracyclines)
• Report to your doctor before taking your next dose if you experience: rash, itching, abnormal sensitivity of the skin to light, headache, visual disturbances

Doxycycline is safer than most other tetracyclines for people with impaired kidney function.

Doxycycline can stain developing teeth and may affect development of bone, and is therefore avoided in children under 12 years old and pregnant women.

What other considerations are important?

Dosage may be adjusted by your doctor under certain conditions.

• Certain health problems: liver problems, previous allergic reaction to tetracycline antibiotics, porphyria, systemic lupus erythematosus, myasthenia gravis, history of angioedema
• Other medicines: Penicillin antibiotics, barbiturates, carbamazepine, phenytoin, oral contraceptives, oral anticoagulant drugs, antacids, ciclosporin, lithium
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not prescribed, may lead to discolouration of baby’s teeth
• Children: Not recommended <12 years, reduced doses necessary for older children
• Over 60: No special problems, although dispersible tablets are less likely to cause oesophageal irritation or ulceration
• Driving and hazardous work: No known problems
• Alcohol: Avoid excessive amounts, may decrease the drug’s effectiveness
• Surgery and general anaesthetics: Notify your doctor or dentist