Doxycycline

Doxycycline is an antibiotic that belongs to a group of medicines called tetracyclines. It is used to treat different types of bacterial infections by stopping the bacteria from growing and multiplying.

Doxycycline is prescribed for many types of bacterial infections. It is commonly used to treat respiratory infections such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and sinus infections. It is also effective for urinary tract infections, certain skin conditions like acne, and sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea. 

In addition, doxycycline is used to treat Lyme disease, a bacterial infection spread by ticks and is also taken as a preventive treatment for malaria for people travelling to areas where the disease is common. It can also help manage gum disease (periodontitis) by reducing bacteria that cause infection. Thanks to its broad action against different bacteria, doxycycline is useful for treating a wide range of infections. 

Doxycycline works by interfering with the bacteria’s ability to produce proteins. Bacteria need these proteins to survive and grow. The medication binds to a part of the bacterial cell called the 30S ribosome. This blocks the bacteria from making the proteins they need, which stops them from multiplying and spreading. With the bacteria weakened, the body’s immune system is able to remove the remaining infection.

For most infections, the typical dose is 100 mg once or twice a day. For acne, the dose is usually between 50 mg and 100 mg, taken once or twice daily.

When used to prevent malaria, doxycycline is taken as 100 mg once a day.
This should start one to two days before travel to a malaria-affected area and continue throughout the stay, as well as for four weeks after leaving the area.

Doxycycline starts to work soon after it is absorbed into the body, often within a few hours after the first dose. However, noticeable improvement can take a bit longer and depends on the type of infection.

For milder conditions like urinary tract infections or acne, people may feel better within one to two days. For more serious or long-term infections, it might take several days of treatment before symptoms improve significantly.

If you forget to take a dose, you should take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is nearly time for your next scheduled dose, it’s better to skip the missed one and just continue with your regular dosing schedule. You should never take two doses at the same time, as this could increase the risk of side effects.

Some of the more common side effects include digestive issues like nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, or an upset stomach. Taking doxycycline with food can help reduce these symptoms. Another common side effect is photosensitivity, which makes your skin more sensitive to sunlight and increases the risk of sunburn. It’s best to avoid long sun exposure and use sunscreen while taking the medicine. 

Doxycycline can also irritate the oesophagus, which can lead to pain or even ulcers in the throat or chest. To avoid this, it should always be taken with a full glass of water, and you should remain upright for at least 30 minutes after taking it. Some people may notice headaches, dizziness, or a temporary metallic or bitter taste in the mouth.

Doxycycline can cause allergic reactions in some people, although this is not very common. Symptoms may include a skin rash, hives, itching, or swelling of the face, lips, or tongue. Breathing or swallowing difficulties may also occur. In rare cases, a severe allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis may happen, which is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment.

Yes, but there are some medications that can interfere with how well doxycycline works. For example, antacids, calcium supplements, and iron supplements can reduce the body’s ability to absorb doxycycline. It’s best to take doxycycline at least two hours before or four to six hours after using those products. 

Certain medications like blood thinners, such as warfarin, may become more effective when taken with doxycycline, which can increase the risk of bleeding. If you’re taking blood thinners, your doctor might need to check your blood more often.

Other medications such as anticonvulsants like phenytoin or carbamazepine can make doxycycline less effective by speeding up how it’s broken down in the liver. If you’re taking one of these, your doctor might adjust your dose. If you’re using birth control pills, be aware that doxycycline may reduce their effectiveness. It’s a good idea to use an additional form of contraception during treatment.

Doxycycline is usually used for short periods to treat infections. However, in some cases, such as for acne or malaria prevention, it may be taken for longer. Long-term use is generally considered safe when monitored properly, but it can lead to more frequent or stronger side effects, so regular check-ups are important if you’re using it for an extended time.

In most cases, doxycycline does not affect sleep or make people feel drowsy or overly alert. However, a small number of people may experience dizziness or headaches, which could have a mild effect on alertness.

Doxycycline is not recommended during pregnancy, especially in the second and third trimesters. It can affect the baby’s developing teeth and bones, possibly causing permanent discolouration of the teeth and slower bone growth. It should only be used during pregnancy if absolutely necessary and under close medical supervision.

For breastfeeding, doxycycline can pass into breast milk and may affect the baby’s teeth and bones as well. For this reason, it’s usually not recommended for breastfeeding mothers unless the potential benefits outweigh the risks.

It’s best to avoid alcohol while taking doxycycline. Although alcohol doesn’t directly stop the medicine from working, it can increase the chances of side effects, especially those related to the stomach, such as nausea or stomach irritation.

Doxycycline should be taken with a full glass of water to help it go down smoothly and to avoid irritation in the throat or oesophagus. If the medicine causes stomach discomfort, it’s recommended to take it with food. However, you should avoid taking it with dairy products like milk or yoghurt, as these can affect how well the medication is absorbed. After taking doxycycline, try to stay upright for at least 30 minutes to help prevent irritation.

People who are allergic to doxycycline or any other tetracycline-type antibiotics should not take this medication. It is also not recommended for those with severe liver or kidney problems unless advised and closely monitored by a healthcare provider.

Taking too much doxycycline can lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or breathing problems. In more serious cases, an overdose can cause damage to the liver or result in severe digestive issues. If you think you’ve taken too much, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately.

Keep doxycycline at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct sunlight. It’s best to store it in its original container with the lid tightly closed to protect it from air and humidity.

Doxycycline can be taken with or without food but taking it with food may help prevent side effects like nausea or an upset stomach. However, it should not be taken with dairy products, as they can interfere with absorption and reduce how well the medicine works. Drinking a full glass of water with your dose and staying upright for 30 minutes after taking it also helps prevent throat or chest irritation.

Doxycycline tablets should usually be swallowed whole. Crushing, breaking, or chewing the tablets can affect how the medicine works and may cause irritation in the mouth or throat. However, if you are using doxycycline in dispersible tablet form, these are made to be dissolved in water before swallowing. Always follow the instructions on the package.

Ordering Doxycycline is simple: choose your consultation method, get medical approval, and the pharmacy will arrange delivery straight to your door.

Yes, doxycycline is a prescription-only medicine. To purchase it, you need a valid prescription from a doctor. At Transtoyou you can get doxycycline after a consultation with one of our registered partner doctors.

Doxycycline is usually delivered in 1–2 business days after the prescription is received by the pharmacy.

Due to legal pharmacy rules, Doxycycline cannot be returned once dispensed. Be sure before confirming your order.