About doxycycline

Doxycycline is a type of antibiotic that is used to treat a number of different types of infection, including chest infections, some skin conditions, sexuellt överförbara infektioner, and infections in or around the mouth.

Doxycycline is also used to prevent people from getting malaria when they travel to countries where malaria occurs.

Although doxycycline can only be obtained on a prescription from a doctor, it is not prescribable on the NHS to prevent malaria. This means that you will be given a private (non-NHS) prescription and you will be asked to pay the full price for the tablets/capsules if you are taking it for this reason.

Common side effects of doxycycline are:

• Upset stomach.

• Indigestion.

• Tummy (abdominal) pain.

• Diarré.

• Headache.

• Värk och smärta.

• Yeast infection (thrush).

• Torr mun.

• Anxiety.

• Increased sweating.

You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of these side effects continue or become troublesome.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to the medicine, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist who will be able to advise you further.

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions. Before starting doxycycline it is important that your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• Om du är gravid, försöker bli gravid eller ammar.

• Om du har några problem med hur din lever fungerar, eller om du har några problem med hur dina njurar fungerar.

• If you have an inflammatory condition called systemic lupus erythematosus (also called lupus, or SLE).

• Om du har ett tillstånd som orsakar muskelsvaghet, kallat myasthenia gravis.

• Om du tar några andra läkemedel. Detta inkluderar alla läkemedel som kan köpas utan recept, samt växtbaserade och komplementära läkemedel.

• Om du någonsin har haft en allergisk reaktion mot en medicin.

• Read the leaflet in the pack before starting doxycycline. It explains how to take it and lists possible side effects.

• Take doxycycline exactly as your doctor tells you. It is usually one dose a day however some people will be prescribed two. For mouth ulcers you may be asked to take four doses a day.

• If taking capsules, you must swallow these whole with a glass of water during mealtime. Sit or stand while taking it, and do not take right before bed to avoid throat irritation.

• If you have been given dispersible tablets (Vibramycin-D®), you should stir these into a small glass of water to take them. Rinse the solution around your mouth for 2-3 minutes, and then spit it out.

• If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Try to take the correct number of doses each day but do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose.

• Depending on what you are being treated for, your course of treatment could last from a week, to several months. Keep taking doxycycline until the course is finished unless you are told to stop sooner by a doctor.

• Avoid taking antacids or supplements with iron, magnesium, or zinc within 2 hours before or after doxycycline, as they can make it less effective.

• Doxycycline may cause your skin to become more sensitive to sunlight than usual. Avoid strong sunlight and do not use sunbeds. Use a sun cream with a high sun protection factor on bright days, even when it is cloudy.

• This antibiotic may stop the oral typhoid vaccine from working. If you are having any vaccinations, make sure the person treating you knows that you are taking this medicine.

• You will be prescribed a brand of doxycycline that is appropriate for your need, as not all brands are suitable for all of these indications.

• Förvara alla läkemedel utom räckhåll och synhåll för barn.

• Förvara på en sval, torr plats, borta från direkt värme och ljus.

How long does doxycycline take to work?

Doxycycline usually starts working within 24 to 48 hours. Most people notice improvement in their symptoms after 2 to 3 days, but you should keep taking the medicine for the full course prescribed, even if you feel better.

Can you drink alcohol with doxycycline?

Yes, you can drink alcohol in moderation while taking doxycycline as alcohol does not stop doxycycline from working. However, drinking too much can increase side effects such as upset stomach, dizziness, or dehydration. For best results limit your alcohol intake until you finish your course.

Is doxycycline safe to take during pregnancy?

No, doxycycline is generally not safe to take during pregnancy. It can affect the development of a baby’s bones and teeth, especially in the second and third trimesters. Always let your doctor know if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant so you can be prescribed a safer antibiotic.

Does doxycycline make you tired?

Doxycycline can make some people feel tired but it is not a common side effect. If tiredness is severe or doesn't go away, speak to your doctor.

How long does doxycycline stay in your system?

Doxycycline has a half-life of about 18-22 hours, which means it takes roughly 1-2 days for most of it to leave your system after your last dose. However, trace amounts can stay for a few days longer. It is usually fully cleared within 5 days.