Doxycycline: how to take it safely
Vibramycin
Reviewed by Pharm. Abeeb Junior
What it is for
Treats chest, skin, sexually transmitted and tick-borne infections, acne, and prevents malaria.
How to take it
- Prescription medicine: take it exactly as your doctor or pharmacist told you.
- Swallow with water.
- Swallow upright with a full glass of water. Do not lie down for 30 minutes.
- Finish the full course, even if you feel better.
When to take it
Take it once or twice a day, as prescribed.
Take it with
With a full glass of water. Take it with food if it upsets your stomach.
What to avoid
- Stopping the course early.
- Sharing or saving leftover antibiotics.
- Pregnancy and children under 12 years, unless a doctor says so. It can stain growing teeth.
- Strong sunlight. Cover up and use sunscreen.
- Milk, antacids, iron, calcium and zinc within 2 hours of your dose.
Possible side effects
Nausea, stomach upset, sun sensitivity.
Get help if
Rash, swelling of the face, lips or tongue, or trouble breathing: get urgent help. Severe watery or bloody diarrhoea, or no improvement after 2 to 3 days: see a doctor. Pain on swallowing, severe headache or vision changes: see a doctor.
This is general information, not personal medical advice. Always follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions and read the leaflet that comes with your medicine. Medicines and doses can differ between products and people.