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Doxycycline Side Effects

Common doxycycline side effects include an upset stomach, skin reaction to sunlight, or unexplained rash. While these side effects may require no medical attention, if you experience more serious problems, such as watery diarrhea or fever, stop taking the antibiotic and notify your healthcare provider immediately. Less than 1 percent of people taking it experience rare doxycycline side effects, such as liver damage, allergic reaction, or vision changes.

 

Doxycycline Side Effects: An Introduction

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with doxycycline. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate doxycycline quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or are easily treated by you or a healthcare professional.
 
(The doxycycline side effects discussed below are not a complete list of reported side effects. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list with you.)
 

Common Doxycycline Side Effects

Doxycycline has been studied extensively in clinical trials, with thousands of people worldwide having been evaluated. In these studies, side effects are always documented. The most common side effects of doxycycline include but are not limited to:
 
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Skin reaction to sunlight (photosensitivity)
  • Upset stomach (dyspepsia)
  • Loss of appetite
  • Unexplained rash
  • Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia).
     

Serious Doxycycline Side Effects

Some doxycycline side effects can indicate a potentially serious problem. If you experience any of these side effects, stop taking doxycycline and call your healthcare provider. These side effects include but are not limited to:
 
  • Watery diarrhea
  • Stomach cramps
  • Bloody stools
  • Unusual headaches
  • Blurred vision
  • Unexplained rash
  • Joint pain
  • Fever
  • Feeling tired.
     
(Doxycycline Side Effects Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;