Doxycycline

Doxycycline is a common antibiotic often used for the treatment of various infections, such as bacterial infections, anthrax, malaria, and acne. The medication is part of a class of drugs called tetracyclines, and works by decreasing bacteria's ability to make protein (which it needs to live). Doxycycline is available in capsule, tablet, or injection form, and is usually taken once or twice a day.

 

What Is Doxycycline?

Doxycycline is a prescription antibiotic that is licensed to treat a number of common bacterial infections.
 

What Is Doxycycline Used For?

Common uses for doxycycline include the following:
 
  • Treatment of bacterial infections, such as:
o Pneumonia
o Certain types of urinary tract infections (UTIs)
  • An alternative for malaria prevention
 
 
Doxycycline has not been approved for use in children under the age of eight.
 
(Click Doxycycline Uses for more information on each specific use.)
 

How Does Doxycycline Work?

Doxycycline is part of a class of drugs called tetracyclines. It decreases bacteria's ability to make protein, which bacteria need to live.
 

Effects of Doxycycline

By affecting bacteria's ability to make protein, doxycycline helps stop bacteria from continuing to live and causing infection in the body.
 

When and How Do I Take Doxycycline?

Considerations for people taking doxycycline include the following:
 
  • Doxycycline comes as a capsule, tablet, or injection. It is usually taken once or twice a day, depending on your healthcare provider's instructions.
  • Doxycycline works best when taken without food. However, it can be taken with food if it upsets your stomach.
  • Doxycycline should be taken at the same time each day to maintain an even level of the medication in your system.
  • For doxycycline to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. Make sure that you complete your entire prescription of doxycycline, even if you start feeling better. This will ensure that the infection is completely treated.
 

Dietary Instructions With Doxycycline

There are no dietary restrictions with doxycycline. If you suffer from an upset stomach while taking it, try taking doxycycline with food or milk.
 

Dosing Information for Doxycycline

The dose of doxycycline that your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • The infection being treated
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Other medications you are currently taking.
     
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Doxycycline Dosage for more information.)
 

Side Effects of Doxycycline

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with doxycycline. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor, meaning that they require no treatment or are easily treated by your healthcare provider.
 
Common side effects of doxycycline include but are not limited to:
 
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Skin reaction to sunlight (photosensitivity)
  • Upset stomach (dyspepsia)
  • Unexplained rash
  • Loss of appetite
  • Yeast infection.
     
Potentially serious side effects can also occur with doxycycline, but these are less common.
 
(Click Doxycycline Side Effects to learn more.)
 

Drug Interactions With Doxycycline

Doxycycline has a number of medicines that it can interact with (see Doxycycline Drug Interactions).
 

Doxycycline: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

You should talk to your healthcare provider prior to taking doxycycline if you:
 
  • Have liver disease or liver failure
  • Are pregnant or breastfeeding
  • Have any allergies.
     
Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Doxycycline Precautions and Warnings to learn more, including information on who should not take the drug.)
 

What If I Take an Overdose of Doxycycline?

People who take too much doxycycline may have overdose symptoms that could include but are not limited to:
 
If you happen to overdose on doxycycline, seek immediate medical attention.
 

How Should Doxycycline Be Stored?

Doxycycline capsules and tablets should be stored at room temperature and kept protected from light.
 
Keep doxycycline and all medications out of the reach of children.
 

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose of Doxycycline?

If you do not take your doxycycline as scheduled, take your next scheduled dose at the appropriate time. Never take a double dose!
 

Strengths of Doxycycline

Doxycycline comes in a number of strengths. These include:
 

Who Makes Doxycycline?

Doxycycline is the generic name for an antibiotic medication manufactured by a number of companies, including:
 
  • Pfizer
  • Sandoz
  • Ivax Pharms
  • Mutual Pharm
  • Mylan
  • Watson Labs West Ward
  • Abraxis Pharm
  • QLT USA
  • Faulding
  • Collagenex Pharms
  • Lannett, Truxton Inc.
  • Vintage Pharms.
 

Generic Doxycycline

Doxycycline is a generic medication, but it is also available under a number of brand names. These brands include:
 
  • Doryx®
  • Doxy Lemmon®
  • Doxy-Caps®
  • Monodox®
  • Vibra-Tabs®
  • Vibramycin®
  • Doxycycline Hyclate tablets and capsules.
     
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;