Pros
Used for many infections including acne, chlamydia, and more
Used preventatively against malaria
Treats inflammation in conditions like rosacea
Doesn’t need refrigeration
Doxycycline is considered a tetracycline antibiotic, which functions by slowing bacterial growth throughout the body. Like any antibiotic, this medication can only be used to treat bacterial infections. It is ineffective against viral infections, as it will not kill viruses.
Doxycycline is known to treat many different bacterial infections, including urinary tract infections (UTIs), eye infections, acne, and chlamydia. Doxycycline is available only by prescription. Pfizer is the most common brand that manufactures doxycycline in the United States. It is available in a generic formulation as doxycycline, as well as under different brand names, including Vibramycin, Adoxa, Doryx, Morgidox, Monodox, Oracea, Atridox, Ocudox, and others.
Doxycycline may be prescribed as a capsule, tablet, powder, or liquid form. It’s always important to follow the specific instructions on your prescription, as they can vary based on the formulation and dosage that you are prescribed.
If you are prescribed doxycycline, be sure to complete the full course of the antibiotics unless your doctor specifically tells you to stop.
If you don’t complete your prescription, the antibiotic may not fully treat your bacterial infection and may increase your risk of antibiotic resistance.
There are many FDA-approved uses for doxycycline. Your online medical professional may prescribe it for any of the following common reasons. It’s also possible that your healthcare professional may prescribe it for other reasons not listed here. If you have questions about why a medication is prescribed, ask your online doctor or pharmacist.
Doxycycline is FDA-approved to treat acne and rosacea.
Like other antibiotics, doxycycline can be used to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Intestinal infections can be caused by viruses or bacteria. If an intestinal infection is determined to be caused by bacteria, it might be treated with doxycycline.
Doxycycline may be used to treat respiratory tract infections, such as bacterial upper respiratory infections and bacterial pneumonia.
Doxycycline exerts an anti-inflammatory effect, making it a good antibiotic for eye infections, such as chlamydial conjunctivitis.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can be treated with doxycycline. It may be prescribed for chlamydia and gonorrhea, among others.
Doxycycline can be used to treat infections of the gums.
The FDA also approves the use of doxycycline to treat malaria. Doxycycline can be recommended alone to prevent malaria or in conjunction with other drugs for malaria therapy.
Doxycycline is often used to treat skin infections caused by bacteria.
Certain forms of doxycycline are FDA-approved to treat specific infections, including Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. It can also help prevent malaria and Lyme disease.
Used for many infections including acne, chlamydia, and more
Used preventatively against malaria
Treats inflammation in conditions like rosacea
Doesn’t need refrigeration
May lead to easier sunburns
Can cause upset stomach
Can cause irritation or ulcers in the esophagus
Extended use can lead to overgrowth of yeast, causing yeast infections
The side effects associated with taking doxycycline are typically very mild. Because antibiotics attack bacteria, they can also kill good, healthy bacteria that live in your body. Therefore, most doxycycline side effects are associated with abdominal pain and discomfort, since the balance of bacteria in your gut may be altered while taking doxycycline. Common side effects may include:
Nausea
Vomiting
Loss of appetite
Mild diarrhea
Rectal or vaginal itching
Sore throat
Swollen tongue
Dry mouth
Back pain
Changes to the color of skin, scars, nails, eyes, or mouth
Anxiety
Other side effects, which are less common but might be more severe, could include:
Vision changes like blurry vision, double vision, or loss of vision
Hives, skin rash, or other allergic reactions
Fever
Swollen glands
Difficulty breathing or trouble swallowing
Swelling of the eyes, lips, throat, tongue, or face
Unusual bleeding or bruising
Changes to bowel movements, including watery or bloody stools
Stomach cramps
Joint pain
Chest pain
Jaundice
Dark urine
You should tell your doctor right away if you notice any of these adverse reactions, or if you develop any other new or concerning symptoms. Severe or life threatening conditions are rare.
The use of doxycycline in young children under age 12 is not advised because it can cause tooth discoloration and may impact bone development. Rarely, it may also lead to brain swelling in children. It should also not be used during pregnancy or during breastfeeding. You should not take doxycycline if you are allergic to tetracycline antibiotics.
Your pharmacist will provide you with instructions on how to take your doxycycline prescription.
Be sure to read your prescription label, drug information and follow the instructions your doctor tells you. Call your doctor or pharmacy if you have any questions.
Doxycycline can come in different forms and doses, so be sure to follow the specific instructions on your prescription.
Some specific dosage instructions may include:
Capsules: These should be taken on an empty stomach or orally, approximately one or two hours after mealtime. Usually, doxycycline is taken one or two times a day. It is recommended to take this medication with a filled glass of water.
Liquid: Before every dose, thoroughly shake the liquid. Use a labeled measurement spoon or medication cup to take the dose. Drink lots of water with the medication.
Even though you feel fine, keep taking doxycycline until you complete your prescribed course.
Doxycycline has many possible drug interactions. Don’t change what you are taking without checking with your doctor or pharmacist. That includes other medications or supplements, as well as over-the-counter drugs. Iron, calcium, and magnesium supplements should not be taken within two hours of taking doxycycline.
It is important to stay hydrated and drink plenty of fluids when on doxycycline. Dairy products can interfere with doxycycline absorption. Plan on consuming dairy products either a few hours before or after taking doxycycline.
The following drugs may cause a drug reaction if taken with doxycycline:
Warfarin
Phenytoin
Isotretinoin
Pepto-Bismol
Acetaminophen
Ambien (zolpidem)
Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine)
Oral contraceptives (birth control pills)
Lasix (furosemide)
Ask your doctor or pharmacist if it is acceptable to consume alcohol while taking doxycycline.
Some research shows that regular alcohol consumption may decrease the effectiveness of the medication.
Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun while taking doxycycline, as it can increase your risk for sunburn. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen when out in the sun.
The FDA has not recommended doxycycline for use in children younger than 8 years of age.
Doxycycline is not suggested for pregnant women, as it could pose a potential risk to the unborn baby. Pregnant women should consult their physician before taking any tetracycline antibiotic.
If your doctor prefers to put you on another treatment altogether, they may suggest another tetracycline antibiotic or an antibiotic in another drug class. Here are some common doctor-recommended alternatives based on your health issue:
Doxycycline is used to treat bacterial infections. This can include acne or rosacea, certain STIs, urinary tract infections, respiratory infections, skin infections, and other conditions. If you suspect you have a bacterial infection, talk to one of our board-certified doctors about a doxycycline prescription today.
Doxycycline can start working to treat a bacterial infection in as little as two hours after you begin taking it. However, symptoms will usually begin to resolve within one to two days after starting a course of doxycycline.
Depending on how long you were taking doxycycline, it can stay in your system for five or more days.
Doxycycline side effects should resolve within a few days after taking your last dose. If side effects are unbearable or persist, talk to your doctor for medical advice.
To get a doxycycline prescription, you will need to see a board-certified doctor to evaluate your symptoms. Doxycycline only treats conditions caused by bacteria, rather than those caused by viruses or fungi. To get started, book an appointment online with one of our top rated board-certified doctors. After a qualifying evaluation, your prescription will be sent to your local pharmacy for pickup.
The cost of doxycycline varies by insurance coverage and is covered by most insurance plans. Without insurance, doxycycline can cost as low as $5. Our prescription discount card helps members save up to 80% on prescriptions.
Doxycycline is considered to be a strong and effective antibiotic against a host of bacterial infections. Since it is a strong antibiotic, it can be effective against bacterial infections that are difficult to treat or resistant to other antibiotics.
Yes, Vibramycin is a brand name consisting of the generic drug, doxycycline.
Doxycycline is only available by prescription, so you will need to see a board-certified doctor to get a refill on your prescription. To get started, book a virtual appointment with one of our top rated board-certified doctors. After a qualifying evaluation, your prescription will be sent to your local pharmacy for pickup.
Children under eight years, pregnant females and people allergic to tetracycline antibiotics should consult a doctor before using this drug. Call your doctor to determine whether or not you are a good candidate for doxycycline.
If you miss a dose of doxycycline, take it as soon as you realize that you have missed it. However, if your missed dose is close to your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Avoid double doses.
If you take too much doxycycline, call your local poison control center or seek emergency medical care. If someone has taken too much doxycycline and they have trouble breathing, collapse, or have a seizure, call 911 immediately for medical help.
While laying down, doxycycline can reflux back into the esophagus, where it can irritate the lining of the esophagus. Avoid taking doxycycline before going to bed.
Avoid taking iron supplements, multivitamins, antacids, or laxatives within two hours before or after taking doxycycline. Do not take other antibiotics with doxycycline capsules unless your doctor has directed you to do so.
Doxycycline can increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen when outdoors.
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PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information.
MedlinePlus. (n.d.). Doxycycline. Accessed on October 10, 2023, from https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682063.html
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (n.d.). Questions and Answers for Consumers: Doxycycline. Accessed on October 10, 2023, from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/bioterrorism-and-drug-preparedness/questions-and-answers-consumers-doxycycline
Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Doxycycline (Oral Route) - Proper Use. Accessed on October 10, 2023, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/doxycycline-oral-route/proper-use/drg-20068229
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Malaria Resources - Doxycycline. Accessed on October 10, 2023, from https://www.cdc.gov/malaria/resources/pdf/fsp/drugs/doxycycline.pdf
National Health Service. (n.d.). Taking doxycycline with other medicines and herbal supplements. Accessed on October 10, 2023, from https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/doxycycline/taking-doxycycline-with-other-medicines-and-herbal-supplements/