How should I take Doxycycline?

As with other antibiotics, you must finish your course of Doxycycline as prescribed, even if your chlamydia symptoms subside. This helps to prevent bacterial resistance.

When taking Doxycycline, follow these guidelines:

• Take ONE capsule TWICE daily for SEVEN days.
• Always ensure you complete the prescribed course.
• You should take Doxycycline with or after food and with a full glass of water.
• Do not have sex for SEVEN days after treatment is complete.
• Current UK guidelines state that you do not need a chlamydia test after treatment.

Be aware that Doxycycline won’t protect you from future infections, and it is recommended to avoid sexual activity during treatment to prevent reinfection or any further spread.

Doxycycline ingredients

Each Doxycline capsule contains 100mg Doxycycline (as hyclate) as the active ingredient.

Each capsules aslo contains: gelatin, magnesium stearate, shellac glaze, sodium lauryl sulphate, starch, E104, E127, E131, E171, E172 & propylene glycol.

Doxycycline side effects

Doxycycline 100mg capsules, like all medicines, can cause some side effects. These are usually mild and do not occur in everyone. They can include:

• nausea.
• vomiting.
• diarrhoea.
• acid type indigestion (heartburn).

Other side effects from doxycycline are rare.

Doxycycline can cause skin sensitivity to light. This means your skin will burn much more quickly under UV light than normal. Strong sun and sun beds should be avoided whilst doxycycline is being taken. If you do go out in strong sunlight, ensure you cover your skin or wear strong sunblock.

For a full list of side effects and information about taking doxycycline, including interactions with other medication, see the patient information leaflet supplied with your treatment.

You should stop taking your treatment and see your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms that may indicate an allergic reaction:

• wheeziness or difficulty breathing.
• fever.
• sudden swellings of the face, lips, throat, tongue, hands or feet.
• fast heart rate.
• low blood pressure.
• rash or itching (especially over the whole body).
• watery diarrhoea.
• cramps.

Doxycycline warnings

Do not take Doxycycline and tell your doctor, if you:

• have taken Doxycycline or any other antibiotic before and suffered an allergic reaction (e.g. rash, itching, swelling of the face, fainting and breathing problems)
• are allergic to any of the other ingredients in Doxycycline Capsules
• are pregnant or trying to become pregnant are breast-feeding

You should let your doctor know and ask their advice, if you:

• are likely to be exposed to strong sunlight or ultraviolet light (e.g. on a sunbed).
• have liver problems or are taking medicines which affect your liver.
• have severe kidney problems.
• have myasthenia gravis (a disease which causes unusual tiredness and weakness of certain muscles, particularly in the eyelid, difficulty chewing and swallowing and slurred speech).
• have porphyria (a rare genetic disease of blood pigments).
• have systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) a condition characterised by a rash (especially on the face), hair loss, fever, malaise and joint pain. This condition may be worsened by taking Doxycycline.

Doxycycline should not be taken at the same time as antacids or milk as these can reduce absorption and make your medicine less effective.

What medications should I avoid when taking Doxycycline to treat chlamydia?

There are several medications that you should avoid taking while taking Doxycycline. These include:

• Blood thinners: Doxycycline may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with blood thinning medications such as warfarin (Coumadin) or aspirin.
• Retinoids: Doxycycline may increase the risk of skin irritation when taken with retinoids such as isotretinoin (Accutane).
• Any medication that contains calcium, aluminium, magnesium, or iron, such as antacids.

Keep in mind that the list above is not exhaustive, so it’s important that you inform your doctor or pharmacist about all the medications you are currently taking before you start your course of Doxycycline.

What happens if I miss a dose of Doxycycline?

If you miss a dose of Doxycycline, it’s important to take it as soon as you remember. However, if it’s almost time for your next scheduled dose, it’s better to skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.

Missing doses can decrease the effectiveness of the medication and may prolong your recovery time. If you miss multiple doses, it’s best to inform your GP or pharmacist as soon as possible.

Always complete the entire course of antibiotics as prescribed, even if you start to feel better. This helps to ensure that the infection is completely cured and reduces the risk of resistance.