How should I take Doxycycline for rosacea?

At The Independent Pharmacy, for Rosacea we offer Doxycycline 50mg Capsules.

For the treatment of Rosacea, two 50mg capsules are to be taken once daily.

Generally, treatment will go on for around 6-12 weeks.

Doxycycline ingredients

Each Doxycycline capsule contains 50mg Doxycycline (as hyclate) as the active ingredient.

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

Doxycycline side effects

Common side effects (affecting around 1 in 10 people) include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Headaches
• Sun sensitivity

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

• Wheezing/difficulty breathing
• Fever
• Swelling of the face, lips, throat, tongue, hands or feet
• Increased heart rate
• Low blood pressure
• A rash
• Itching
• Diarrhoea
• Cramps

If you experience severe or persistent side effects, it's important to contact your healthcare provider. For a full list of side effects and information about taking Doxycycline, including interactions with other medication, see the Patient Information Leaflet.

What happens if I overdose on Doxycycline?

An overdose of Doxycycline can be dangerous and may cause severe side effects. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical help right away. The symptoms of an overdose may include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Loss of appetite
• Abdominal pain
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Drowsiness
• Blurred vision

In severe cases, an overdose may lead to more serious side effects such as:

• Seizures
• Coma
• Kidney damage
• Liver damage

Overdosing on Doxycycline is not known to be fatal when taken alone. However, an overdose of any medication should be considered a medical emergency and treated immediately.

Doxycycline warnings

Before deciding to use Doxycycline, you should consider the following warnings.

Do not take Doxycycline if:

• You have ever had an allergic reaction to any of the ingredients listed below.
• You are in or have passed the fourth month of pregnancy, as it may affect the unborn baby. If you become pregnant whilst taking Doxycycline, consult with your doctor as soon as possible.
• You are currently using any oral retinoids.
• You suffer from achlorhydria (an absence of stomach acid) or have had any surgery on the duodenum (upper part of the gut).

You should always consult with your doctor before beginning a course of Doxycycline if you:

• Have liver disease.
• Are predisposed to candidiasis overgrowth.
• Are currently suffering from an oral or vaginal fungal or yeast infection.
• Currently suffer from a muscle disease.
• Currently suffer from colitis.
• Experience any oesophageal ulceration or irritation.
• Have rosacea affecting the eyes.
• Frequently expose yourself to strong UV light, as sunburn can occur more easily.

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

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).
• Oral contraceptives: Doxycycline can make the contraceptive pill less effective.
• Any medication containing calcium, aluminium, magnesium, or iron, such as antacids.
• Antibiotics containing penicillin.

Please refer to the Patient Information Leaflet for a full list of warnings. Always inform your doctor or pharmacist of any medications you are currently taking before starting Doxycycline.

What happens if I miss a dose of Doxycycline?

If you miss a dose of Doxycycline, it is 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.