How is doxycycline taken?

When taken to prevent malaria, doxycycline needs to be taken at a dosage of one 100mg tablet per day. Each doxycycline capsule should be swallowed with a full glass of water, whilst sitting or standing up straight. Take the capsule at approximately the same time each day. Allow at least thirty minutes after taking the tablet before going to bed or lying down as this helps prevent stomach problems such as ulcers.

If you experience stomach pain or nausea when taking the capsule, you may find that taking it with a meal helps prevent this side effect.

You need to begin taking doxycycline tablets two days before travelling to a malaria area to be protected. After returning from a risk area, you need to continue taking the daily tablet for four weeks. This is to ensure that the disease does not break out if you have been infected during your time abroad.

What if I forget to take a tablet?

If you forget to take your daily tablet, just take it as soon as you remember and then take the next dose at the correct time, but do not take a double dose if you have completely forgotten to take one dose.

Doxycycline and the sun

Doxycycline belongs to a group of antibiotics which can cause the side effect of photosensitivity. This means that while taking doxycycline you are more likely to get sunburnt. For the duration of your treatment, you must apply sunscreen before spending time in direct sunlight. You should not use a sunbed while taking doxycycline tablets.

There are a number of other rare but severe side-effects. If you experience any of the following reactions, stop taking the medication and seek medical help immediately. You will also need to seek alternative malaria protection

severe headaches or blurred vision

Other Possible Doxycycline Side Effects

• doxycycline can alter the numbers of your blood cells which may show in blood tests or cause infections, sore throats, bruising and nose bleeds
• sensitivity to sunlight
• headaches and loss of vision
• tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• stomach problems such as nausea, pain and being sick
• mouth ulcers, sore tongue and discoloration of the teeth
• inflammation of the liver and jaundice
• inflammation of the pancreas with severe upper abdominal pain
• reddening, peeling and swelling of the skin; rashes
• muscle and joint pain
• increase in urea in the blood
• thrush (Candida) infections. If you are going somewhere remote, you may want to take some thrush cream or other treatment with you, in case of this happening

For a complete list of risks and side effects, please read the patient information leaflet.

Stop taking the medication and see a doctor immediately if you experience:

• difficulty in breathing, wheezing or chest pain
• skin reaction such as rash, extreme sunburn, blistering and peeling or itching
• swellings of the tongue, face or throat
• watery diarrhoea and cramps
• soreness and itching around the anus and genital area
• worsening of systemic lupus erythematosus
• severe headaches or changes in vision