Doxycycline 100mg

About Doxycycline

Description

Doxycycline capsules contain the active substance doxycycline as doxycycline monohydrate. Doxycycline is an antibiotic belonging to a group of medicines called tetracyclines. It is used to treat many different types of infections including the sexually transmitted infection chlamydia.

Suitability

Do not take Doxycycline:

• if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to doxycycline, other similar antibiotics (such as minocycline or tetracycline) or any of the other ingredients listed in the patient information leaflet
• are pregnant, trying to become pregnant or are breastfeeding
• you are likely to be exposed to strong sunlight or UV light (e.g. on a sun bed) - you should avoid exposure to strong sunlight while taking this medicine as your skin may be more sensitive to sunburn than normal

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Doxycycline capsules must not be taken if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Doxycycline could harm the baby.

Important Interactions

You must tell your doctor if you are taking, have recently taken or might take other medicines, in particular:

• antacids (indigestion remedies), iron preparations, oral zinc or bismuth - these should not be taken at the same time of day as Doxycycline capsules
• carbamazepine, phenytoin (medicines used to control epilepsy) and barbiturates (used to control epilepsy or as a sedative)
• warfarin or coumarins (used to prevent blood clots)
• oral contraceptives (birth control pills)
• penicillin antibiotics (used to treat infections)
• ciclosporin (a medicine used to affect the body’s immune response)
• if you are going to have a general anaesthetic for an operation or dental surgery - you must tell your anaesthetist or dentist that you are taking doxycycline as you may have more side effects

Recommended Dosage

Doxycycline 100 mg twice a day for 7 days

Side Effects

• angioedema (swelling)
• diarrhoea
• headache
• headache
• feeling or being sick
• skin reactions
• photosensitivity reaction to sunlight

Stop taking this medicine and tell your doctor immediately if you experience serious side effects after taking this medicine, especially sudden wheeziness, difficulty in breathing, chest pain, fever, swelling of eyelids, face or lips, rash or itching (especially affecting the whole body)

Please Note

All medication can cause side effects. We have only listed a few to be aware of. Details of all side effects, including rare side effects to be aware of, are listed in the patient information leaflet (PIL). When completing your medical questionnaire, it is very important that you answer the questions truthfully. This is to ensure your doctor has a full picture of your medical history before prescribing. List all medicines you are already taking, including non-prescription and herbal medicines.

Alternatives

Individuals who are allergic to, or intolerant of tetracyclines, and pregnant women, should be treated with azithromycin 1g orally as a single dose followed by 500mg daily for 2 days.

Looking after your medicine

Do not take medicines after the expiry date stamped on the pack. Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.

Medicines are only intended to be used by the person they are prescribed for. Do not give your prescribed medicine to anybody else, even if they have the same symptoms as you. Medicines can be harmful if used by anybody other than the person they have been prescribed for.

References

Doxycycline 100mg Patient Information Leaflet

British National Formulary: doxycycline