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 in different parts of the body including the sexually transmitted infection Mycoplasma Genitalium.

Suitability

Do not take Doxycycline:

• if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to Doxycycline or other tetracycline antibiotics such as minocycline, tetracycline or oxytetracycline or any of the other ingredients of this medicine listed in the patient information leaflet
• are pregnant, trying to become pregnant or are breastfeeding

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:

• 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)
• antacids (indigestion remedies), iron preparations, oral zinc or bismuth - they can reduce the effectiveness of Doxycycline
• 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 100mg twice daily for 7 days

Side Effects

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

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

If Doxycycline is not suitable, moxifloxacin is an available alternative.

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

Is there an over the counter Doxycycline available?

Doxycycline is a prescription only medicine (POM), which means that it is not available over the counter without a prescription. You should therefore not try to obtain Doxycycline over the internet from websites offering it without a prescription.

What can I take instead of Doxycycline?

If you are unable to take Doxycycline for Mgen (Mycoplasma Genitalium), then our doctors can prescribe a suitable alternative such as moxifloxacin. You will be asked about your allergies and previous medical history during your consultation, which will enable our doctors to advise the best treatment regime for you.

Can Doxycycline treat STIs?

Since the widespread resistance of certain bacteria that cause STIs to 1-day courses of azithromycin, Doxycycline has been found to be the most effective first line treatment for many STIs. Whilst azithromycin is still effective in a 3-day course, it is usually only considered as an alternative if Doxycycline is not suitable.

What infections will Doxycycline clear up?

Doxycycline is used to treat many different bacterial infections in the body, including acne and respiratory infections to name but a few. Whilst Doxycycline is useful in treating more than just sexually transmitted infections, it is very important to ensure you are being prescribed the correct dose for the correct amount of time.