Doxycycline - Chlamydia Treatment

Doxycycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic belonging to the tetracycline class, which is designed to combat a wide range of bacterial infections. Its effectiveness extends to treating infections caused by both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, as well as certain parasites.

Doxycycline is widely used as a first-line treatment for chlamydia, a common sexually transmitted infection. By removing the bacteria's ability to create essential proteins, doxycycline effectively halts bacterial growth and promotes the resolution of the infection.

Doxycycline is typically administered as a 100mg capsule, taken twice daily over seven days. It is crucial to complete the full course of treatment as prescribed, even if symptoms subside before the course is finished.

What is Doxycycline used for?

Doxycycline is an antibiotic used to treat chlamydia, a sexually transmitted infection (STI).

How should I take Doxycycline Capsules?

Swallow the capsules whole with a full glass of water. To avoid irritation, take the medicine while sitting or standing and not just before bed. It's important not to lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking Doxycycline.

What are the common side effects of Doxycycline?

Common side effects include headaches, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to sunlight. These effects occur in about 1 in 10 people and can often be managed with simple measures like taking the medication with food and avoiding sun exposure.

Can I drink alcohol while taking Doxycycline?

It is advisable to avoid alcohol while taking Doxycycline as it can reduce the effectiveness of the antibiotic. Consult your doctor for specific advice based on your health condition.

Who should not take Doxycycline?

Doxycycline is not recommended for children under 12 years of age due to the risk of permanent tooth discolouration and effects on bone growth. It should also be avoided by pregnant or breastfeeding women unless advised by a doctor.

Are there any serious side effects I should be aware of?

Serious side effects are rare but can include severe allergic reactions, liver problems, or increased pressure in the skull. If you experience symptoms like severe headaches, vision changes, or signs of an allergic reaction, seek medical attention immediately.

How long does it take for Doxycycline to work?

You should start to feel better within a few days of starting Doxycycline for most infections. However, for conditions like acne, it may take a few weeks to see an improvement. It's important to complete the full course as prescribed, even if you start feeling better earlier.

Do not take doxycycline if you:

• -Are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
• -Have a known allergy to doxycycline or other tetracycline antibiotics.
• -Suffer from severe liver or kidney problems or conditions like myasthenia gravis, porphyria, or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

• - Have a history of gastrointestinal issues such as frequent diarrhoea or inflammatory bowel conditions.
• - Are taking or have recently taken other medications, including warfarin, antacids, or certain epilepsy drugs.
• - Have a history of alcohol dependency, as doxycycline may increase the risk of liver damage.
• - Experience visual disturbances while taking this medication.

• - Avoid sun exposure and tanning beds, as doxycycline can increase sensitivity to sunlight.
• - Do not use doxycycline as a self-treatment for infections other than chlamydia.

• - Dosage: Take one 100mg doxycycline capsule twice daily for seven days.
• - Administration: Swallow each capsule whole with a full glass of water. It is recommended to take the medication at the same time each day and to avoid lying down for at least 30 minutes after ingestion to prevent irritation of the throat.
• - Food: Taking the capsules with food or milk can help reduce stomach irritation.
• - Missed Dose: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one.
• - Sexual Contact: Avoid sexual intercourse during treatment and ensure that sexual partners are also treated to prevent reinfection.

Active Ingredient:

• - Doxycycline Hyclate

• - Sucrose
• - Maize starch
• - Crospovidone
• - Basic Butylated Methacrylate Copolymer (Eudragit E100)
• - Purified Talc

Common side effects include: 

• - Headaches
• - Nausea
• - Vomiting
• - Sunlight sensitivity

• - Bruising or bleeding you cannot explain (including nosebleeds), a sore throat, high temperature and feeling tired or generally unwell – these can be signs of blood problems
• - Diarrhoea (possibly with stomach cramps) that contains blood or mucus – if you have severe diarrhoea that lasts longer than 4 days, also speak to a healthcare professional if you have ringing or buzzing in your ears
• - Pale poo and dark urine, and the whites of your eyes turn yellow or your skin turns yellow (although this may be less obvious on brown or black skin) – these can be signs of liver problems joint or muscle pain since starting doxycycline
• - Severe headaches, vomiting and problems with your vision – these could be signs of pressure around your brain (intracranial hypertension)
• - A fingernail that starts coming away from its base – this could be a reaction to sunlight called photo-onycholysis
• - A sore or swollen mouth, lips or tongue
• - Severe pain in your stomach, with or without bloody diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting – these can be signs of pancreatitis difficulty or pain when you swallow, a sore throat, acid reflux, a smaller appetite or chest pain which gets worse when you eat – these could be signs of an inflamed food pipe (oesophagitis) or oesophageal ulcer