Doxycycline tablets and capsules

About doxycycline

Doxycycline is a type of antibiotic that is used to treat a number of different types of infection, including chest infections, some skin conditions, infezioni sessualmente trasmissibili, and infections in or around the mouth.

Doxycycline is also used to prevent people from getting malaria when they travel to countries where malaria occurs.

Although doxycycline can only be obtained on a prescription from a doctor, it is not prescribable on the NHS to prevent malaria. This means that you will be given a private (non-NHS) prescription and you will be asked to pay the full price for the tablets/capsules if you are taking it for this reason.

Common side effects of doxycycline are:

• Upset stomach.

• Indigestione.

• Dolore addominale.

• Diarrea.

• Mal di testa.

• Dolori e dolenzia.

• Yeast infection (thrush).

• Bocca secca.

• Ansia.

• Increased sweating.

You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of these side effects continue or become troublesome.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to the medicine, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist who will be able to advise you further.

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions. Before starting doxycycline it is important that your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• Se sei incinta, stai cercando di avere un bambino o stai allattando.

• Se hai problemi con il funzionamento del tuo fegato, o se hai problemi con il funzionamento dei tuoi reni.

• If you have an inflammatory condition called systemic lupus erythematosus (also called lupus, or SLE).

• Se hai una condizione che causa debolezza muscolare, chiamata miastenia grave.

• Se stai assumendo altri medicinali. Questo include qualsiasi medicinale disponibile per l'acquisto senza prescrizione, così come i medicinali a base di erbe e complementari.

• Se hai mai avuto una reazione allergica a un medicinale.

• Read the leaflet in the pack before starting doxycycline. It explains how to take it and lists possible side effects.

• Take doxycycline exactly as your doctor tells you. It is usually one dose a day however some people will be prescribed two. For mouth ulcers you may be asked to take four doses a day.

• If taking capsules, you must swallow these whole with a glass of water during mealtime. Sit or stand while taking it, and do not take right before bed to avoid throat irritation.

• If you have been given dispersible tablets (Vibramycin-D®), you should stir these into a small glass of water to take them. Rinse the solution around your mouth for 2-3 minutes, and then spit it out.

• Se dimentichi di prendere una dose, prendila appena te ne ricordi. Cerca di assumere il numero corretto di dosi ogni giorno, ma non prendere due dosi contemporaneamente per compensare una dose dimenticata.

• Depending on what you are being treated for, your course of treatment could last from a week, to several months. Keep taking doxycycline until the course is finished unless you are told to stop sooner by a doctor.

• Avoid taking antacids or supplements with iron, magnesium, or zinc within 2 hours before or after doxycycline, as they can make it less effective.

• Doxycycline may cause your skin to become more sensitive to sunlight than usual. Avoid strong sunlight and do not use sunbeds. Use a sun cream with a high sun protection factor on bright days, even when it is cloudy.

• This antibiotic may stop the oral vaccino orale contro il tifo from working. If you are having any vaccinations, make sure the person treating you knows that you are taking this medicine.

• You will be prescribed a brand of doxycycline that is appropriate for your need, as not all brands are suitable for all of these indications.

• Tenere tutti i medicinali fuori dalla portata e dalla vista dei bambini.

• Conservare in un luogo fresco e asciutto, lontano da fonti di calore e luce diretta.

How long does doxycycline take to work?

Doxycycline usually starts working within 24 to 48 hours. Most people notice improvement in their symptoms after 2 to 3 days, but you should keep taking the medicine for the full course prescribed, even if you feel better.

Can you drink alcohol with doxycycline?

Yes, you can drink alcohol in moderation while taking doxycycline as alcohol does not stop doxycycline from working. However, drinking too much can increase side effects such as upset stomach, dizziness, or dehydration. For best results limit your alcohol intake until you finish your course.

Is doxycycline safe to take during pregnancy?

No, doxycycline is generally not safe to take during pregnancy. It can affect the development of a baby’s bones and teeth, especially in the second and third trimesters. Always let your doctor know if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant so you can be prescribed a safer antibiotic.

Does doxycycline make you tired?

Doxycycline can make some people feel tired but it is not a common side effect. If tiredness is severe or doesn't go away, speak to your doctor.

How long does doxycycline stay in your system?

Doxycycline has a half-life of about 18-22 hours, which means it takes roughly 1-2 days for most of it to leave your system after your last dose. However, trace amounts can stay for a few days longer. It is usually fully cleared within 5 days.