Doxycycline

How To Take Doxycycline
Take the capsules twice a day (12 hours apart if possible) with food.

Take the capsules with a full glass of water because they can cause irritation if stuck in the throat.

You must not have sex for 7 days after starting treatment. If a partner is also being treated, you must not have sex until their 7 days is also complete. This means no sex even with a condom, and no oral sex.

Take care on sunny days
In some people Doxycycline can cause extra sensitivity to the effects of the sun (or sunlamps). This leads to the skin burning far more quickly and severely than would be expected and is usually first noticed on the nose and the backs of the hands. It is therefore sensible to avoid sunbathing (or sunlamps) while taking Doxycycline. In summer, keep out of the sun and use a high factor sun-block cream. If you do notice a rash or reddening of your skin contact us for advice.

You can read the Doxycycline Summary of Product Characteristics for more detailed information.

Female Patients
The effectiveness of the contraceptive pill after the ‘no sex’ 7 days may be reduced if you develop vomiting and / or diarrhoea after taking the antibiotics.

If this occurs, continue taking your pill as usual but follow the advice for your pill about using extra precautions (e.g. condoms) when you miss pills or have vomiting and / or diarrhoea.

If you are concerned that you might be at risk of pregnancy from unprotected sex you can access emergency contraception.