Doxycycline brands and prices in Pakistan

About Doxycycline

Doxycycline is an antibiotic from the tetracycline group. It stops bacteria from growing and spreading, and it also calms down swelling and redness in some skin conditions. It comes as capsules, tablets and tablets that dissolve in water, and it is a prescription medicine. As well as treating infections, it can be used to help prevent some infections, including malaria when travelling. WHO lists it as an essential medicine in its 'Access' group of antibiotics.

Who should not take it, or should take care

• Do not take it if you have ever had an allergic reaction to doxycycline or another tetracycline antibiotic.
• Pregnancy: it is not usually used in pregnancy because it can affect the baby's teeth and bones. The UK medicine leaflet says it must not be used in pregnancy, while NHS says a doctor may still recommend it if the benefits outweigh the risks. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or trying for a baby.
• Breastfeeding: it is not usually used while breastfeeding. The UK leaflet says do not use it; NHS says a doctor may sometimes recommend it. Ask your doctor.
• Children: it is not usually given to young children because it can stain their teeth. NHS says it is generally for people aged 12 and over; the UK leaflet and US sources say children under 8 should only have it for serious infections when a doctor decides it is needed.
• Tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney problems, lupus, myasthenia gravis (a muscle-weakness condition), porphyria, or problems with alcohol.
• Tell your doctor if you have had raised pressure in the head, stomach surgery, asthma, diarrhoea, or problems with your food pipe (oesophagus).
• Tell your doctor if you are going to be in strong sunlight or use sunbeds.
• Tell your doctor or dentist if you need surgery or an anaesthetic. It must not be used with the anaesthetic methoxyflurane.

Medicines and drinks that can interact

• Antacids and other indigestion remedies, and bismuth: these can stop doxycycline working. Ask your pharmacist how to take them safely together.
• Iron, zinc, calcium or magnesium tablets, and vitamins containing iron: these can also stop doxycycline being absorbed. Ask your pharmacist how to fit them in.
• Warfarin and other blood thinners (anticoagulants): doxycycline can raise the risk of bleeding
• Acne medicines, especially retinoid tablets, which together can raise pressure in the head
• Penicillin antibiotics
• Epilepsy medicines such as carbamazepine and phenytoin, and barbiturates, which can make doxycycline work less well
• Ciclosporin (used after transplants and for some immune conditions)
• Hormonal contraception: the UK leaflet and MedlinePlus say doxycycline may make it work less well (see the FAQ)
• Some stomach acid medicines, such as omeprazole and lansoprazole
• Doxycycline can affect some urine and lab test results, so tell anyone testing your blood or urine that you take it

Always tell your doctor and pharmacist about every medicine, supplement and herbal product you take.

Using it safely

• Take it only when a doctor prescribes it for you. Finish the course exactly as your doctor tells you, even if you feel better, so the infection does not come back and bacteria do not become resistant.
• Swallow it with a full glass of water while sitting or standing, and do not lie down straight afterwards. This protects your food pipe from irritation. The leaflet says how long to stay upright.
• Check the leaflet on whether to take it with food. Taking it with food can help if it upsets your stomach.
• Keep out of strong sunlight and do not use sunbeds. Use a high-factor sunscreen and cover up.
• It is best to avoid alcohol, as it may make doxycycline work less well.
• If you miss a dose, check the leaflet or ask your pharmacist what to do. Never take two doses together.
• For malaria prevention, follow the travel clinic's instructions exactly on when to start and when to stop, and still protect yourself from mosquito bites.
• Never share your antibiotics or keep leftovers for later. Store out of the reach of children and return unused medicine to a pharmacy.

Common questions

Can I drink alcohol while taking doxycycline?
NHS advice and the UK leaflet say it is best to avoid alcohol, because it may make doxycycline work less well. You can eat normally.

Will doxycycline stop my contraceptive pill working?
The UK medicine leaflet says the pill may be less effective, and MedlinePlus advises using another method of birth control as well while you take it. Ask your doctor or pharmacist what is best for you.

Why does doxycycline make me burn in the sun?
Doxycycline makes skin more sensitive to sunlight, so you can burn more easily. Avoid strong midday sun and sunbeds, wear protective clothing and sunglasses, and use a high-factor sunscreen.

Why do I need to stay upright after taking it?
If a tablet or capsule sticks in your food pipe it can cause irritation or ulcers. Taking it with a full glass of water while sitting or standing, and not lying down straight away, helps it go down properly.

Can doxycycline be used to prevent malaria?
Yes, it is one of the medicines used to prevent malaria when travelling. It does not give full protection, so you still need insect repellent, mosquito nets and covering clothing. Get it from a doctor or travel clinic before you travel, as medicines bought abroad may be poor quality or fake.

Prepared from the sources listed by the MedInfoBase team. General information, not medical advice: it gives no doses. Your doctor or pharmacist decides the medicine and dose for you.