Key Facts
- Doxycycline is a tetracycline antibiotic that is approved to treat certain bacterial infections.
- It is used for chest infections, acne, rosacea, Lyme disease, some sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and malaria prevention.
- It is a prescription only medication in the US, UK and Australia.
- This antibiotic is usually taken by mouth with a full glass of water.
- Doxycycline increases sensitivity to sunlight, raising the risk of sunburn. Use sunscreen and protective clothing while taking this antibiotic.
At Prashi Pharma the Doxycycline brands that we stock are listed below.
Doxycycline brands and prices
| Brand | Strength | Form | Price from | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Doxypen 100 mg Dr. Morepen | 100 mg | Capsule | $140.00 90 Capsules | View |
What is doxycycline?
Doxycycline is an effective antibiotic used to treat or prevent a broad range of bacterial infections. It is available with a prescription and sold under several brand names on the market [1].
How does doxycycline work?
Doxycycline works by stopping bacteria from making proteins that help them multiply and survive. Without these proteins, the bacteria can't multiply, which helps your body clear the infection [2].
What is doxycycline used for?
Mainly used to treat
Urinary tract infections (UTIs), chest infections, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and gum infections.
Some other uses include
Skin conditions such as acne and rosacea, and preventing malaria.
Why you shouldn't lie down after taking it
Avoid lying down for at least 30 minutes after taking Doxycycline. This is because the tablet can get stuck in your esophagus and cause severe irritation, inflammation, or ulcers (a condition known as pill-induced esophagitis) [1].
Doxycycline strengths and forms
Doxycycline is available in various strengths, commonly 50 mg and 100 mg, and in forms such as capsules and dispersible tablets. Availability of this medication may vary depending on the product.
Our product Doxypen 100 mg is available in capsule form. Consult your medical provider to determine the appropriate strength and dosage based on the type of infection.
How to take Doxycycline
- Take a Doxycycline tablet/capsule by mouth.
- Do not chew, crush or split the tablets/capsules.
- Take it exactly as prescribed by your medical professional.
- Read the leaflet of the medication properly before intake.
- Check the manufacturing and expiry date of the medication before taking it.
- Try to take it at the same time every day.
- Take one tablet/capsule at a time with a full glass of water.
- Avoid lying down for at least 30 minutes after taking this medication to avoid throat irritation.
- You can take it with or without food.
- Complete the full course of this medicine.
Missed dose
If you miss a dose of this antibiotic medicine, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and follow your daily dosing schedule.
Overdose
Taking more than the prescribed dose of doxycycline can cause an overdose. Overdose symptoms include:
- Severe nausea and vomiting
- Confusion or dizziness
- Severe stomach ache
If you suspect a Doxycycline overdose, seek emergency medical attention.
- USCall 911
- UKNHS 111 or 999
- AU13 11 26 Poisons Information or 000
Side Effects of Doxycycline
Common side effects
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Photosensitivity
- Rash
- Hives
- Temporary discoloration of adult teeth
Serious side effects [3]
- Hematochezia (bloody stool)
- Hemolytic anemia
- Leukopenia (low white blood cell count)
- Throat irritation or trouble swallowing
- Exacerbation of systemic lupus erythematosus
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Fast or irregular heart rate
- Dysuria (pain or discomfort while urinating)
- Intracranial hypertension (abnormally high pressure within the skull and around the brain)
- Esophagitis/esophageal ulcerations if taken without water
If you experience any serious side effects, seek emergency medical attention.
Who Should Not Take Doxycycline
Most adults and children (12 years or older) can take this antibiotic medicine. Doxycycline is not suitable if you have/are:
- An allergic reaction to this antibiotic
- A kidney or liver condition
- Myasthenia gravis or lupus
- Alcohol dependence
- Breastfeeding or pregnant
Taking doxycycline with other medicines, food and alcohol
Doxycycline interacts with certain medications which can affect how doxycycline works. These medications include:
- Blood thinners such as Jantoven (warfarin)
- Penicillin antibiotics
- Certain seizure medications such as phenobarbital
- Acne medications like retinoids
- Hormonal contraceptives
Other medications and vitamins that can interact with Doxycycline are:
- Antacids composed of calcium, aluminum or magnesium
- Iron or calcium supplements
- Multivitamins that contain zinc or manganese
- Carafate (sucralfate)
- Pepto-Bismol
- Laxatives that contain magnesium
If you take any of the medicines or vitamins listed above, talk to your healthcare professional.
Doxycycline and alcohol
Regular or heavy drinking can reduce levels of doxycycline, making the medication less effective. Also frequent alcohol intake may affect your immune system, making it harder to recover from your infection. In addition, alcohol can cause dehydration, making you experience symptoms such as headache and fatigue. Therefore, it is best to avoid alcohol while taking this medicine.
Foods rich in iron
Avoid taking doxycycline with iron-rich foods such as sardines, liver, eggs, kale, beef, tofu, broccoli, and spinach, as it can affect the absorption of this medicine.
Dairy products
Avoid dairy products like yogurt, milk, cheese and cream for at least two hours before and after taking the medicine, as they can interfere with your body's ability to absorb doxycycline.
Doxycycline vs. Amoxicillin: Which One Is Stronger?
Doxycycline and amoxicillin are antibiotics belonging to different families. Doxycycline belongs to the tetracycline family, while amoxicillin is a penicillin antibiotic.
The best choice depends on the type of bacterial infection, the bacteria causing it, and your medical history. Doxycycline may be prescribed as an alternative for certain infections if you have a penicillin allergy, but it is not suitable for every infection or every patient. Always consult your doctor to know which antibiotic is best for you.
Doxycycline in the US, UK and Australia
The table below highlights the brand names and prescription status of doxycycline in the United States, United Kingdom and Australia.
United States
- Brand names
- Vibramycin, Doryx, Acticlate, Oracea (rosacea)
- How it is supplied
- Prescription only
- Regulator
- Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
United Kingdom
- Brand names
- Vibramycin-D, Efracea (rosacea), Periostat
- How it is supplied
- Prescription only
- Regulator
- Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)
Australia
- Brand names
- Doryx, Doxylin and generics
- How it is supplied
- Prescription only (Schedule 4)
- Regulator
- Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)
How to order doxycycline online with a prescription
Prashi Pharma is an online pharmaceutical platform that helps customers access prescription medications through an easy online ordering process. Steps to order Doxycycline from Prashi Pharma are:
- Select the brand and strength of doxycycline that matches your prescription.
- Upload your prescription during checkout following our Prescription Policy.
- In the next step our registered pharmacist checks your prescription and verifies the order before it is processed.
- Once your prescription is approved, your order is prepared for dispatch.
How to order · Prescription policy · Shipping policy