Doxycycline For Malaria

Doxycycline is a tetracycline antibiotic (broad-spectrum antibiotic) taken before, during and after a trip to a high-risk area of the world where the malaria parasite is present. It can be used to prevent 4 different types of malaria parasite. It works by significantly reducing the spread of the infection allowing the body's defences to destroy the parasite before it takes hold.

Doxycycline can be used instead of the other malaria prevention medication Paludrine/Avloclor, as some malaria parasites have become resistant to the ingredient chloroquine. It can also be taken for longer than 28 days, which the other malaria medication Malarone cannot.

Doxycycline is available in a 100mg dosage for malaria, and is available in quantities of 48, 56 and 64 to protect you throughout the duration of your trip. This low dosage means side effects seldom occur.

A tetracycline antibiotic (broad-spectrum antibiotic) means it can be used to treat a wide range of infections effectively. For Doxycycline, this includes bacterial infections such as the STIs chlamydia, non-specific urethritis and ureaplasma, as well as UTIs, acne and bronchitis. It is the same dosage of 100mg for both malaria and bacterial STIs but they are taken for different periods of time so therefore require a different consultation with other doctor.

The form of Doxycycline we have available here at HealthExpress includes the salts 'hyclate'.

Doxycycline tablets prevent the malaria (plasmodium) parasite from multiplying once it's in the blood, which leaves it vulnerable against your body's natural defences (your immune system). This action prevents the malaria parasite from reaching your liver, where it can cause long-term health problems.

The malaria parasite needs to continue spreading across the body to stay alive. By halting this growth, your immune system has the time to kill off the infection itself.

Doxycycline for malaria should be taken before, during and even after your travels. This will be detailed in the patient leaflet available with every Doxycycline for malaria order approved by our doctor. As a rule of thumb, individuals are asked to begin treatment 2 days prior to travelling, during the entirety of the trip, and then 4 weeks (28 days) after their return.

If you are not 100% sure when to begin your dosage and how long to continue treatment for, speak to your doctor and/or pharmacist.

To prevent malaria, Doxycycline is available in a 100mg dosage in quantities of 48, 58 and 64 tablets.

• To prevent a malaria infection, take one Doxycycline 100mg tablet per day for 2 days before you intend on travelling.
• Continue to take one tablet per day throughout the trip.
• Once you return, continue taking one 100mg Doxycycline tablet per day for the following 28 days.
• Try to take your tablets at around the same time.
• Doxycycline tablets can be taken with food and water.
• Do not crush or chew the tablets.
• Store in a cool place, out of reach of children and pets.

It is important to remember to take Doxycycline before your trip to build up immunity, and exceeding the trip to ensure the parasite hasn't taken hold.

Doxycycline tablets in a dosage of 100mg are vastly well tolerated, however, some individuals may find that alcohol triggers side effects such as stomach pain. It may also lessen the effectiveness of your contraception. More on this is detailed under Precautions.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a Doxycycline tablet, simply take it as soon as you remember, but do not take 2 tablets at once as this does not combat the missed dose and it may increase the likelihood of side effects.

If it's near the time of your next tablet, take this tablet instead and continue to complete the treatment, but you'll finish one day later than planned.

When using Doxycycline 100mg tablets for malaria, the effectiveness at this small dosage is very high; therefore it is unlikely that it will cause any troublesome side effects. If you do experience side effects, these are usually mild and manageable. This means using the treatment to prevent such a serious parasite outweighs the temporary discomfort.

The most common side effects are usually moderate and may include; nausea, itching, vomiting, diarrhoea, indigestion or abdominal pain, difficulty or pain when swallowing, skin rash, and loss of appetite or flushing.

Rare side effects include difficulty breathing, redness of the eyes and throat irritation. If you do experience any severe reactions to the treatment such as face or throat swelling ensure you visit your doctor as soon as possible. This may be linked to an allergic reaction and requires urgent medical attention.

If any of these side effects do happen to persist beyond the 7 days of treatment, you should contact a doctor or your local GP to inform them of your condition as soon as possible.

There might be certain medications and medical conditions that may make using Doxycycline for malaria prevention unsafe for you. You should make sure to provide information about your health in as much detail as possible during your consultation.

It is important to take precautions when taking Doxycycline tablets, as certain drugs can negatively affect the way the treatment works. Drugs such as; antacids, calcium and iron supplements, penicillin, blood thinners, anti-seizure drugs and oral birth control pills should be avoided when using Doxycycline 100mg tablets.

Your skin may also become more sensitive to sunlight, which can be helped by taking extra precaution and protecting your skin from the sun by using sunglasses, applying extra sunscreen and staying in the shade when possible, for example.

Doxycycline capsules may also upset your stomach, but taking the medication with food could alleviate this issue. It's possible to drink alcohol while taking Doxycycline, however, the alcohol might increase the risk of experiencing certain side effects, such as stomach pain. Minimal amounts or no alcohol at all is usually advised.

Although there isn't conclusive evidence about its effect on pregnancy, it is often advised not to use Doxycycline when you are pregnant or if you are breastfeeding. Speak to your doctor to ensure the treatment is correct for you.

If you have a hereditary blood disorder or if you have had an allergic reaction to Doxycycline capsules in the past such as severe skin reactions or a swollen face/throat, you must tell your doctor so they can decide an alternative option.

If you are using an oral contraceptive such as the pill, it's important to note that this may not be as effective when using Doxycycline. It is advised to either not have sex until you have finished the course and the 7 days after, or use additional barrier contraception such as condoms throughout the time.

All prescription medications come with a full patient leaflet, which should be read before you begin treatment, even after the doctor has prescribed it to you. At HealthExpress, all medications comes with this leaflet, and they are also attached to the bottom of every treatment page.

If you're unable to use Doxycycline for whatever reason, there is other malaria prevention treatment that might be more suitable for you.

You can buy Doxycycline online from HealthExpress to prevent the malaria parasite.

Your consultation will be checked by one of our doctors, who will assess your suitability. If your consultation is approved, you will be able to purchase this treatment, safely and securely, along with other treatments that are suitable for your particular condition.

Please note that the manufacturer of Doxycycline may differ from that shown in the image above, but the ingredients, benefits and possible side effects of the medication will be the same. The tablets may be dispensed in plain white packaging with the dosage information included.

Can I buy Doxycycline without a prescription?

Due to the ingredients in Doxycycline, it is a prescription-only medication across the world, including the UK. This means that must be approved for you to use to ensure your health isn't at risk and you won't experience any serious side effects. The same will apply whether you decide to buy online or in person.

Is it safe to buy Doxycycline online?

Buying prescription medicines online is becoming an increasingly popular method, especially when obtaining medication efficiently without taking time out of your busy schedule.

To buy online, you are required to complete a medical questionnaire reviewed by our UK-registered doctor to determine whether the quantity and dosage are safe for you to use. Doxycycline is prepared by our UK-based pharmacy where it is checked again before being dispatched discreetly and securely.

Getting Doxycycline delivered in the UK

Delivery of Doxycycline at HealthExpress is via Royal Mail or private courier. Our next-day delivery is free of charge and will arrive at your chosen address the next-day including Saturdays. This is eligible across the UK. This is on all orders completed and approved by our doctor by 4.30pm Monday through Friday.

We have UPS Pick-up Points if you'd prefer to collect from a local shop in person.

Packaging will only contain your name and address so delivery will always be 100% confidential.

Do you have any other queries or observations?

If you have any further questions regarding Doxycycline that we haven't answered here, you can always contact our Customer Service Team via email, phone or Live Chat available Monday to Friday 8:00-17:00.