Doxycycline

Doxycycline is a medicine used to treat sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

It can treat:

• chlamydia
• non-specific urethritis
• ureaplasma urealyticum
• mycoplasma genitalium (when combined with Azithromycin)

Doxycycline is available as 100mg capsules. When you take it, the treatment makes it harder for the infection to spread. This helps your body fight it off completely.

The treatment can also stop you from getting malaria. If you are travelling to a high-risk area, you can get it prescribed to protect you from this disease.

Doxycycline works by helping your immune system fight off the infection. It also stops the bacteria from growing quickly, so it is easier to kill off.

Make sure you finish all the tablets you are given. If you don’t take them all, the infection can come back. There is also a risk that the medicine will no longer work.

For all the instructions, make sure you read the patient information leaflet (PIL) that comes with your treatment.

If you are uncertain about anything, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

To take Doxycycline for an infection such as chlamydia, it is recommended that you should:

• take a 200mg dose (2 capsules) for 1 day (morning and evening)
• then take a 100mg dose (1 capsule) for the following days, until you have taken all the capsules
• try to take the capsules at the same time every day
• to help with stomach problems, take the dose right after a meal
• make sure to store the capsules in a cool place, out of the reach of children

However, please listen to your doctor’s advice as they might prescribe you a weaker or stronger dose.

You must not have sex during treatment, or for 7 days after finishing the treatment. Before engaging in sex again, take another STI test to ensure you are clear of the infection.

If the test comes back positive, speak to your doctor. You will need to undergo a full sexual health screening.

How do I take it for mycoplasma genitalium?

To treat mycoplasma genitalium, you need to take Doxycycline in combination with Azithromycin (another antibiotic).

The course of treatment is 10 days long. You can find further instructions on the mycoplasma genitalium treatment page.

Read more

What if I miss a dose?

If you forget to take your dose, take one as soon as you remember.

If you have forgotten to take your dose nearly all day, and it is almost time for your next tablet, do not take your forgotten dose. Taking two tablets close together can be risky.

Continue the treatment as normal, and you will finish all the tablets one day later than planned.

As with all prescription medicines, Doxycycline may cause some side effects. However, the most common side effects are mild and will go away by themselves.

Here is a list of some possible side effects:

• swelling of the skin
• diarrhoea
• headaches
• feeling extra sensitive
• nausea
• skin reactions
• vomiting

If you get any side effects for longer than 7 days, tell your doctor as soon as possible.

Seek immediate medical help if you have a bad allergic reaction, such as your face swelling or not being able to breathe.

Certain medicines can interact with Doxycycline. This treatment can also make symptoms of some medical conditions worse. Tell your doctor if you are currently on any medication, or if you have another medical condition.

Doxycycline can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Take care to protect your skin by wearing SPF 50 sunscreen and a hat if there is hot weather.

Don’t drink any alcohol with this medicine, as it might increase your chances of side effects.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, speak to your doctor before taking Doxycycline.

This medicine is not for you if you have a hereditary blood disorder. You must tell your doctor about this if this applies to you, so they can find a better treatment.

Tell anyone you have had sex with recently in case you have passed on your infection. They might need treatment too.

You can buy Doxycycline capsules here at HealthExpress to treat certain STIs. All you need to do is fill out a short online form which will be reviewed by one of our UK-registered doctors.

If the doctor says it is safe for you to take the medicine, it will be sent right to your front door, with free next-day delivery.

The parcel will also be delivered in plain and discreet packaging to maintain your privacy.

The packaging of this product may look different from the picture. But don't worry, different manufacturers often have different packages. Just make sure that the name on the box says 'Doxycycline.'