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Doxycycline
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Doxycycline is a man-made antibiotic derived from the antibiotic tetracycline. It is used to treat various types of infections, such as infections of the respiratory tract, cholera, and periodontal disease. It is also used to prevent malaria when travelling to high-risk countries.
- Tetracycline antibiotic
- Fights bacteria
- Protects from malaria
- Genuine medication
- All drugs sourced in the UK
More information
A Doctor's Overview
![]() | GP and surgeon, Dr Shane Charles (MBBS, MRCS, PgDip SEM) provides a simple explanation of the medication below: 'Doxycycline is an antibiotic used to treat several bacterial and parasitic infections. '. If you think this is a treatment that can help you, start an online consultation now for a registered prescriber to review. If treatment is deemed suitable, they can prescribe it, and we can deliver it to you from the comfort of your own home with a range of convenient delivery and payment options for you to choose from. If you have any questions about a medication, you should always consult your doctor with any questions prior to starting treatment, to ensure that it is safe and suitable for you. |
Buying Doxycycline Online in the UK
How do I buy Doxycycline online?
You can order Doxycycline online safely from UK Meds. Before your order is approved, you will need to complete a quick online consultation with a registered independent prescriber. This ensures that Doxycycline is suitable for your medical condition. Once approved, your medication will be dispatched directly to your door for a convenient and secure purchase.
Doxycycline - Key Information
What is Doxycycline?
Doxycycline is an antibiotic used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections. It belongs to the tetracycline family of antibiotics and is commonly prescribed for conditions such as:
- Respiratory infections
- Acne
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia
- Malaria prevention for travellers
- Periodontal (gum) disease
- Skin infections
Doxycycline is not effective against viral infections like the flu or common cold. It should only be taken as prescribed by a healthcare professional to prevent antibiotic resistance.
How Does Doxycycline Work?
Doxycycline works by stopping bacteria from growing and multiplying, allowing the body's immune system to fight off the infection. It targets bacteria that cause skin conditions, respiratory issues, and STIs, and can also be used to prevent malaria when travelling to high-risk areas.
Benefits of Doxycycline
- Effectively treats bacterial infections
- Prevents malaria in high-risk regions
- Helps control acne and skin infections
- Works against respiratory and sexually transmitted infections
Always follow your doctor’s instructions when taking Doxycycline to ensure it is used safely and effectively.
What do Doxycycline users have to say?
Doxycycline Reviews
Read first hand what other UK Meds customers think about Doxycycline and it's impact on patients lives on our customer reviews above. For further context there are also a large selection of Doxycycline reviews describing what people think about their experiences with the medication available at Drugs.com and Web MD.
It is important to note that people may have different experiences when they use Doxycycline. If someone states that their medication did not work as they had hoped, it does not mean that it will not work for you. If you believe that it is the right medication for you then the best thing to do is to consult your doctor or healthcare professional, and judge the medication based on your own experiences if they recommend it as a treatment. Before starting a medication you should always consult with your healthcare provider first to ensure that it is safe and suitable for your individual needs.
Patient Information Leaflet
For more information on the prescription medication patients should refer to the Doxycycline patient information leaflet.
Usage Advice
How to Take Doxycycline
Doxycycline is available as capsules, tablets, or liquid suspension, and is usually taken once or twice a day. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully to ensure the medication works effectively.
Dosage Instructions:
- Take with a full glass of water to help prevent irritation.
- If the medicine upsets your stomach, you can take it with food or milk, but this may slightly reduce absorption.
- Do not increase or decrease your dose without medical advice.
- Complete the entire course of antibiotics, even if you feel better, to prevent the infection from coming back.
If you have any questions or don’t understand the instructions, speak to your doctor or pharmacist for guidance.
Dosage
What is the recommended dosage?
Doxycycline is usually taken once or twice a day for 7 to 14 days, depending on the type of infection.
Typical Dosage for Adults:
- Day 1: 200 mg
- Following Days: 100–200 mg daily (either as a single dose or split into two smaller doses)
Your doctor will decide the right dose for you based on your condition. Always follow your prescribed dosage and complete the full course, even if you start feeling better.
Side effects & Precautions
What side effects can it have?
Doxycycline is usually well tolerated, but like all medications, it may cause side effects.
Common Side Effects:
- Stomach pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
Less Common Side Effects:
- Sensitivity to sunlight (increased risk of sunburn)
- Tooth discolouration in children under 8 years old
- Skin rash or itching
Who Should Avoid Doxycycline?
Doxycycline may not be suitable if you:
- Are allergic to doxycycline or similar antibiotics (tetracyclines)
- Have kidney or liver disease
- Have asthma or a sulfite allergy
- Are taking certain medications like warfarin, seizure medicine, or isotretinoin
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding, as it may affect the baby's tooth and bone development
Warnings and Precautions
- Children under 8 should not take doxycycline unless prescribed by a doctor, as it can permanently discolour teeth and slow bone growth.
- Elderly patients may need a lower dose, especially if they have kidney, heart, or liver problems.
- Avoid taking doxycycline with antacids, iron, or calcium supplements, as they can reduce absorption.
- Doxycycline can make birth control pills less effective, so consider using an alternative contraceptive.
- If taking warfarin, doxycycline may increase the risk of bleeding, so your doctor may adjust your dosage.
Always inform your doctor about any medications, supplements, or herbal products you are taking before starting doxycycline.
Sources:
Learn more with UK Meds support resources for Doxycycline:
- How Long Does Doxycycline Take to Work for Infections? - Find out how quickly Doxycycline works to treat infections and help you feel better.
- How Does Doxycycline Protect Against Malaria? - Learn how Doxycycline can be used to prevent malaria, especially when travelling to high-risk areas.
- Doxycycline and Alcohol: Can You Drink on Doxycycline? - Understand whether it's safe to drink alcohol while taking Doxycycline and how it may affect its effectiveness.
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