Doxycycline treats a wide range of infections and is also used for acne, rosacea and malaria prevention. It has two practical quirks: it irritates the gullet if it does not go down properly, and it makes skin burn far more easily in sunlight.
Chest infections, some urinary and sexually transmitted infections, acne and rosacea, dental infections, Lyme disease, and malaria prevention for travel.
Take it with food to reduce nausea. Finish the course.
Leave a two-hour gap either side of indigestion remedies, calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc supplements, and dairy in quantity — they bind doxycycline and stop it being absorbed.
Doxycycline makes skin burn far more readily. Use high-factor sun cream, cover up, and avoid sunbeds and strong midday sun for the whole course — this catches people out on holiday, particularly those taking it for malaria prevention.
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and thrush are the common ones.
Get advice for painful swallowing or new heartburn, severe or bloody diarrhoea, a severe rash or blistering skin, or headache with visual disturbance.
Not for use in pregnancy, breastfeeding, or in children under 12, as tetracyclines affect developing teeth and bones.
Tell your prescriber if you take warfarin, retinoids such as isotretinoin, or medicines for epilepsy.
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