Your safety is our first priority. Learn more about key medication details, side effects, and other important information about your treatment.

Important Safety Information

Doxycycline is a prescription antibiotic used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections, including respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, acne, Lyme disease, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and more. It belongs to a class of medications called tetracyclines.

Doxycycline should only be used under the supervision of a licensed healthcare provider.

Do Not Take Doxycycline If You:

• Are allergic to doxycycline, other tetracyclines, or any of its ingredients
• Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
• Are giving it to a child under 8 years of age (may cause permanent tooth discoloration)

Warnings and Precautions:

• Photosensitivity: Doxycycline may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Use sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and avoid tanning beds.
• Tooth Discoloration: Use in children under 8 may cause permanent yellow-gray-brown discoloration of teeth.
• Esophageal Irritation: Swallow with a full glass of water and avoid lying down for at least 30 minutes after taking to prevent throat irritation or ulcers.
• Diarrhea: Antibiotic use may cause diarrhea, including potentially serious Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea.
• Liver and Kidney Caution: Use with caution in people with liver or kidney impairment.
• Pregnancy: May harm an unborn baby. Do not use during pregnancy unless clearly needed.

Possible Side Effects

Seek medical attention immediately if you experience:

• Severe allergic reactions (rash, itching, swelling of face/lips/tongue, difficulty breathing)
• Severe stomach pain, persistent vomiting, or diarrhea
• Unusual bruising or bleeding
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)

Common Side Effects May Include:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Upset stomach or abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Skin rash or sensitivity to sunlight
• Loss of appetite
• Headache

Before Taking Doxycycline, Tell Your Healthcare Provider If You:

• Have liver or kidney disease
• Have a history of intracranial hypertension (high pressure in the skull)
• Are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant
• Are taking any vitamin or mineral supplements (especially calcium, magnesium, aluminum, or iron)

Drug & Food Interactions

Inform your healthcare provider about all medications and supplements you are taking, especially:

• Antacids containing aluminum, magnesium, or calcium
• Iron supplements
• Blood thinners (e.g., warfarin)
• Oral contraceptives (doxycycline may reduce their effectiveness)
• Penicillin or other antibiotics

Administration & Storage:

• Take doxycycline exactly as prescribed, with a full glass of water.
• Take on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals, unless otherwise directed.
• Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking the medication.
• Avoid taking antacids, iron, or calcium supplements within 2 hours before or after your dose.
• Store at room temperature, away from light, moisture, and heat.
• Keep out of reach of children and do not use expired doxycycline (can be toxic when outdated).

If you experience side effects or have questions about your medication, contact your healthcare provider immediately. Do not stop taking doxycycline without medical guidance, even if you start feeling better.