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Doxycycline

Brand names: Vibramycin, Doryx, Oracea

Doxycycline is an antibiotic for many infections, including Lyme disease, tick fevers, chlamydia, and acne.

Brand namesVibramycin, Doryx, Oracea
Type of medicineTetracycline antibiotic
Prescription?Prescription
ImportantThis page is general information, not a prescription. Don't start, stop, or change a medicine without talking to your provider or pharmacist.

Overview

It's also used to prevent malaria for travelers and to treat rosacea.

What it's used for

  • Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses
  • Chlamydia
  • Acne and rosacea
  • Some pneumonias
  • Preventing malaria when traveling

How to take it

  • Take it with a full glass of water and stay upright for at least 30 minutes to avoid throat irritation.
  • Taking it with food can lessen stomach upset.
  • Separate it by 2 to 3 hours from dairy, antacids, iron, calcium, and multivitamins.
  • Finish the full course.

Your dose depends on your health and other medicines. Always follow your prescription label, and ask your pharmacist if anything is unclear.

Side effects

Common side effects

  • Nausea
  • Sunburn more easily
  • Diarrhea
Call 911Swelling of the face, lips, or throat, hives, or trouble breathing
Call 911A blistering, peeling, or widespread red rash, especially with fever
Call your provider todaySevere watery or bloody diarrhea, even weeks after finishing (possible C. diff infection)
Call your provider todaySevere headache with blurry or double vision
Call your provider todayPainful swallowing or chest pain when swallowing

Warnings

  • Use sunscreen and protective clothing.
  • Can stain teeth in young children if used for long periods; short courses are used for some serious infections in children.

Other medicines, foods, and alcohol

  • Antacids, iron, calcium, and dairy block absorption.
  • It can raise the effect of warfarin.
  • Isotretinoin together raises the risk of high brain pressure.

Tell your provider and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin, and supplement you take.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Usually avoided in pregnancy. Talk with your provider.

Missed doses, overdose, and storage

If you miss a dose

Take it as soon as you remember. If it's almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Don't double up, and still finish the full course.

If someone takes too much

Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or get help online at poison.org. Call 911 if the person collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be woken.

Storing it

Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of reach of children and pets.

Conditions it's used for

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-13.