This page is factual information, not an advertisement. It is intended for people who are already using or considering our service and want to read about the treatments a prescriber may discuss with them. It is not a recommendation, and it does not mean any of these treatments is suitable for you. Suitability is decided only after a consultation and clinical assessment.
The condition it is used for
Doxycycline is an antibiotic that is also used to prevent malaria for people travelling to areas where malaria is present.
What it is and how it is taken
Doxycycline is a prescription-only medicine taken by mouth as a capsule. When used for malaria prevention it is taken as one capsule daily, started one or two days before entering the malaria area, continued every day while there, and continued for four weeks after leaving.
How it is usually used
It is taken daily for the whole time you are at risk and for four weeks afterwards, so it suits travellers who are happy with a daily routine. It does not remove the need for insect bite prevention.
More common side effects
The more common side effects are increased sensitivity to sunlight, indigestion, nausea and thrush.
Who it is generally not suitable for
It is generally not suitable in pregnancy or breastfeeding, for children under 12, or for anyone with a known allergy to tetracycline antibiotics.
Key safety points
- Take it with a full glass of water while sitting or standing, and stay upright for at least 30 minutes afterwards, because the capsule can irritate the gullet if it lodges there.
- Use a high factor sunscreen and cover up, as sunburn can happen much more easily.
- Keep it separate from antacids, indigestion remedies, iron and calcium supplements and milk-heavy meals, which reduce absorption.
- It does not remove the need for insect bite prevention.
Other options
Other medicines and approaches exist for malaria prevention, and which (if any) is suitable for you is decided at your consultation and travel health assessment.
If you experience a side effect from any medicine you can report it through the MHRA Yellow Card scheme at yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk. Always read the patient information leaflet supplied with your medicine.
Want to talk it through?
Whether any treatment is suitable for you is decided at a consultation. Arrange an assessment with our pharmacy team.