Doxycycline Malaria

What Is Doxycycline Used For?

Doxycycline is an antibiotic belonging to the tetracycline class. It is generally used as a broad-spectrum antibiotic but is effective as a treatment against malaria, where there is a widespread Chloroquine or Mefloquine resistance.

You should confirm if Doxycycline is used to prevent malaria in the area you are visiting before you travel. You can view the NHS fit for travel guide for further information about travel health.

What is malaria?

Malaria is a serious tropical disease caused by infection with the Plasmodium parasite. The parasite is spread to humans through mosquito bites.

The symptoms of malaria usually start between 7-18 days after being infected, and they include fever, muscle pain, vomiting, shivers, headaches and diarrhoea.

You should seek immediate help if you develop malaria symptoms up to a year after travelling to an area with an increased incidence of malaria.

Antimalarials, such as Doxycycline, can both treat and prevent malaria if taken correctly before and after your travels. The type of medication you take will depend on several factors, including the type of malaria common in the country you travel to.

Doxycycline is usually prescribed for people travelling to malaria endemic areas with widespread Chloroquine or Mefloquine resistance.

How to take Doxycycline?

Adults should take one 100 mg tablet every day, from 2 days before travel, during the stay and 4 weeks after returning home.

Doxycycline is not suitable for children or pregnant women.

Take tablets with a full glass of water on an empty stomach, an hour before food or two hours after food.

Take Antacids containing aluminium, calcium, iron, magnesium or zinc at least 2 hours apart from the Oxytetracycline dose.

Do not take Doxycycline tablets with milk, antacids or aluminium, calcium, iron, magnesium and zinc containing products.

What should I do if I forget to take Doxycycline?

If you forget to take Doxycycline, take it as soon as you remember and continue to take your medicine at the normal time.

Do not take more Doxycycline to make up for the dose you missed.

What should I do if I take more Doxycycline than I should?

If you take more Doxycycline than you should, speak to your doctor or go straight to the nearest hospital.

Take the medicine packaging with you so the doctors treating you know exactly what and how much you have taken.

Side effects of Doxycycline

All medications carry the risk of side effects, though not everybody gets them. Before taking Doxycycline, it is important to familiarise yourself with the patient information leaflet enclosed with your medicine.

Common Doxycycline side effects include:

• Nausea
• Pericarditis (inflammation affecting the heart)
• Vomiting
• Worsening of systemic lupus erythematous (SLE)

Uncommon Doxycycline side effects include:

• Heartburn
• Vaginal infection

Stop treatment and consult your Doctor if you suffer from the following after taking Doxycycline:

• Hypersensitivity reactions such as skin rashes, swelling of the face or tongue, chest pain and fever
• Vision issues such as blurred or double vision, blind spots and headaches
• Diarrhoea, fever, cramps
• Discolouration of the skin and teeth
• Difficulty in swallowing or swelling of the chest and throat.

This is not an exhaustive list of side effects. Further information regarding the safety of Doxycycline can be found within the patient information leaflet enclosed with your medicine.

Other safety information

Always read the patient information leaflet enclosed with your medicine before you start taking Doxycycline.

Do not take Doxycycline past the expiry date printed on the packaging.

Never throw medicine away via household or water waste. Take any unwanted or expired medication to your pharmacy for them to dispose safely on your behalf.

Always keep medicines out of the sight and reach of children and pets.

Who cannot take Doxycycline?

As with all medications, there are certain cautions you should be aware of. It is important to understand and follow the advice given.

Do not take Doxycycline if you:

• are under 12
• are allergic to any of the ingredients
• have or had kidney or liver problems
• have systemic lupus erythematosus
• are pregnant or breastfeeding
• are on retinoid or vitamin A therapy
• have a condition called Porphyria
• have myasthenia gravis – characterised by slurred speech, muscle weakness, difficulty swallowing and chewing.

Please inform the doctor if you are taking any medication on the following list:

• Diuretics
• Penicillin antibiotics
• Blood thinners (tnti – coagulants) such as warfarin
• Insulin or Sulphonylureas such as Gliclazide used for diabetes
• Oral contraceptives
• Antacids
• Kaolin-pectin and bismuth subsalicylate.

Frequently asked questions

Will Doxycycline affect my ability to drive or operate machinery?

Doxycycline should not impact your ability to drive or operate machinery.

Can I drink alcohol while taking Doxycycline?

Drinking alcohol while on Doxycycline tablets may reduce Doxycycline's effectiveness, so alcohol should be avoided.

Should I take Doxycycline if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

No. Do not take Doxycycline if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Table of contents

What Is Doxycycline Used For?

How to take 

Adverse effects

Staying safe with Prescription Doctor