Doxycycline: Antibiotic To Treat Bacterial Infections - NHS

How to take doxycycline

Doxycycline usually comes as tablets or capsules that you swallow. There's also a type of tablet that you dissolve in water and drink (dispersible tablets).

How much you need to take and for how long depends on why you're taking it. Most people need to take it once or twice a day for a few days or weeks.

Always check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine. Ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice if you're not sure how to take it or have any problems taking it.

When taking doxycycline:

• try to take it at the same time each day – if you take it twice a day, this could be once in the morning and once in the evening
• swallow tablets or capsules whole with a glass of water while sitting or standing up – if you're taking dispersible tablets, let the tablet dissolve in a glass of water before swallowing it
• avoid lying down for at least 30 minutes after taking it (this helps stop the medicine irritating your throat)

Check your packet or leaflet to see if you should take your medicine with food or not. This will depend on the dose you're taking and what you're taking it for.

Important

It's important to keep taking your medicine until you've finished it all, even if you start to feel better.

If you miss a dose of doxycycline

If you forget to take a dose of doxycycline, take it as soon as you remember, unless it's nearly time for your next dose.

If it's nearly time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose at the usual time.

Do not take 2 doses to make up for a missed dose.

If you take too much doxycycline

Taking an extra dose of doxycycline is unlikely to cause problems, but it's important to get medical advice if you take too much as it can sometimes be dangerous.

Urgent advice: Get help from NHS 111 if:

• you've taken more than your prescribed dose of doxycycline

You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.

Information:

If you're told to go to A&E, do not drive. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.

Bring the doxycycline packet or leaflet inside it, any remaining medicine, and any other medicines you take.