Description
Doxycycline is a tetracycline antibiotic that is also used to prevent malaria in travellers. For malaria prevention an adult takes one 100mg capsule daily, starting one or two days before entering the malaria area, continuing every day while there, and continuing for four weeks after leaving; the four weeks afterwards matter as much as the doses taken during the trip.
Swallow the capsule with a full glass of water while sitting or standing upright, and stay upright for at least half an hour, because doxycycline can irritate the gullet. It can make the skin much more sensitive to sunlight, so use a high sun protection factor and cover up. Do not take it within a few hours of indigestion remedies or of iron, calcium or zinc supplements, which stop it being absorbed.
It is not suitable in pregnancy, while breastfeeding, or for children under 12. Any fever during or after travel needs urgent assessment.
- Tetracycline antibiotic used to prevent malaria in travellers
- One 100mg capsule daily, with a full glass of water
- Start 1 to 2 days before travel and continue 4 weeks after leaving
- Stay upright for 30 minutes after a dose to protect the gullet
- Can make skin much more sensitive to sunlight
- Not for use in pregnancy, breastfeeding, or under 12s
