Healthdirect Free Australian health advice you can count on.

Medical problem? Call 1800 022 222. If you need urgent medical help, call triple zero immediately

healthdirect Australia is a free service where you can talk to a nurse or doctor who can help you know what to do.

beginning of content

Doxycycline

5-minute read

LOOKING FOR A MEDICINE? — See this list of medicines that contain doxycycline to find out more about a specific medication.

What is doxycycline used for?

Doxycycline is an antibiotic used to treat infections and prevent malaria. This page explains what doxycycline is used for, how it works and its risks.

To get doxycycline, you have to have a prescription written for you by a doctor.

Your doctor may prescribe doxycycline to:

Your doctor may have prescribed doxycycline for another reason. If you are unsure why you are taking doxycycline, ask your doctor.

It is important to always finish the course of doxycycline as prescribed by your doctor, even if you feel better.

How does doxycycline work?

Doxycycline works by stopping bacteria from multiplying. In acne, it reduces the number of bacteria on the skin surface and it has an anti-inflammatory action.

Doxycycline also works against malaria-causing parasites.

What forms of doxycycline are available?

Doxycycline is the name of the active ingredient. It is available in many different brands, which have different:

  • names
  • appearances (size, shape or colour)
  • forms (tablets and capsules)
  • packaging

No matter which brand you are prescribed, doxycycline works in the same way to fight the infection.

What are the possible side effects of doxycycline?

All medicines have benefits, and they also have the risk of side effects.

The more common side effects of doxycycline include:

  • stomach upset or vomiting
  • oral or vaginal thrush
  • rash or itching
  • nail changes
  • mild irritation of the oesophagus (food pipe)
  • taste loss
  • ringing or other persistent noise in the ears

Serious side effects of doxycycline, which may need urgent medical attention, include:

  • increased pressure in the brain (headache, blurred vision, vomiting)
  • severe blisters and bleeding in the lips, eyes, mouth, nose and genitals
  • severe skin reactions
  • difficulty or pain in swallowing
  • dizziness
  • fast heart rate

Doxycycline can also make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, increasing your risk of sunburn and causing pain. So make sure you protect exposed skin with at least SPF30+ sunscreen, clothing and a hat.

Doxycycline can stain teeth and affect how teeth enamel forms, so it should not be given to children under the age of 8 or women who are more than 16 weeks pregnant (when the baby’s teeth are developing).

Although it is rarer, some people can have an allergic reaction to doxycycline. The reaction can include hives (raised, red and itchy rash), breathing problems and swollen lips, tongue or face. If you’ve ever had allergies to any antibiotics in the past, be sure to tell your doctor. And if you’ve taken doxycycline and are having any difficulties breathing, have someone get you to a hospital emergency department immediately or call triple zero (000) for an ambulance.

This is not a full list of side effects. For more information about the side effects of doxycycline, read Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) for the brand of doxycycline prescribed, or speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

When should I speak to my doctor?

Speak to your doctor if you:

  • experience side effects that trouble you
  • have signs of an allergic reaction
  • have a health condition or are taking medication that may affect how your body reacts to doxycycline
  • become pregnant or start breastfeeding

See the CMI for full details about when to speak with your doctor before or after you have started taking doxycycline.

More information

Asking about your treatment or medication is important to help you understand your options. Read our guide to important questions to ask your pharmacist or doctor before taking a medicine.

You can also visit healthdirect's list of medicines that contain doxycycline to read the CMI for the brand of doxycycline prescribed.

Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.

Last reviewed: December 2020


Back To Top

Need more information?

These trusted information partners have more on this topic.

Top results

ACD A-Z of Skin - Tetracyclines

Tetracyclines are a class of antibiotics (including tetracycline, doxycycline and minocycline) which are used to treat skin infections.

Read more on Australasian College of Dermatologists website

Antibiotics For Acne - Topical Antibiotics - All About Acne

There are a number of different antibiotics for acne including tablets, creams and gels. Here's how they work and which ones might be right for you.

Read more on All About Acne website

Antibiotics - MyDr.com.au

Antibiotics attack bacteria - germs responsible for certain infections. Each antibiotic attacks different types of bacteria and will be useful for treating particular infections.

Read more on myDr website

Acne treatments - MyDr.com.au

There are a number of acne medications available through your doctor or pharmacist that can help treat and prevent acne.

Read more on myDr website

ACD A-Z of Skin - Acne Vulgaris

A-Z OF SKIN Acne Vulgaris BACK TO A-Z SEARCH What is it? Also known as…acne, pimples, zits, spots What is acne vulgaris? Acne is a very common skin condition that usually begins in adolescence

Read more on Australasian College of Dermatologists website

Acne overview - MyDr.com.au

Acne, a condition in which your skin gets greasy, its pores get blocked and you get blackheads, pimples or cysts, usually gets better over time.

Read more on myDr website

ACD A-Z of Skin - Isotretinoin

A-Z OF SKIN Isotretinoin BACK TO A-Z SEARCH What is it? Isotretinoin is a medication used to treat severe acne that has not responded to other treatments and is scarring or impacting on a person’s wellbeing

Read more on Australasian College of Dermatologists website

Medicine & side effects

All medicines have possible side effects, but not everybody will experience them. Learn about questions to ask when you are prescribed a new medicine.

Read more on NPS MedicineWise website

ACD A-Z of Skin - Rosacea

Rosacea is a common, chronic skin disorder affecting the face. It is an episodic condition, classically presents as acne-like bumps, red or pink patches and

Read more on Australasian College of Dermatologists website

Rosacea - Better Health Channel

In men, severe rosacea can cause the nose to become reddened and enlarged (rhinophyma).

Read more on Better Health Channel website

Healthdirect 24hr 7 days a week hotline

24 hour health advice you can count on

1800 022 222

Government Accredited with over 140 information partners

We are a government-funded service, providing quality, approved health information and advice

Australian Government, health department logo ACT Government logo New South Wales government, health department logo Northen Territory Government logo Government of South Australia, health department logo Tasmanian government logo Victorian government logo Government of Western Australia, health department logo

Healthdirect Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners and to Elders both past and present.