Chlamydia - Doxycycline (7 Day Course)

Doxycycline is a broad-spectrum tetracycline antibiotic commonly prescribed to treat various infections including sexually transmitted infections such as Chlamydia.

How Effective is Doxycycline in Treating Chlamydia?

Doxycycline is a highly effective antibiotic for the treatment of Chlamydia. 95% of all cases of chlamydia can be successfully treated with this antibiotic. This alongside Azithromycin are first line treatments for chlamydia.

Azithromycin vs Doxycycline as Chlamydia Treatment

Both medications are still used for treating uncomplicated chlamydia infection. Both these antibiotics work differently to attain the same outcome. 

Doxycycline is one of the  recommended first line treatments for this infection by BASHH, whilst Azithromycin is a useful alternative for those individuals who cannot tolerate Doxycycline or other Tetracycline antibiotics.

How do I take Doxycycline to treat Chlamydia?

One 100mg capsule should be taken twice a day for one week (total 14 Caspules) for the treatment of Chlamydia.

The full course should be completed, unless told otherwise by a healthcare professional. Each capsule should be swallowed whole with a full glass of water during meals while sitting or standing and should not be taken before going to bed.

Doxycycline should not be taken at the same time (within 2 hours of) as antacids and aluminum, calcium, iron, magnesium and zinc salts as they may decrease its absorption.

What are the Cautions Associated with Doxycycline use?

Although Doxycycline capsules are commonly prescribed in the UK to treat symptoms of Chlamydia, it is still important to check if the medication is suitable for you.

Doxycycline should not be used by people suffering with certain medical conditions or those taking certain medications.

Doxycycline may increase the risk of developing skins reactions due to the sunlight. This is known as photo sensitivity. You should protect your skin from sunlight even on a bright but cloudy day and not use sunbeds and avoid excessive exposure to sunlight or sunlamps to reduce the risk of photosensitive reactions.

For a full list of Side Effects please CLICK HERE

Very common side effects of Doxycycline include:

• Diarrhoea, which should be reported if severe or prolonged
• Visual disturbances such as blurring of vision, which if it does occur please avoid driving or operating machinery
• Oesophageal and gastrointestinal reactions including: sore mouth, indigestion, and difficulty swallowing
• Nausea or vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Tinnitus (ringing or buzzing noise in the ear)
• Muscle and joint pain