Doxycycline: Uses, Side Effects, and How to Take It Safely
Doxycycline is a tetracycline antibiotic used to treat certain bacterial infections, including infections of the skin, lungs, and urinary tract. It is also used for acne, Lyme disease, and prevention of malaria in some travelers. It does not treat viral illnesses such as colds or flu.
Take doxycycline exactly as prescribed, and ask a doctor or pharmacist if you have questions or take other medicines. Stop taking it and seek urgent help for signs of a serious allergic reaction or severe symptoms.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- J01AA02
- Generic
- Doxycycline
- Class
- antibiotic-tetracycline
- Brands
- Vibramycin
- Availability
- rx
- Pregnancy
- D
- Lactation
- unsafe
- Half-life (h)
- 18
- Onset (min)
- 120
- Duration (h)
- 24
- Routes
- oral, iv
- Forms
- capsule, tablet, injection
- Regions
- CN, US, EU, JP
- Monitoring
- photosensitivity, esophageal-irritation
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks; doxycycline may cause permanent tooth discoloration in the developing fetus
regular prenatal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second trimesteravoid completely
do not use during second trimester; risk of permanent tooth discoloration in primary teeth of fetus
fetal growth monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid completely
do not use; can affect bone growth and cause permanent tooth discoloration in the infant
fetal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedingno adjustment needed
use with caution; doxycycline passes into breast milk; American Academy of Pediatrics considers it compatible but monitor infant for dental changes
monitor infant for vomiting, diarrhea, or dental changes
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
under 8 yearsavoid in children under 8 years
do not use in children under 8 years due to risk of permanent tooth discoloration and影响 bone growth; use alternative antibiotics
dental development monitoring if exposed
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderlyno routine dose adjustment required
use standard dosing; monitor renal and hepatic function; adjust for comorbidities
periodic renal and hepatic function monitoring
renal_impairment
mild to moderateno dose adjustment typically required
doxycycline is primarily eliminated via gastrointestinal tract; no major dose adjustment needed but use with caution
monitor renal function periodically
hepatic_impairment
moderateconsider dose reduction in severe hepatic impairment
use with caution; dose reduction may be necessary in severe hepatic impairment; monitor liver function
monitor liver function tests
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly prescribed since
General prescribing information
Drug class
Antibiotic classification
Common uses
Common therapeutic uses
FDA approval year
FDA approval date for Doxycycline
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 22, 2026. · Read our editorial policy