Oracea 100mg Tablets

Doxycycline is an antibiotic from the tetracycline group. It stops bacteria from growing.

It may be used to:

• treat chest infections, urinary tract infections and gum infections
• treat some sexually transmitted infections
• treat acne and rosacea
• help prevent malaria when travelling to areas where it is found

It does not work for colds, flu or other viral infections.

Take doxycycline exactly as your doctor or pharmacist tells you, at the same time each day.

• Swallow tablets or capsules whole with a full glass of water, sitting or standing up.
• Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes afterwards, to avoid throat irritation.
• If it upsets your stomach, you may take it with food, unless your label says otherwise.
• Keep antacids, calcium, iron, zinc and magnesium products apart from doxycycline, as they stop it working well. Ask your pharmacist about timing.
• Finish the full course, even if you feel better.
• If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless the next is nearly due. Never take two doses together.

Common side effects include:

• headache
• feeling or being sick
• mild rash

Get medical help straight away if you have:

• a rash, itching or redness on skin exposed to the sun
• watery or bloody diarrhoea with tummy cramps, even up to 2 months after stopping
• severe headache with blurred or double vision
• unusual bruising or bleeding, tiredness or frequent infections
• swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, or trouble breathing (call emergency services)

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it if you:

• have ever had an allergic reaction to doxycycline or another antibiotic
• have liver or kidney problems
• have lupus or myasthenia gravis
• have alcohol dependence
• have had raised pressure around the brain (intracranial hypertension)
• take warfarin, antacids, iron or zinc supplements, or acne medicines

It is not usually given to children under 12, because it can affect developing teeth.

Keep it in its original, tightly closed container at room temperature, away from light, heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of the reach of children.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: doxycycline is not usually used, as it can affect the baby's teeth and bones. Your doctor may still recommend it if the benefits outweigh the risks.

Sun: it makes your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Avoid strong sun and use sunscreen, sunglasses and protective clothing.

Contraception: it may make hormonal contraception less effective, so use an extra, non-hormonal method such as condoms.

Alcohol: it is best to avoid alcohol.