Doxycycline

Doxycycline is a tetracycline antibiotic that is used in the treatment of a whole host of infections, including sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

It is commonly prescribed to treat chlamydia, non-specific urethritis, ureaplasma urealyticum and mycoplasma genitalium.

Taken orally in the form of a 100mg tablet, Doxycycline slows down the spread of the infection, so that the body's immune system can fight it more effectively.

One other popular use of Doxycycline is as malaria prevention. It is prescribed to individuals who are travelling to high-risk areas of the world, and especially where the malaria parasite has developed immunity to other treatments.

Doxycycline does not kill the bacteria that cause an STI. Instead, it aids your body's immune system to do this effectively.

The bacterium needs to continually make a protein to help it spread and stay alive. Doxycycline inhibits the bacteria's ability to do this, halting the progress of the STI. This gives your own immune system the help it needs to combat the infection and eventually kill it.

You should always complete the prescribed course of treatment, otherwise the infection may return. Stopping treatment before the end of a course can also contribute to antibiotic resistance.

For full instructions, please consult the patient information leaflet (PIL) that will be included with your order.

If you are uncertain about anything, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

To treat non-specific urethritis, chlamydia or mycoplasma genitalium, you should take a total of 14 tablets:

• one 100 mg tablet should be taken twice daily for seven days
• one tablet should be taken in the morning and one in the evening
• take tablets at the same times daily
• ensure you finish the full seven days treatment course, even if symptoms have disappeared
• doxycycline tablets should be taken with food and water
• do not crush or chew the tablets
• store in a cool place, out of reach of children and pets

To ensure that you are completely cured, you should perform a second STI test, two weeks after completing the course.

If you still test positive for an STI, the doctor may advise a course of another antibiotic.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, do not take two tablets at once as this will not make up for the missed dose and will increase the likelihood of side effects occurring.

If it is near the time of your next dose, take this tablet instead and continue to complete the treatment - you will finish one day later than planned.

Doxycycline usually is very well-tolerated. If you do experience side effects, they are usually mild in nature and disappear as the course progresses.

The most commonly reported side effects include:

• angioedema (swelling of the skin)
• diarrhoea
• headache
• Henoch-Schönlein purpura
• hypersensitivity
• nausea
• pericarditis (inflammation of heart lining)
• photosensitivity
• skin reactions
• systemic lupus erythematosus exacerbated
• vomiting

If any of the listed side effects are severe or persist beyond 7 days of treatment, you should contact a doctor as soon as possible. You should also contact a doctor if you experience any unlisted side effects.

If you experience any severe reactions, such as facial swelling or difficulty breathing, seek immediate medical attention - you may be suffering an allergic reaction.

You will find a full list of precautions and contraindications in the Doxycycline patient information leaflet. This will be included in your order and is available to read by clicking the link to the right of this page. Please read it carefully before starting treatment.

Certain medications may interact dangerously with Doxycycline. There are also some medical conditions that can worsen if this antibiotic is taken. You should make sure to provide thorough information about your health during your online consultation.

Please note, your skin may also become more sensitive to sunlight with this medication. You should take extra precautions and protect your skin from the sun.

Doxycycline capsules may also upset your stomach. However, taking the medication with food and water will help.

You should avoid alcohol while taking Doxycycline, as alcohol might increase the risk of experiencing certain side effects, such as stomach pain.

If you are pregnant or if you are breastfeeding, speak to your doctor before beginning this treatment.

If you have a hereditary blood disorder, or if you have had an allergic reaction to Doxycycline in the past, this antibiotic is unsuitable. You must tell your doctor so they can advise an alternative treatment.

If you are using an oral contraceptive such as the pill, it may not be effective when you use this treatment. You should avoid sex until you have finished the prescribed course and the 7 days after. You should have a second STI test to ensure the infection has disappeared.

You should also inform past sexual partners so they can receive treatment as well - this can be done anonymously at STI Clinics across the UK.

You can buy Doxycycline online from HealthExpress to treat the STIs non-specific urethritis, chlamydia and mycoplasma genitalium.

Your consultation will be reviewed by one of our doctors, who will assess your suitability. If your consultation is approved, you will be able to purchase this treatment, safely and securely, along with other treatments that are suitable for your particular condition.

Please note, the manufacturer of Doxycycline may differ from that shown on the image above, but the ingredients, effects and possible side effects will be the same.

Your order will be dispensed in plain packaging with the dosage information included, for discretion.

Is it safe to buy Doxycycline online?

Our service at HealthExpress has all the relevant and mandatory safety certificates, including authorisation to sell and dispense medication from the Medicines & Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), General Medical Council (GMC) and the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).

You should only buy medication from authorised sites. Otherwise, you risk purchasing illegal or fake products.