Doxycycline
Doxycycline
Doxycycline
- Most cost-effective anti-malaria tablet
- Side effects are uncommon and usually mild
- Start treatment before your holiday
Taking Doxycycline
Take 1 tablet at the same time each day with a large glass of water.
Start taking the tablets daily 2 days before visiting a malaria risk area. Keep taking 1 tablet every day while in the area, and for 4 weeks after you leave.
How it works
Malaria is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. The mosquito passes the malaria parasite into your bloodstream, infecting you.
Doxycycline contains the active ingredient doxycycline hyclate, which is thought to work by preventing the malaria parasite from being able to grow and killing it in the process.
Side effects
Side effects from Doxycycline are uncommon but it can cause nausea, diarrhoea, headaches, a sore throat and vaginal yeast infections in some people. It can also make skin more sensitive to sunlight.
For full information on side effects and correct use, see the patient information leaflet. If any side effects concern you, contact us via your Patient Record.
Effectiveness
You'll be protected from 1-2 days after starting your course – so you need to start treatment before you leave to ensure that you will be protected by the time you arrive at your destination.
You need to take your tablets regularly and according to the instructions to get maximum protection.
Remember, Doxycycline can give you 90-100% protection when used in conjunction with other measures to make sure you don't get bitten by a mosquito.
More info about Doxycycline
Who can take Doxycycline
If you're over 18 and clinically suitable, we can prescribe you Doxycycline. However, you are responsible for ensuring that it is the correct anti-malaria tablet for your destination. Check this at Fit For Travel.
Important information about Doxycycline
Pregnant women are not suitable for Doxycycline. You should avoid getting pregnant while taking this treatment. Women who often get vaginal yeast infections when taking antibiotics may also wish to avoid Doxycycline.
Not all malaria prevention drugs are suitable for all parts of the world. You should check which tablets are recommended for your destination.
Safety: taking other medicines
As is true of all medication, Doxycycline can interact with other medicines. This is why it's important that you let us know which prescription, over-the-counter medicines and recreational drugs you are taking so that we can prescribe Doxycycline safely.
Alternative treatments
If Doxycycline is not suitable for your destination, Atovaquone with Proguanil [link to Atovaquone with Proguanil] or its branded version Malarone [link to Malarone], might be. If appropriate, we can prescribe these for you.
As well as taking malaria tablets, you must take other measures to protect yourself against malaria when in a malaria area. These involve avoiding being bitten by a mosquito in the first place.
You should use insect repellent such as DEET, sleep under a mosquito net that's been treated with insecticide, and wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers in the evening.
