If you or your partner have been diagnosed with chlamydia, the oral antibiotic Doxycycline can be an effective means of treatment. This chlamydia treatment comes in tablet or pill for oral use. Available for collection or delivery.
Take 1 tablet, twice a day, for 7 days. Swallow the tablet with plenty of water.
Doxycycline is best taken with food, or a glass of milk, and should be taken at least one hour before you go to bed.
Complete the 7-day course of treatment to clear the infection. Do not have sex until you have completed all 7 days of treatment.
If you are allergic to Doxycycline, you will be prescribed an alternative antibiotic.
Chlamydia treatment side effects
The most common side effects include sensitivity to sunlight (exaggerated sunburn reaction), indigestion (inflammation or ulcers of the gullet) and, in women, vaginal thrush.
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 of chlamydia treatment
When taken correctly, the prescribed treatment will kill the bacteria causing the infection. You should avoid sexual contact until you and any sexual partners have completed the course of antibiotics.
This medicine is not a vaccination. You must take precautions to avoid reinfection. Using condoms every time you have sex (oral, vaginal, anal) is the best way to make sure you do not get STIs.
How do chlamydia tablets works
Doxycycline is an antibiotic. It can be used to treat chlamydia by killing the bacteria that cause the infection.
Important information about chlamydia treatment
Do not take Doxycycline if there is a chance of pregnancy, or if you are breastfeeding.
Do not take Doxycycline if you have symptoms. You should attend your local sexual health clinic. Symptoms include:
Discharge/fluid from your penis
Painful or swollen testicles
Increase or change to vaginal discharge
Bleeding during or after sex, or between periods
Pain or burning on passing urine or passing urine more often
Pain, bleeding or discharge/fluid from your rectum/bottom
Pain in your lower abdomen/tummy
Painful sex
Genital sores or lumps
Fever
New joint pains
New eye symptoms (soreness, discharge, redness)
Safety: taking other medicines
It is 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.
If you are use antacid/indigestion medications, or medications containing iron, zinc or bismuth, you must wait 4hrs between taking that medication and Doxycycline.
Do not drink alcohol while taking Doxycycline.
Alternative chlamydia treatments
If you are allergic to Doxycycline, you may be prescribed Azithromycin as an alternative treatment.