Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Doxycycline monohydrate (Monodox, Oracea, Vibramycin monohydrate) and doxycycline hyclate (Targadox, Doryx) are both tetracycline antibiotics used to treat a variety of bacterial infections, such as respiratory infections, sexually transmitted infections, and severe acne. They also share the off-label use of treating rosacea. However, there are some differences between the two. Doxycycline hyclate is available in tablets, capsules, liquid syrup, and injectable forms while doxycycline monohydrate is available in capsules and tablets. Doxycycline hyclate is typically taken once or twice daily, whereas doxycycline monohydrate often requires twice-daily dosing for most infections. Doxycycline monohydrate is also specifically used to treat rosacea, with Oracea being a first-choice treatment for this condition. Both medications can cause side effects like nausea, vomiting, and sun sensitivity, but doxycycline hyclate may cause slightly more gut-related side effects. Both medications interact with antacids, blood thinners, and birth control pills, so it's important to discuss these with your healthcare provider.
Doxycycline monohydrate
Doxycycline hyclate
Doxycycline monohydrate
Doxycycline hyclate
Summary of Mondoxyne NL vs. Vibramycin
Summary for Tetracycline antibiotic
Prescription only
Doxycycline monohydrate is an antibiotic that treats many types of bacterial infections. It can be used in adults and children to treat infections, but it can sometimes cause tooth discoloration in children 8 years and younger. It's also used to treat rosacea.
Doxycycline monohydrate is used to treat many different infections caused by bacteria. Some examples include:
•Lung infections (such as pneumonia)
•Infections caused by ticks, mites, or fleas (Rocky Mountain spotted fever or typhus fever)
•Sexually transmitted infections (STIs such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, or syphilis)
•Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
•Stomach infections
•Severe acne
•Anthrax
•Plague
•Cholera
•Rosacea
Indications for
Doxycycline hyclate is used to prevent malaria due to the parasite Plasmodium falciparum and to treat many different infections caused by bacteria. Some examples include:
•Respiratory tract infections, including in the nose, throat, and lungs
•Infections caused by ticks, mites, or fleas (Rocky Mountain spotted fever or typhus fever)
•Sexually-transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia, gonorrhea, chancroid, and syphilis
•Lyme disease
•Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
•Severe acne
•Anthrax
•Plague
•Cholera
Pros and Cons of Mondoxyne NL vs. Vibramycin
Pros and Const for Tetracycline antibiotic
Pros
•Available as a lower-cost generic medication
•Available in multiple dosage strengths as both a capsule and tablet
•Works well to treat a wide range of bacterial infections, including pneumonia and severe acne