7 Doxycycline Side Effects You Should Know About
Read on to learn about the common and rare side effects of doxycycline and how to manage them.
doxycycline monohydrate
Used for Acne, Bacterial Infection, Lower Respiratory Infection, Malaria, Pneumonia, Rosacea, Typhoid, Upper Respiratory Infection, Urinary Tract Infection
Used for Acne, Bacterial Infection, Lower Respiratory Infection, Malaria, Pneumonia, Rosacea, Typhoid, Upper Respiratory Infection, Urinary Tract Infection
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.
What is Doxycycline monohydrate?
What is Doxycycline monohydrate used for?
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
How Doxycycline monohydrate works
Doxycycline monohydrate is a tetracycline antibiotic. It prevents bacteria from making certain proteins, which stops them from multiplying and spreading in your body. The way it works to treat rosacea isn't fully known, but it's thought to help lower inflammation.
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Monodox, Oracea, Vibramycin monohydrate |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Tetracycline antibiotic |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | Lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
More on Doxycycline monohydrate essentials
Side effects of Doxycycline monohydrate
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
Doxycycline monohydrate (Monodox, Vibramycin):
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain or discomfort
- Diarrhea
- Skin rash
- Sensitivity to sunlight
- Nose and throat infection (5%)
- Diarrhea (5%)
- Sinus infection (3%)
- High blood pressure (3%)
- Stuffy nose (2%)
- Fungal infection (2%)
- Flu (2%)
- Stomach pain (2%)
- Anxiety (2%)
- Pain (2%)
Less Common Side Effects
Doxycycline monohydrate (Monodox, Vibramycin):
- Low appetite
- Swollen tongue
- Difficulty swallowing
- Inflammation in colon
- Inflammation in pancreas (pancreatitis)
- Inflammation or ulcer in esophagus
- Skin itching
- Teeth staining or thinning
- Low blood cell counts
- Liver damage
- Kidney damage
- Soreness in throat or nose
- Stomach bloating or discomfort
- Dry mouth
- Back pain
- Sinus headache
- High blood sugar
- Liver damage
Doxycycline monohydrate serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Infectious diarrhea: severe diarrhea, watery or bloody stools, stomach cramps, stomach pain, fever, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting
- Pseudotumor cerebri or intracranial hypertension (high pressure in the brain): headache, dizziness, blurred vision, swelling inside eye, vision changes, double vision, vision loss
- Severe allergic reaction: itchy red rash (hives), trouble breathing, chest tightness, swelling of lips, tongue, face, or eyes
- Serious skin reactions: fever, chills, muscle aches, tiredness, rash, blistering or peeling skin
When do Doxycycline monohydrate possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
H
D
W
M
Diarrhea
Nausea
Sensitivity to the sun
Irritated esophagus
Seek immediate medical care if you experience this side effect.
The following Doxycycline monohydrate side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Incidence not known
Blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
chills
clay-colored stools
dark urine
decreased appetite
diarrhea, watery and severe, which may also be bloody
difficulty with swallowing
dizziness
fast heartbeat
feeling of discomfort
headache
hives, itching, puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
hives or welts, itching, or rash
increased thirst
indigestion
inflammation of the joints
joint or muscle pain
large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
loss of appetite
numbness or tingling of the face, hands, or feet
pain in the stomach, side, or abdomen, possibly radiating to the back
red skin lesions, often with a purple center
redness and soreness of the eyes
redness of the skin
sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips
stomach cramps
stomach pain or tenderness
swelling of the feet or lower legs
swollen, painful, or tender lymph glands in the neck, armpit, or groin
tightness in the chest
unusual tiredness or weakness
unusual weight loss
vomiting
yellow eyes or skin
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Incidence not known
Back, leg, or stomach pains
black, tarry stools
bleeding gums
blood in the urine or stools
blurred vision
bulging soft spot on the head of an infant
change in the ability to see colors, especially blue or yellow
chest pain, discomfort, or burning
cracks in the skin
decrease in vision
difficulty breathing
discoloration of the thyroid glands
double vision
general body swelling
increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight
loss of heat from the body
lower back or side pain
nosebleeds
pain or burning in the throat
pain with swallowing
painful or difficult urination
pale skin
pinpoint red spots on the skin
rash with flat lesions or small raised lesions on the skin
red, swollen skin
redness or other discoloration of the skin
redness, swelling, or soreness of the tongue
severe nausea
severe stomach pain
severe sunburn
tooth discoloration
unusual bleeding or bruising
vomiting blood
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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$150.57
GoodRx discount
$11.72
Pros and cons of Doxycycline monohydrate
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
- First-choice treatment option for rosacea (Oracea only)
- Good option if you're allergic to penicillin antibiotics
Cons
- Must take twice daily to treat most infections
- Can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and cause sunburn
- Might cause tooth discoloration in children 8 years and younger
- Oracea needs to be taken on an empty stomach
- Might not be safe in pregnancy
Pharmacist tips for Doxycycline monohydrate
- Take each dose of doxycycline monohydrate with plenty of water or other liquids to prevent burning, irritation, and ulcers in your esophagus (the tube that connects your throat to your stomach).
- If you're taking Oracea, take your capsule on an empty stomach in the morning, at least 1 hour before or two hours after meals. Taking it with food can affect how well it gets absorbed and works in your body.
- If you're taking Vibramycin monohydrate syrup, make sure to use the measuring syringe or spoon provided by your pharmacist. Don't use household spoons or cups because this might cause you to take the wrong amount.
- Antacids containing calcium, aluminum, and magnesium interact with doxycycline monohydrate and affect how well it gets absorbed and works in your body. Examples include Tums or Rolaids. Other medications that interact with doxycycline monohydrate include bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) and medications containing iron. If you take any of these medications, let your healthcare provider know before starting doxycycline monohydrate.
- Doxycycline monohydrate can cause your birth control pills to not work as well. To prevent becoming pregnant, consider using an additional form of birth control, such as condoms, while taking doxycycline monohydrate. Ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider if you have questions about other forms of birth control.
- Doxycycline monohydrate can interact with blood thinners and raise your risk of bleeding. Examples of blood thinners include warfarin (Coumadin), apixaban (Eliquis), and rivaroxaban (Xarelto). For your safety, your healthcare provider might lower the dose of your blood thinner while you're taking doxycycline monohydrate.
- Doxycycline monohydrate can sometimes cause vaginal yeast infections because it gets rid of good bacteria in your vagina that typically prevent yeast infections. If you have a history of frequent yeast infections, let your healthcare provider know before starting doxycycline monohydrate. Don't take any medications to treat your yeast infection before discussing with your provider.
- Avoid spending too much time in the sun or using tanning beds while taking doxycycline monohydrate, since it can make your skin more sensitive to sun damage. Wear protective clothing and sunscreen before going outside to reduce your risk of sunburn.
- If you have to take doxycycline monohydrate for a long time, your healthcare provider might perform routine blood tests to make sure your labs are within the normal range. Doxycycline monohydrate can lower your red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, which are all necessary to build a strong immune system and to fight infections. Let your provider know if this concerns you.
- If you experience severe diarrhea or watery, bloody stools while taking doxycycline monohydrate or anytime after you stop, contact your provider.
More on Doxycycline monohydrate tips
Risks and warnings for Doxycycline monohydrate
Doxycycline monohydrate can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Permanent tooth discoloration
- Risk factors: Children 8 years and younger | Pregnancy | Long-term use or repeated use of doxycycline monohydrate
Tetracycline antibiotics, such as doxycycline monohydrate, can cause permanent tooth discoloration and yellow, gray, or brown staining of teeth in babies and young children under the age of 8. It can also cause thinning of the teeth (enamel hypoplasia) and affect growth and development of teeth in children. The risk is higher with long-term use of the medication or with repeated short-term courses. The risk is also higher during the second half of pregnancy. If you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or your child is younger than 8 years old, avoid using doxycycline monohydrate unless it's absolutely necessary to treat a life-threatening infection. Speak with your provider about the risks and benefits of this medication.
Severe diarrhea
- Risk factors: Use of multiple antibiotics | Long-term use of antibiotics | Older age | History of colon or gut problems
Antibiotics, such as doxycycline monohydrate, can cause severe diarrhea known as Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (commonly known as C. diff). Antibiotics get rid of the good bacteria in your gut and change the normal conditions of your gut and colon. This leads to the growth of bacteria like C. diff. This can happen anytime while you're taking doxycycline monohydrate and even over two months after you stop taking the antibiotic. C. diff diarrhea can become life-threatening if it isn't treated properly. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have diarrhea, loose or watery stools, fever, stomach pain and cramps, nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite.
High pressure in the brain (intracranial hypertension or pseudotumor cerebri)
- Risk factors: Women of childbearing age who are overweight or have history of high pressure in the brain | Taking isotretinoin with doxycycline monohydrate | Taking other medications that raise pressure in the brain
Doxycycline monohydrate can cause high pressure in your brain, a condition called intracranial hypertension or pseudotumor cerebri. The chances are higher in women of childbearing age who are either overweight or have a history of high pressure in the brain. The risk is also higher if you take doxycycline monohydrate with isotretinoin (Absorica). It usually goes away after you stop taking doxycycline monohydrate, but it can cause permanent vision loss. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have a headache, dizziness, blurred vision, swelling inside your eye, double vision, vision loss, or any vision changes.
Harm to unborn and young babies
- Risk factors: Pregnancy | Women of childbearing age | Premature babies
Avoid using doxycycline monohydrate if you're pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant because it can cause serious harm to your unborn baby. Doxycycline monohydrate can cross the placenta and have harmful effects on the growth and development of your unborn baby's teeth and bones. It can also affect bone growth when given to babies who were born early. Pregnant women shouldn't take doxycycline monohydrate unless it's absolutely necessary.
Sunburn
- Risk factors: Exposure to sunlight or ultraviolet light
Doxycycline monohydrate can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and cause serious sunburns. Avoid direct exposure to sunlight by wearing sun-protective clothing, such as hats. Apply sunscreen or sunblock lotion before going outside, even on cloudy days. You should also avoid tanning beds while taking doxycycline monohydrate. If you notice skin redness, irritation, or sunburn, stop taking doxycycline monohydrate and let your healthcare provider know.
Damage to the esophagus
Make sure to take your dose of doxycycline monohydrate with plenty of water and avoid lying down for at least 30 minutes afterwards. This is because if the medication is stuck in your esophagus, there's a risk that it can cause irritation and damage, and sometimes ulcers ,in the esophagus. Let your provider know right away if you start to feel pain or a burning sensation in your throat or chest. If your esophagus is damaged, then your provider might ask you to stop taking doxycycline monohydrate.
Autoimmune problems
Tetracyclines, such as doxycycline monohydrate, have been associated with autoimmune problems (when your immune system attacks parts of your body). Let your provider know if you experience fever, rash, joint pain, or if you're feeling unwell while taking this medication.
Skin color changes
Doxycycline monohydrate can cause some areas on your skin to become darker, including your nails, skin, and eyes. Contact your provider if you notice any skin changes.
New infections
Like other antibiotics, using doxycycline monohydrate can lead to overgrowth of other bacteria or fungi. This can lead to a new infection, such as a vaginal yeast infection. Let your provider know if you experience symptoms of an infection, such as fever, chills, or vaginal itching, discharge, or odor.
Sulfite allergy
- Risk factors: Asthma
Doxycycline monohydrate syrup (Vibramycin) contains a sulfite that can cause allergic reactions, including life-threatening anaphylaxis (closing of the throat). If you have trouble breathing after taking this medication, get emergency medical help right away.
Doxycycline monohydrate dosage
The average cost for 14 capsules of 100mg of Doxycycline monohydrate is $11.89 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 52.72% off the average retail price of $25.15.
Typical dosage for Doxycycline monohydrate
Infections: Your dose will depend on your condition. You should take the medication exactly as prescribed by your provider. In general:
- Adults and children weighing 45 kg or more: The typical dose is 200 mg by mouth on day 1 (either 100 mg every 12 hours OR 50 mg every 6 hours), followed by 100 mg per day OR 50 mg every 12 hours. For more severe infections, you might need to take 100 mg by mouth every 12 hours.
- Children (weight less than 45 kg) with severe or life-threatening infections: The typical dose is 2.2 mg/kg by mouth every 12 hours.
- Children 8 years and older (weight less than 45 kg) with less severe infections: The typical dose is 4.4 mg/kg by mouth split into two equal doses on day 1, followed by 2.2 mg/kg per day.
Rosacea (Oracea only):
- Adults: The typical dose is one capsule (40 mg) by mouth every morning on an empty stomach.
More on Doxycycline monohydrate dosage
Doxycycline monohydrate reviews
GoodRx has partnered with to provide reviews on the different aspects of Doxycycline monohydrate.
Effectiveness
Learn more about the effectiveness of Doxycycline monohydrate based on real life experiences.
Overall Rating
Based on 90 people taking this medication
2.7
Effectiveness by condition:
Lyme disease58 reviews
2.3
acne12 reviews
2.7
methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus9 reviews
2.9
pneumonia6 reviews
3.1
hidradenitis suppurativa5 reviews
2.3
Side effects
Learn more about the side effects others have reported while taking Doxycycline monohydrate.
Severity of side effects
Based on 237 people taking this medication
0%
50%
100%
Top side effects
Based on 237 people taking this medication
Nausea
17%
Nausea and vomiting
5%
Diarrhea
5%
Skin sensitivity to sun (photosensitivity)
4%
Upset stomach
3%
Usage
Review why people stop taking this medication and how long they take it.
Reasons people stopped taking Doxycycline monohydrate
Based on 360 people who have taken this medication
Course of treatment ended
49%
Doctor's advice
20%
Side effects too severe
14%
Did not seem to work
10%
Other
8%
Personal research
2%
Expense
1%
How long people take Doxycycline monohydrate
Based on 186 people who have taken this medication
0%
50%
100%
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Interactions between Doxycycline monohydrate and other drugs
Doxycycline monohydrate may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Doxycycline monohydrate. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.
More on Doxycycline monohydrate interactions
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Amoxicillin
- Ampicillin
- Ascorbic Acid
- Bacampicillin
- Bexarotene
- Cholera Vaccine, Live
- Cloxacillin
- Desogestrel
- Dicloxacillin
- Dienogest
- Drospirenone
- Estradiol
- Ethinyl Estradiol
- Ethynodiol
- Etretinate
- Gestodene
- Isotretinoin
- Levonorgestrel
- Mestranol
- Methicillin
- Methotrexate
- Methoxyflurane
- Nafcillin
- Nomegestrol
- Norethindrone
- Norgestimate
- Norgestrel
- Oxacillin
- Penicillin G
- Penicillin G Benzathine
- Penicillin G Procaine
- Penicillin V
- Piperacillin
- Pivampicillin
- Porfimer
- Sultamicillin
- Temocillin
- Tretinoin
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Aluminum Carbonate, Basic
- Aluminum Hydroxide
- Aluminum Phosphate
- Aminolevulinic Acid
- Bismuth Subsalicylate
- Calcium
- Dihydroxyaluminum Aminoacetate
- Dihydroxyaluminum Sodium Carbonate
- Iron
- Magaldrate
- Magnesium Carbonate
- Magnesium Hydroxide
- Magnesium Oxide
- Magnesium Trisilicate
- Rifampin
- Rifapentine
How much does Doxycycline monohydrate cost?
To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
What are alternatives to Doxycycline monohydrate?
There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Doxycycline monohydrate. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
Doxycycline monohydrate
Used for:
Doxycycline monohydrate is used to treat many different infections caused by bacteria. Some examples include:
$11.72View prices
Used 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:
$10.44View prices
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Doxycycline is an effective antibiotic that treats a wide range of infections, but are there alternatives? Learn more here.
Doxycycline Dosages: Your GoodRx Guide
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When Do You Really Need Antibiotics?
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Which Antibiotics Are Less Likely to Cause Diarrhea From C. diff?
Diarrhea is a side effect of most antibiotics. Antibiotics can cause diarrhea because they kill certain types of bacteria in your GI tract. This may lead to serious diarrhea caused by a Clostridium difficile infection. Learn more here.
Doxycycline monohydrate images
