What is Doxycycline?

Doxycycline is an oral tetracycline antibiotic used to treat certain bacterial infections. In acute sinusitis, it may be used when an antibiotic is considered appropriate, particularly when penicillin is not suitable, such as in people with penicillin allergy or intolerance.

This product page refers to doxycycline supplied on a private prescription following an online consultation.

How does Doxycycline work?

Doxycycline works by interfering with bacterial protein production and also has anti-inflammatory effects. This helps stop susceptible bacteria from growing and may reduce symptoms such as facial pain or pressure, blocked nose and nasal discharge when the sinusitis is caused by bacteria.

What is Doxycycline used for on this page?

On this product page, doxycycline is used specifically for:

- Acute bacterial sinusitis where an antibiotic is considered appropriate

- Sinusitis symptoms such as facial pain or pressure, nasal blockage and thick nasal discharge when bacterial infection is suspected

- Situations where penicillin is not suitable, such as penicillin allergy or intolerance

It is not used here for:

- Routine treatment of simple viral colds

- Severe sinus infection with red-flag symptoms needing urgent assessment

- Long-term or recurrent sinus symptoms without further review

- Children

Your prescriber will confirm doxycycline is appropriate based on your symptoms, medical history and any other medicines you are using.

Who may be suitable for Doxycycline?

You may be suitable if:

- You have symptoms consistent with acute sinusitis and an antibiotic is considered appropriate

- Your symptoms have persisted, become more severe, or fit a pattern where bacterial infection is more likely

- Penicillin is not suitable for you

- You are able to take capsules or tablets and complete the full course

Your prescriber will consider:

- How long your symptoms have been present and how severe they are

- Whether you have fever, facial pain, worsening symptoms or other features suggesting bacterial infection

- Any history of penicillin allergy or intolerance

- Any other medicines or health conditions you have

before deciding if doxycycline is suitable for you.

Who should not use Doxycycline or needs medical advice first?

Do not use without medical advice if you:

- Are allergic to doxycycline or other tetracycline antibiotics

- Have severe sinus symptoms with swelling around the eyes, confusion, severe headache, visual disturbance or signs of serious illness

- Have severe vomiting or are unable to keep tablets down

- Are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding

Use with caution and seek prescriber advice if you:

- Have liver problems

- Have lupus

- Are taking isotretinoin

- Are taking antacids, iron, calcium, zinc or other supplements that may affect absorption

- Are taking warfarin, antiepileptics or other medicines that may interact

- Have significant sun sensitivity or regularly use sunbeds

How do I take Doxycycline?

Your prescriber will confirm the exact directions.

Practical advice:

- Swallow with plenty of water

- Take while sitting or standing upright

- Do not lie down straight after taking it

- It can be taken with food if needed, although large amounts of dairy close to the dose may affect absorption

- Leave a gap between doxycycline and indigestion remedies or supplements containing calcium, iron, magnesium or zinc

- Finish the full course unless you are told otherwise by a healthcare professional

If your symptoms get worse, do not improve, or you become more unwell during treatment, seek medical advice.

General self-care advice

- Rest and keep well hydrated

- Simple pain relief such as paracetamol may help if suitable for you

- Saline nasal rinses or sprays may help with congestion

- Avoid smoking and smoky environments, as these may worsen symptoms

- Seek review if symptoms are severe, prolonged or repeatedly returning

Side effects and when to get help

Common side effects can include nausea, stomach upset, diarrhoea, headache and increased sensitivity to sunlight. These are often mild.

Seek medical advice urgently if you develop difficulty swallowing, severe chest pain after taking it, severe headache with visual changes, severe diarrhoea, yellowing of the skin or eyes, a severe rash, or signs of an allergic reaction such as swelling of the face or difficulty breathing.

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