Part Two of Doxycycline Information, Focusing on Side Effects, Discontinuation or Withdrawal Effects, and Additional Information

This second section of our medication database entry focuses on potential side effects, withdrawal or discontinuation effects, and additional information, while part one covers basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits.

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What are the possible side effects of doxycycline?

  • If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking doxycycline and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
    • an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
    • severe headache, vision changes, or confusion;
    • liver damage (yellowing of the skin or eyes, nausea, abdominal pain or discomfort, unusual bleeding or bruising, severe fatigue); or
    • blood problems (fever, fatigue, easy bruising or bleeding).
  • If you experience any of the following less serious side effects, continue to take doxycycline and talk to your doctor:
    • nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea;
    • increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight;
    • swollen tongue; or
    • vaginal yeast infection.
  • Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect doxycycline?

  • Before taking doxycycline, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following drugs:
    • cholestyramine (Questran) or colestipol (Colestid);
    • an antacid such as Tums, Rolaids, Milk of Magnesia, Maalox, and others;
    • a product that contains bismuth subsalicylate such as Pepto-Bismol;
    • minerals such as iron, zinc, calcium, magnesium, and over-the-counter vitamin and mineral supplements;
    • carbamazepine (Tegretol, Carbatrol, Epitol);
    • phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek);
    • didanosine (Videx);
    • a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin);
    • sucralfate (Carafate);
    • a barbiturate such as phenobarbital, mephobarbital (Mebaral), secobarbital (Seconal), or pentobarbital (Nembutal);
    • a penicillin antibiotic such as amoxicillin (Amoxil, Trimox, others), penicillin (BeePen-VK, Pen-Vee K, Veetids, others), dicloxacillin (Dynapen), carbenicillin (Geocillin), oxacillin (Bactocill), and others; or
    • methoxyflurane (an inhaled anesthetic gas used during surgery).
  • You may not be able to take doxycycline or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.
  • Doxycycline may decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills. Use a second method of birth control to ensure protection from unintended pregnancy while taking doxycycline.
  • Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with doxycycline. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.

Where can I get more information?

  • Your pharmacist has additional information about doxycycline written for health professionals that you may read.
  • Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Limitations and the Source of Our Online Medication Information Database

Although we have made considerable efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, MedLibrary.org makes no guarantee to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. This medication information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend any specific pharmacotherapy. This is an educational resource only -- intended to supplement but not to replace the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of medically qualified healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, please check with your doctor, nurse or local pharmacist. MedLibrary.org does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided here.

Full public license and copyright information is available separately from Cerner Multum, Inc.

Version: 8.01. Revision date: 9/10/03.

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