Doxycycline

£22.00

Doxycycline 100mg capsules are a daily malaria prevention option where recommended for your destination.

✓ 50 capsules per pack
✓ Continue for four weeks after leaving the risk area
✓ Travel assessment before supply

Packaging may vary.

Earn up to 22 Points.

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Type of medicine

Antibiotic used to prevent malaria when travelling to high-risk areas.

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Active Ingredient

Doxycycline – a tetracycline antibiotic that stops the malaria parasite from multiplying.

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Effective within

Begins protecting after 1 to 2 days of starting the course.

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Works by

Prevents malaria parasites from growing in the blood after mosquito bites.

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Side effects

May cause nausea, sun sensitivity, or stomach upset.

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Not Suitable For

Not suitable for pregnant women, children under 12, or people with severe liver disease.

Doxycycline for malaria prevention

Choose malaria protection based on your destination and health history. Doxycycline is one option our prescriber can assess for your trip, alongside atovaquone/proguanil, the generic alternative to Malarone.

Plan enough capsules for the whole course

The usual adult prevention schedule is one 100mg capsule daily, starting one or two days before entering the malaria-risk area, throughout your stay and for four weeks after leaving.

This pack contains 50 capsules. The number needed depends on your itinerary, including the doses before and after time in the risk area. Share your exact dates so the prescriber can confirm the right supply.

Doxycycline or atovaquone/proguanil?

Both are taken daily, but atovaquone/proguanil usually continues for seven days after leaving the risk area, while doxycycline continues for four weeks. Compare the cost of the complete prescribed course as well as the pack price.

Before you travel

Complete your assessment early and tell us about all medicines and medical conditions. Follow the supplied instructions, take precautions against mosquito bites and seek urgent medical advice if you develop fever during or after travel.

View our malaria prevention treatments for the available options.

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Directions

Always follow the instructions in the patient leaflet.

  • Start taking Doxycycline 1–2 days before entering a malaria-risk area.

  • Take one tablet (usually 100mg) once daily with plenty of water, while upright.

  • Continue daily during the stay and for 4 weeks after leaving the area.

  • Avoid taking with dairy products or antacids.

  • Store below 25°C in the original packaging.

  • Keep out of sight and reach of children.

Ingredients

Excipients: Lactose monohydrate, Magnesium stearate, Microcrystalline cellulose, Sodium starch glycolate, Talc, Capsule shell ingredients (gelatin, coloring agents).

Side Effects

Common side effects may include:
Nausea or upset stomach
Diarrhoea
Sensitivity to sunlight (photosensitivity)

Serious (rare) side effects:
Severe allergic reactions (rash, swelling, difficulty breathing)
Persistent headaches or vision changes
Liver problems (yellowing of skin or eyes)

Stop using Doxycycline and seek urgent medical advice if you develop severe allergic symptoms, persistent headaches, or signs of liver problems.

Warnings

Do not use Doxycycline if you are allergic to tetracyclines or any of the ingredients. Not suitable for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, or children under 12 years. Use with caution in individuals with liver or kidney impairment. Avoid prolonged sun exposure or tanning beds while taking Doxycycline. Use additional protection against mosquito bites in malaria areas.

For malaria prevention, start the prescribed course one or two days before entering the risk area, take it daily throughout your stay and continue for four weeks after leaving. Do not wait for symptoms to begin treatment. If you are taking doxycycline for another condition, follow the separate advice given by your prescriber.

Drinking alcohol while taking Doxycycline can reduce its effectiveness and may make the treatment less reliable. It’s best to avoid alcohol until you finish the full course.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one—do not take a double dose.

Some medicines, such as antacids, iron supplements, and blood thinners, can interfere with how Doxycycline works. Always check with a doctor or pharmacist before combining treatments.

Swallowing Doxycycline with plenty of water and remaining upright for at least 30 minutes helps prevent irritation or damage to the throat and oesophagus.