Doxycycline

Antibiotic (tetracycline)
PRESCRIPTION ONLY IN INDIA

Doxycycline is a antibiotic (tetracycline) found in 6 medicines sold in India, such as Doxy-1, Doxil 100, Doxypal DR 100. Below: what it is for, how it works, how to take it, side effects, interactions and pregnancy advice.

What it is used for

Treats chest infections, acne, some fevers and is used to prevent malaria.

How it works

A tetracycline antibiotic for chest infections, acne, rosacea, Lyme disease, chlamydia, scrub typhus and malaria prevention.

How to take it

Swallow with a full glass of water while sitting or standing, and stay upright for 30 minutes (to protect the food pipe). Usually 100 mg once or twice a day.

Common side effects

  • Nausea
  • Sensitivity to sunlight (sunburn easily)
  • Heartburn

Get medical help straight away if

  • Pain on swallowing
  • Severe headache with blurred vision
  • Severe diarrhoea

Be careful

Take with a full glass of water and stay upright; avoid strong sun. Not for young children or pregnancy.

Other medicines and interactions

Iron, calcium, antacids, zinc and milk block absorption; separate by 2 to 3 hours. Can strengthen warfarin.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Not for pregnant women or children under 12 (it stains developing teeth). Short courses may be acceptable while breastfeeding; ask a doctor.

Brands of Doxycycline (5)

Biodoxi 100Doxil 100Doxy-1Doxypal DR 100Minicycline

Combination medicines that contain Doxycycline (1)

Doxt-SL

Common questions

What is Doxycycline used for?

Treats chest infections, acne, some fevers and is used to prevent malaria.

How does Doxycycline work?

A tetracycline antibiotic for chest infections, acne, rosacea, Lyme disease, chlamydia, scrub typhus and malaria prevention.

How should I take Doxycycline?

Swallow with a full glass of water while sitting or standing, and stay upright for 30 minutes (to protect the food pipe). Usually 100 mg once or twice a day.

What are the side effects of Doxycycline?

Common: Nausea, sensitivity to sunlight (sunburn easily), heartburn. Get help straight away for: Pain on swallowing, severe headache with blurred vision, severe diarrhoea.

Does Doxycycline interact with other medicines?

Iron, calcium, antacids, zinc and milk block absorption; separate by 2 to 3 hours. Can strengthen warfarin.

Is Doxycycline safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Not for pregnant women or children under 12 (it stains developing teeth). Short courses may be acceptable while breastfeeding; ask a doctor.

Does Doxycycline need a prescription in India?

Yes. In India it is a prescription (Schedule H) medicine, so a pharmacist should sell it only with a doctor's prescription.

Which brands contain Doxycycline?

Biodoxi 100, Doxil 100, Doxt-SL, Doxy-1, Doxypal DR 100, Minicycline.

Sources and further reading

NHS (UK National Health Service) and MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) are free, reviewed medicine guides. Brand names and doses there may differ from India.

Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu from standard prescribing information.

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For information only, not medical advice. This page is a plain-language summary written from standard prescribing information and the public guides linked below. Brands sometimes change their formula, so always check the composition printed on the pack. Doses here are typical adult doses; yours may differ. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without your doctor or pharmacist, and keep all medicines away from children. In an emergency, call 112 (India) or your local emergency number.