Doxycycline - Summary

Doxycycline medication is used to treat a wide range of infectious diseases as well as some skin conditions. Through Push Health, people who might need a doxycycline prescription can connect with a licensed medical provider who can prescribe the medication when appropriate to do so.

What Is Doxycycline Used For?

Doxycycline prescription medication is a medication (available both orally and in an intravenous form) that, like minocycline, belongs to a class of broad-spectrum antibiotics known as tetracyclines. Marketed under the brand names Doryx, Oracea, Vibramycin and others, doxycycline has a wide range of uses in the treatment of bacterial and parasitic infections:

Acne Treatment

Doxycycline is one of the most commonly prescribed oral antibiotics for acne treatment (moderate to severe) when topical treatment is not adequate. It helps treat a bacteria called Cutibacterium acnes and reduces inflammation. Typical courses last weeks to months and it often works better when used with topical therapies such as benzoyl peroxide or a retinoid. It is not intended as a lifelong treatment. A lower-dose anti-inflammatory formulation - doxycycline 40 mg modified-release (Oracea) - is FDA-approved for rosacea.

Chlamydia / other STIs

Doxycycline 100 mg twice daily for 7 days is a preferred treatment for uncomplicated urogenital chlamydia treatment in many non-pregnant adults. It may also be used in selected combination regimens for other STI syndromes. Partners should be treated and abstinence from sex is recommended until treatment is complete and partners are notified and treated.

DoxyPEP

DoxyPEP is a single 200 mg dose of doxycycline ideally taken within 24 hours and no later than 72 hours after a potential exposure to bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia and syphilis and gonorrhea to a lesser extent. It does not prevent HIV and is not a substitute for condoms, STI testing, or HIV prevention strategies including PrEP.

Malaria Prevention

For some destinations (e.g. sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, Central and South America, and the Pacific), doxycycline is used for malaria prophylaxis. A common regimen is doxycycline 100 mg once daily started 1-2 days before travel, continued during exposure, and for 4 weeks after leaving the risk area. Sun protection is especially important.

Other Uses

Doxycycline's other clinical roles include Lyme disease treatment and selected community-acquired infections when resistance isn't an issue.

Doxycycline - Dosage and Cost

Doxycycline is commonly available in 50 mg, 75 mg, 100 mg, and delayed-release forms. The dose and duration used depend on the indication. Doxycycline is typically inexpensive, costing under $1 per tablet at most major pharmacies. Insurance and prescription discount cards may also be available to reduce costs.

Can I Buy Doxycycline Online?

Generic and branded forms of doxycycline are prescription medications and are not available over-the-counter (OTC) in the US. Push Health can help people who might need doxycycline connect with a licensed medical provider who can prescribe the medication when appropriate to do so.

Doxycycline - Side Effects

Doxycycline may cause side effects, including nausea, diarrhea, vomiting and a rash. Doxycycline can increase the risk of getting sunburned and photosensitivity (use sunscreen) and can cause permanent staining of teeth in children.

Pill esophagitis and colitis are other reported side effects. The risk of pill esophagitis can be minimized by taking the medication with a full glass of water and remaining in an upright position for at least 30 minutes after taking the it.

Doxycycline can interact with a variety of different foods (e.g. dairy, minerals, antacids), resulting in lower efficacy, when taken together. Most providers recommend that alcohol be avoided completely while taking doxycycline. Pregnant women, breastfeeding women, and children under 8 years of age should not take the medication. People with an allergy to doxycycline or tetracycline medications should avoid use. All questions should be discussed with one's pharmacist and provider before use.

How to Get a Doxycycline Prescription with Push Health

1. Complete a brief health intake. Answer a few questions about your symptoms, the condition you are seeking treatment for, current medications, and any relevant medical history.
2. Connect with a licensed medical provider. A provider will review your information and evaluate whether doxycycline is appropriate for your situation. Same-day consultations are available.
3. Receive your prescription electronically. When appropriate, your provider will send a prescription to a pharmacy of your choice. No office visit required.
4. Pick up your medication. Generic doxycycline is available at most retail and delivery pharmacies and typically costs under $30 for a standard course.

No health insurance or subscription is required. Medical providers are available now.

More Doxycycline Information

• Doxycycline - Medline