Doxycycline for chlamydia guide
How to take the 7-day course of doxycycline for chlamydia and prevent reinfection.
Doxycycline for chlamydia guide
How to take the 7-day course of doxycycline for chlamydia and prevent reinfection.
- READ TIME
- 2 min read
- PATHWAY
- Doxycycline
This guide does not replace the package leaflet or your doctor's assessment.
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Electronic prescription
Sent to the pharmacy you choose; each pharmacy decides whether it can dispense it.
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How to use
- Take one capsule twice daily for 7 days
Swallow 100 mg whole with plenty of water while sitting or standing. Take it twice daily for the prescribed 7-day course and avoid taking it just before lying down.
- Check interacting medicines and supplements
Antacids and products containing iron, zinc, or bismuth can reduce absorption. Ask a pharmacist how to separate them from doxycycline. Food or milk does not materially reduce doxycycline absorption.
Medicines and interactions to review. Antacids, iron, zinc, bismuth, enzyme-inducing medicines, anticoagulants, and oral retinoids need review
Treatment pathway
See the full decision pathway
Treatment and follow-up
Confirm uncomplicated chlamydia
Testing, infection site, symptoms, pregnancy, and possible coinfections determine whether this pathway is safe.
Use the selected regimen
Doxycycline 100 mg every 12 hours for 7 days is first line. Azithromycin 1 g once is the clinician-selected alternative when doxycycline is unsuitable.
Prevent reinfection
Complete treatment, follow the no-sex interval, ensure partners are treated, and repeat testing at about 3 months.
Dose schedule
- Twice daily for 7 days
Complete all 7 days. Missing doses reduces the chance of clearing the infection.
- Sexual abstinence and partner notification
Avoid sexual contact until you and partner(s) complete treatment. Partners need treatment even without symptoms.
- If you miss a dose
Take it when remembered unless the next dose is nearly due. Do not take two doses together; complete all 7 days.
Side effects
Sun sensitivity and gastrointestinal effects
Increased sun sensitivity: use high-factor sunscreen. Nausea, diarrhoea, indigestion possible.
Oesophageal and yeast effects
Stay upright after taking to avoid oesophageal irritation. Vaginal yeast infection possible.
Do not use if
- You are allergic to doxycycline or another tetracycline
- You are pregnant or pregnancy has not been excluded
- You use isotretinoin or another oral retinoid
If any item may apply, do not use the medicine until a clinician has reviewed it.
When to contact your doctor
- Severe skin reaction, facial swelling, breathing difficulty, or widespread rash
- Severe headache, vision changes, or persistent vomiting
- Chlamydia symptoms persist after completing the full course
Storage
Keep in the original package, away from moisture and direct heat, and out of children's reach. Follow the temperature limit on your pack and do not use it after the expiry date.
What to expect
Complete the 7-day course without missing doses. For uncomplicated infection in a non-pregnant person, a routine test of cure is not advised unless adherence is uncertain, symptoms persist, or reinfection is suspected. Retesting at about 3 months is recommended.
Sources
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