If you’ve been prescribed doxycycline, the biggest question is usually "how much should I take?" The answer depends on what you’re treating, your age, and any health issues you have. Below we break down the most common dosing schedules, why they differ, and what to watch out for.
For most adult infections – like acne, respiratory infections, or Lyme disease – doctors start with a 100 mg tablet once or twice a day. The usual course runs 7‑14 days, but some conditions (e.g., acne) may need 3‑6 months of low‑dose therapy.
Children under 8 years old rarely get doxycycline because it can affect tooth development. When it’s absolutely needed, the dose is calculated by weight: 2.2 mg per kilogram of body weight, taken twice daily.
For sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia, the typical regimen is a single 200 mg dose taken at once. This simplifies treatment and improves compliance.
Kidney or liver problems can change how your body clears doxycycline. In moderate kidney impairment, doctors may lower the dose to 50 mg twice daily or extend the dosing interval to every 12 hours.
If you’re pregnant or nursing, doxycycline is usually avoided because it can cross the placenta and enter breast milk. Talk to your provider about safer alternatives like amoxicillin.
Travelers heading to malaria‑prone areas often use doxycycline as a prophylactic. The standard preventive dose is 100 mg once daily, started 1‑2 days before entering the region and continued for 4 weeks after leaving.
Remember to take doxycycline with a full glass of water and stay upright for at least 30 minutes. This reduces the risk of stomach irritation and helps the drug absorb properly.
Missing a dose? Take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s almost time for the next dose. In that case, skip the missed one – don’t double up.
Side effects are usually mild: nausea, mild sun‑sensitivity, and occasional yeast infections. If you develop a rash, severe dizziness, or vomiting, stop the medication and contact your doctor right away.
Bottom line: follow the exact schedule your prescriber gives you, adjust only under medical advice, and stay aware of how your body reacts. Proper dosing makes doxycycline work fast and keeps you from unnecessary side effects.
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