Doxycycline (Vibramycin)
100 mg
Stop: Call 911 or get emergency help
Trouble breathing; blue/gray lips; swelling; hives/blisters/peeling; chest or swallowing pain; bad headache with vision changes; yellow skin/eyes; bloody diarrhea with fever; severe belly pain; fast-spreading or black/gray skin.
What it may treat & how much to take
- 1
Lyme prevention after tick bite
Blacklegged tick attached ≥36 hours in a Lyme area; take within 72 hours after removing tick.
Take 2 tablets ONCE.
- 2
Tick-borne illness
Fever, headache, chills/aches or fatigue after tick exposure; may have a spotted/bull's-eye rash.
Take 1 tablet twice daily. Seek medical help immediately.
- 3
Skin infection with pus / abscess
Red, warm, swollen, tender skin with pus or drainage.
Seek medical care; drainage is needed. A provider may prescribe twice daily for 5–7 days OR trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole.
- 4
Lung infection (pneumonia)
Cough, fever, short of breath, pain when breathing. Azithromycin is preferred.
If you cannot take azithromycin, take 1 tablet twice a day for 5–7 days.
- 5
Chlamydia
Discharge; burning when you pee; pain during sex; bleeding between periods.
Take 1 tablet twice a day for 7 days. Partner(s) must be treated.
- 6
Sinus infection
Face pain/pressure and thick mucus for over 10 days, or worse after improving.
If you cannot take penicillin: 1 tablet twice a day for 5–7 days.
- 7
Malaria prevention
Traveling to an area with malaria.
Take 1 tablet daily. Start 2 days before, during trip, then 4 weeks after. 4 months max.
How to take it
Take with food or dairy and plenty of water. Do not lie down for 30 minutes. Separate antacids by 2–3 hours.
Important information
Use bug spray and nets for malaria. Avoid strong sun. Chlamydia requires testing and partner treatment. Get care for serious tick illness or pneumonia.
Common side effects
Upset stomach, nausea/vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, faster sunburn, sore mouth/tongue, vaginal yeast infection.
Do not take if
Allergic to doxycycline, tetracycline, or minocycline.
Ask your provider or pharmacist first if
Trouble swallowing, severe heartburn, liver/kidney disease, lupus, blood thinner, seizure medicines, rifampin, isotretinoin, or vitamin A.
If pregnant or breastfeeding
Call your provider. Usually avoided in pregnancy, but it is correct treatment for serious tick illness. Short courses are generally okay while breastfeeding.