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Doxycyline

This page was reviewed or revised on Monday, March 05, 2007.

Travel Facts

Why Do I Need to Take This Medication?

Malaria is the principal life-threatening infectious disease faced by Canadian travelers to high-risk areas of the world

Doxycyline is used as an anti-malarial medication when Mefloquine is not medically advisable, or in certain areas of the world where the parasite that causes malaria is resistant to both chloroquine and mefloquine

Who Should NOT Take This Medication?

Women who are pregnant or nursing, unless the risk for malaria is high and unavoidable

Children under the age of 8 years

Persons allergic to Tetracycline

Persons who have myasthenia gravis

What Are the Side Effects of This Medication?

Common:

Gastrointestinal upset – take with food to minimize this problem

Sun sensitivity – use a good sunscreen

Yeast infections in susceptible women may be a problem

Rare:

Kidney problems especially if medication outdated

Skin rashes

How Do I Take This Medication?

Take one tablet DAILY, starting 2 days prior to entering malarious area, continue daily while there, and for a full 4 weeks after leaving the area

Take medication with plenty of liquid, and with food

PLEASE NOTE:

It is VERY important to take this medication as prescribed, and especially to continue to take it weekly for a full 4 weeks after leaving the malarious area

No protective medication is 100% effective in preventing malaria. The use of insect repellents and impregnated bed nets is highly recommended as well

Persons with sudden fever, headaches, joint aches and other symptoms of possible malaria during or following their trip should seek qualified medical attention as soon as possible

Anti-diarrheal medicines that contain Kaolin or pectin may interfere with the absorption and therefore the effectiveness of the doxycyline