How Doxycycline is supplied and should be taken

How is Doxycycline supplied?

For use in the home, it is usually supplied either as a capsule containing 50mg or 100mg, and also as a tablet containing 20mg, 50mg or 100mg. Several different manufacturers have been licensed to produce doxycycline under different names. You should therefore be prepared to receive delivery of capsules and tablets in different shapes and colors. In no way does the difference in shape or color indicate any difference in the strength or effectiveness of the drug.

How to take Doxycycline

If there is food inside your stomach when you take doxycycline, this can slow down the absorption of the drug into your bloodstream. The higher the fat content in the food you have eaten, the more slowly your body processes the drug. So it is usually better to take the drug at least one hour before eating or more than two hours after your last meal. But, if you experience any gastric problems, your doctor may advise you to take the drug with a meal.

There is a slight risk of the drug causing irritation of the esophagus, the tube taking the food from your mouth to the stomach. To eliminate this risk, drink plenty of water with the capsule or tablet to ensure it is washed into your stomach as quickly as possible. Secondly, do not lie down immediately after taking it so that gravity will speed your drug’s progress down into your stomach.

One small warning

Do not take this drug at the same time as an antacid product used to calm gastric upsets. Similarly, do not take any other product or supplement containing aluminum, calcium, iron, or magnesium. This does not require you to avoid drinking milk or eating foods naturally having a high calcium content.