Doxycycline is an antibiotic that can help treat nasal infections.
Nose infections are often caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. This bacteria is part of your microbiome and lives on the skin harmlessly. But when it enters your skin, it can lead to infections. You won’t always need treatment, but if the symptoms persist, you might need antibiotics to help clear the infection.
Doxycycline is an effective antibiotic that can help treat nose infections within one week.
How does Doxycycline treat infections?
Doxycycline is a tetracycline antibiotic. These antibiotics can prevent bacterial growth by inhibiting protein production. Protein is essential for bacteria, without it, the bacteria cannot grow and will eventually die.[1]
You should always finish your full course of antibiotics. Failure to do so can cause reinfection and contribute to antimicrobial resistance, a growing phenomenon where antibiotics become less effective at killing bacteria.
What doses of Doxycycline are there?
Doxycycline is available in several doses, depending on what it’s being used to treat. For nasal infections, 100 mg is often the go-to strength.
The typical dosage for adults is 200mg on the first day, followed by 100mg daily for around a week.
This page was written by The Treated Content Team.
This page was medically reviewed by Dr. Joseph Palumbo on January 06, 2025. Next review due on January 06, 2028.
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
DoxycyclineDoxycycline Hyclate
How to take Doxycycline
Simply swallow the tablet with plenty of water. It can be taken with or without food, but taking it on an empty stomach might give you side effects. Try to take the capsule at the same time each day. Avoid lying down for 30 minutes after taking the capsule to stop it irritating your food pipe or stomach.
You must finish the full course of antibiotics, even if you feel better. Leaving it unfinished can cause the infection to return.
When will Doxycycline treat my infection?
Although Doxycycline starts to work within a few hours, it will take a few days to notice an improvement in your symptoms. Let your doctor know if you don’t feel better after a week. They might increase your dose or suggest an alternative treatment.
I made a mistake when taking Doxycycline, now what?
If you took more than your prescribed amount, contact your doctor or medical department straight away. Taking too much might cause side effects like stomach pain or diarrhoea.
If you accidentally miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it’s close to your next scheduled dose. Don’t take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
This page was written by The Treated Content Team.
This page was medically reviewed by Dr. Joseph Palumbo on January 06, 2025. Next review due on January 06, 2028.
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
DoxycyclineDoxycycline Hyclate
Doxycycline isn’t suitable for everyone, and there are some things that you need to be aware of when taking it.
Here’s all the official info on it. If anything is unclear, let our clinician know, and they can talk with you about it.
DoxycyclineDoxycycline Hyclate
Doxycycline: FAQ
Have something specific you want to know? Search our info below, or ask our experts a question if you can’t find what you’re looking for.
Can I take Cefdinir while I’m pregnant?
Answer:
If you’re pregnant, you should avoid using Cefdinir unless absolutely necessary. Animal studies have found that Cefdinir may affect the baby's development. Instead, you’ll probably be prescribed an antibiotic like amoxicillin if you’re pregnant, which is safer for you and your baby.
If you’re breastfeeding, it should be safe to use Cefdinir, but it’s always best to check with your doctor before taking it. Cefdinir doesn't pass into breast milk, so it shouldn't affect your baby.
Should I avoid anything while taking Cefdinir?
Answer:
Avoid taking iron supplements, multivitamins, or antacids containing aluminium or magnesium while using Cefdinir.[2] Iron can interfere with the absorption of Cefdinir, which may make it less effective. If you take an iron supplement, wait at least two hours before taking Cefdinir. If your infection worsens or you get red stools (which may indicate an interaction with iron), be sure to inform your doctor.
Will I get side effects on Doxycycline?
Answer:
You might experience side effects while taking Doxycycline. Common side effects include:
nausea,
vomiting,
headaches,
pericarditis, and
worsening of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
Taking doxycycline with food can help reduce nausea and vomiting. Drinking plenty of water can decrease the risk of dehydration, which also helps with headaches.
Is drinking alcohol while taking Doxycycline safe?
Answer:
Avoid drinking alcohol when taking doxycycline as alcohol can make it less effective and may worsen side effects.
What kind of antibiotic is Doxycycline?
Answer:
Doxycycline is an antibiotic belonging to the tetracycline class. It works by stopping proteins being made in bacteria. You can get other types of antibiotics (like Amoxicillin, a penicillin antibiotic) that work differently, such as by inhibiting cell wall production. Since different antibiotics work in different ways, if one is ineffective, there’s often another that will work.
Can I take Doxycycline if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
Answer:
Don’t take Doxycycline if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. Doxycycline can affect teeth and skeletal development in babies during pregnancy and teeth development in nursing babies.[1]
There are other types of antibiotics you can take during pregnancy that are safe for you, like amoxicillin.
Is Doxycycline available over the counter?
Answer:
Doxycycline is available only by prescription. Your doctor will determine if it is right for you before prescribing it. If you have any questions about your treatment, you can message your doctor online, and they will respond as soon as possible.
Our experts continually monitor new findings in health and medicine, and we update our articles when new info becomes available.
Jan 06, 2025
Published by: The Treated Content Team.Medically reviewed by: Dr. Joseph Palumbo, Senior Medical Adviser
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
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Dr. Joseph Palumbo
Senior Medical Adviser
Joseph joined Treated in 2023, and is one of the lead doctors providing prescribing services for the platform.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
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