Doxycycline

Doxycycline for chlamydia

Doxycycline is an antibiotic used to treat different infections, including chlamydia.

In the treatment of chlamydia, Doxycycline is effective at killing the bacteria which cause the infection and is often prescribed when the infection is found in the rectum.

You can order Doxycycline from our online UK pharmacy if you have been tested for chlamydia and the result came back positive.

If you have not been tested but believe you may have been at risk of exposure, you should get tested by visiting your GP, a sexual health clinic or by ordering a chlamydia testing kit online.

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What is chlamydia?

Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) which can be passed on through anal, oral and vaginal sex. It can also be passed on when sharing sex toys.

It's currently the most common STI in the UK and affects more than 200,000 people a year.

Prevention of chlamydia relies on safe sex practices such as the regular use of barrier contraception such as condoms and dams (thin pieces of plastic or latex used for oral sex). You should also avoid sharing sex toys unless they are cleaned or covered in a new condom between uses on different partners.

In many cases, chlamydia is asymptomatic, meaning that a person infected with chlamydia may not show any symptoms of infection.

Symptoms of chlamydia in men include:

• Burning or itching in the urethra
• Discomfort and discharge from your rectum
• Pain when urinating
• Pain, discharge and redness of the eyes (conjunctivitis)
• Testicular pain
• White, cloudy or watery discharge from the penis

Symptoms of chlamydia in women include:

• Abdominal pain
• Bleeding between periods
• Bleeding after sex
• Discomfort and discharge from your rectum
• Pain during or after sex
• Pain when urinating
• Pain, discharge and redness of the eyes (conjunctivitis)
• Unusual vaginal discharge

Symptoms usually start showing within 3 to 6 weeks after exposure to the infection.

If left untreated, chlamydia can cause infertility in both men and women.

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How does doxycycline work?

Chlamydia is caused by bacteria called chlamydia trachomatis. Once infected, the bacteria begin to spread and multiply in the body.

In order for the bacteria to survive, it hijacks a host cell and begins to produce proteins in order to replicate and spread.

Doxycycline inhibits the production of a protein that the bacteria uses to survive.

By blocking this protein, the bacteria cannot replicate and become weakened.

The body's immune system will be able to fight and get rid of the weakened bacteria that cause the infection.

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How to take doxycycline?

When used to treat chlamydia infection, doxycycline is often prescribed for 7 days.

The typical dosage is 100 mg tablets taken twice a day for 7 days.

Always complete the course of antibiotics that you have been prescribed, even if your symptoms clear before the end of your course of treatment. Stopping antibiotic treatment early can cause the infection to return or make the infection resistant to future antibiotic treatment.

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Doxycycline side effects and cautions

Like all medications, doxycycline carries the risk of side effects. It is important to familiarise yourself with the potential side effects of the medication before taking it.

All known side effects can be found in the patient information leaflet located in the medicine packaging.

Common side effects of taking doxycycline include:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Sensitivity to sunlight
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Difficulty breathing
• Fast heartbeat (tachycardia)

If you experience the above side effects, continue taking the medication as prescribed but inform your doctor or pharmacist if they continue for a prolonged period.

If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should contact your doctor immediately. The following side effects occur in less than 1 per 1,000 persons.

Uncommon or rare side effects of doxycycline include:

• Abdominal pain
• Anxiety
• Joint pain
• Muscle pain
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
• Skin rashes
• Sore throat
• Swollen lips, mouth and tongue
• Visual disturbances
• Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should contact your doctor immediately.

If you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction, immediately stop taking medicine and seek emergency medical attention.

Signs of an allergic reaction can include:

• Blisters
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat
• Tightness of the chest and throat
• Wheezing and difficulty breathing
• Skin rash

Is doxycycline suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women?

Doxycycline may not be suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Can I drink alcohol while taking doxycycline?

While taking a course on this antibiotic, you should avoid drinking alcohol. Alcohol consumption may impact the effectiveness of the treatment.

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Staying safe with Prescription Doctor

We understand your need for privacy when ordering medicine online, which is why we have taken appropriate steps to ensure the strictest confidence we can.

All of our medicines have been tested and are dispensed from our UK pharmacy.

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Additional resources

What antibiotics treat chlamydia?

How long does it take to get rid of chlamydia?