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Doxycycline 100mg Capsules (50)

Doxycycline 100mg Capsules (50)

Doxycycline (generic)

Prescription Medicine
  • UK Prescription Only Medicine (POM) under the Human Medicines Regulations.
  • Manufactured and supplied by MHRA Licensed pharmaceutical companies (specific Product Licence numbers vary by generic manufacturer, e.g., PL 0142/0407 or equivalent).
  • Dispensed by a GPhC Registered UK pharmacy (Aestheticsrx Pharma Ltd, Reg No. 9012430).
Oral Antibiotic \u2013 Tetracycline Class

Description

Doxycycline 100mg Capsules (50) is a prescription-only broad-spectrum tetracycline antibiotic used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections and moderate to severe acne. It works by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis, which stops the growth and spread of susceptible bacteria. In aesthetics and dermatology, doxycycline is frequently prescribed for inflammatory acne and sometimes for rosacea, helping to reduce inflammatory lesions, redness and the severity and frequency of breakouts. Each hard gelatin capsule contains 100mg of doxycycline (usually as doxycycline hyclate) for oral administration. The 50-capsule pack size provides sufficient quantity for typical treatment courses when prescribed by a healthcare professional. As with all antibiotics, it should only be used under medical supervision and the full prescribed course should be completed to minimise resistance.

Bnefits

  • Broad-spectrum antibiotic activity against many gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.
  • Effective systemic treatment for moderate to severe inflammatory acne when topical agents alone are insufficient.
  • Useful for a wide range of infections including respiratory, genitourinary, skin and some sexually transmitted infections (when clinically indicated).
  • Also used under medical guidance for malaria prophylaxis in travellers to high-risk areas.
  • Once or twice daily oral dosing, supporting convenient treatment regimens and adherence.
  • Well-established safety and efficacy profile with extensive clinical experience.
  • Hard capsule formulation is easy to swallow and convenient for home or clinic use.

Indications

  • Moderate to severe inflammatory acne vulgaris where systemic therapy is indicated.
  • Respiratory tract infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia caused by susceptible organisms.
  • Skin and soft tissue infections caused by susceptible bacteria.
  • Genitourinary infections including uncomplicated chlamydial infections (as per local guidelines).
  • Certain sexually transmitted infections, such as non-gonococcal urethritis due to Chlamydia trachomatis (in accordance with specialist guidance).
  • Ocular infections such as trachoma caused by susceptible organisms.
  • Rickettsial infections (e.g., Rocky Mountain spotted fever, typhus group, Q fever) when specifically indicated.
  • Prophylaxis of malaria in travellers to areas with chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium falciparum, according to current travel medicine guidelines.
  • Other infections due to susceptible organisms as outlined in the relevant Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) and clinical guidelines.

Composition

  • Active ingredient: Doxycycline (usually as doxycycline hyclate) 100mg per capsule.
  • Capsule shell: Hard gelatin capsule (colourants and exact excipients may vary by manufacturer).
  • Typical excipients may include: lactose or sucrose, maize starch, magnesium stearate and other standard capsule excipients (exact list is manufacturer-specific; refer to the enclosed patient information leaflet for the supplied pack).

Formulation

  • Pharmaceutical form: Hard gelatin capsule for oral administration.
  • Strength: 100mg doxycycline per capsule.

Packaging

  • Pack size: 50 capsules.
  • Supplied as a manufacturer’s original pack (blister strips or bottle, depending on manufacturer) containing 50 hard capsules.
  • Outer carton and internal packaging are printed with batch number and expiry date from the MHRA-licensed manufacturer.

Usage

  • Use only as prescribed by a qualified healthcare professional.
  • Typical adult dosing for many infections: 200mg on the first day (either as a single dose or divided into two 100mg doses), followed by 100mg once daily. Exact dose, timing and duration depend on the indication and clinical judgement.
  • For acne, a common regimen is 100mg once daily; duration is usually several weeks to months depending on response and medical advice.
  • Swallow the capsule whole with a full glass of water while sitting or standing upright.
  • Avoid lying down for at least 30 minutes after taking the dose to reduce the risk of oesophageal irritation or ulceration.
  • Take with or after food if stomach upset occurs, unless otherwise directed; however, avoid taking simultaneously with dairy products, antacids, or supplements containing aluminium, calcium, iron, magnesium or zinc, as these may reduce absorption.
  • If a dose is missed, take it as soon as you remember unless it is close to the time for your next dose. Do not double-dose to make up for a missed capsule.
  • Complete the full prescribed course even if symptoms improve earlier, to ensure eradication of infection and reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance.
  • Avoid excessive sun or UV exposure and use adequate sun protection, as doxycycline can increase photosensitivity.
  • Consult a doctor or pharmacist promptly if you develop severe diarrhoea, persistent headache or visual disturbances, or signs of an allergic reaction (e.g., rash, swelling, breathing difficulty).

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to doxycycline, any tetracycline-class antibiotic or any of the excipients.
  • Children under 12 years of age (risk of tooth discoloration and effects on bone growth).
  • Pregnancy, especially after the first trimester, due to risk to foetal bone and tooth development, unless the clinician judges that benefits outweigh risks and no suitable alternative exists.
  • Breastfeeding, as doxycycline passes into breast milk and may affect infant bone and tooth development.
  • Severe hepatic insufficiency or significant hepatic impairment, where tetracyclines are generally avoided or used with extreme caution.
  • History of severe photosensitivity reactions with tetracyclines.
  • Concurrent use with oral retinoids such as isotretinoin is generally contraindicated or avoided because of the risk of benign intracranial hypertension; such combinations require specialist oversight if ever considered.

Adverse Effects

  • Very common/common: Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, dyspepsia.
  • Photosensitivity reactions: Increased sensitivity to sunlight or UV light, leading to sunburn-like reactions; risk is higher with intense sun exposure.
  • Oesophagitis and oesophageal ulceration, particularly if taken without adequate water or before lying down.
  • Headache and, rarely, benign intracranial hypertension (pseudotumour cerebri) presenting with severe headache and visual disturbances; if suspected, treatment should be discontinued and urgent medical review sought.
  • Skin reactions: Rash, pruritus, urticaria; rarely, severe skin reactions such as Stevens–Johnson syndrome (very rare).
  • Superinfection including oral or vaginal candidiasis due to disturbance of normal flora.
  • Tooth discoloration and enamel hypoplasia in children exposed during tooth development; this is why use is restricted below 12 years of age.
  • Changes in liver and kidney function tests in susceptible individuals or with prolonged use.
  • Very rare: Hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis, angioedema and serum sickness-like reactions.
  • As with all antibiotics, Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhoea (including pseudomembranous colitis) can occur and may be serious; medical advice is required if severe, persistent or bloody diarrhoea develops.

Storage Conditions

  • Store below 25°C (or as stated on the specific manufacturer’s packaging).
  • Keep the capsules in the original package to protect from moisture and light.
  • Do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack.
  • Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Do not dispose of medicines via wastewater or household waste; ask a pharmacist how to dispose of unwanted medicines.

Duration

Duration is determined by the prescribing clinician and depends on indication. Many acute infections are treated for around 7\u201310 days. For acne, treatment often continues for 6\u201312 weeks (or longer, under review). For malaria prophylaxis, treatment typically starts 1\u20132 days before entering the endemic area, continues throughout exposure and is maintained for 4 weeks after leaving the area, following up-to-date travel medicine guidance.

Onset

Symptomatic improvement in acute bacterial infections is often seen within a few days of starting therapy, provided the pathogen is susceptible. In acne, visible improvement may take 2\u20134 weeks, with maximum benefit frequently requiring 6\u201312 weeks of continuous treatment. Individual response varies and therapy should be regularly reviewed by the prescriber.

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