Doxycycline with antibiotics: interactions and safety
Antibiotic courses are common, short-term and often combined with chronic medications such as Doxycycline (Doxycycline). Most antibiotics do not interfere meaningfully with Doxycycline at 50mg, 100mg, 150mg, 200mg, but a few classes do, and a small number of combinations are best avoided.
Common antibiotic interactions
Macrolides (clarithromycin, erythromycin) and certain antifungals can inhibit hepatic metabolism (CYP3A4) and raise plasma levels of many medications including some Antibiotics agents. Rifampicin has the opposite effect, accelerating metabolism. Most penicillins, cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones and tetracyclines have no clinically meaningful interaction with Doxycycline at 50mg, 100mg, 150mg, 200mg.
Practical guidance
According to the prescribing information for Doxycycline, an antibiotic course should be reviewed by the prescriber or pharmacist for known interactions before Doxycycline is co-administered. Adjusted 50mg, 100mg, 150mg, 200mg dosing or temporary substitution is sometimes preferred for the duration of the antibiotic course.
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Doxycycline during an antibiotic course? ▾
For most common antibiotics, yes. A few classes — notably macrolides and azole antifungals — alter how Doxycycline is metabolised and may need a temporary 50mg, 100mg, 150mg, 200mg adjustment. The prescribing pharmacist should review any new antibiotic against the existing Doxycycline regimen.
Will antibiotics make Doxycycline stop working? ▾
Most antibiotics do not affect Doxycycline efficacy. Rifampicin and a few others can lower Doxycycline levels and reduce effect; in those cases the prescriber may adjust the dose during and shortly after the antibiotic course.
More on Doxycycline
- With alcoholDoxycycline and alcohol — is it safe to drink?
- With foodShould Doxycycline be taken with food?
- Side effectsDoxycycline side effects: common, rare and warning signs
- Dosage guideDoxycycline dosage guide: how much to take and when
- OnsetHow fast does Doxycycline start working?
- DurationHow long does Doxycycline last?
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