Doxycycline is a tetracycline prescription antibiotic indicated for the treatment of a variety of bacterial infections, including Lyme disease, pneumonia, acne and anthrax. This type of medication is orally administered once or twice daily in capsule, tablet, syrup or liquid form. Speak with your doctor if you have questions or concerns regarding doxycycline side effects.
Nausea and Vomiting
The most common side effects associated with doxycycline use are nausea and vomiting. Such side effects can contribute to loss of appetite in some patients. To limit the occurrence of these side effects, Medline Plus--an online health information website provided as a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health--suggests taking doxycycline with food or milk. Speak with your doctor immediately if you develop severe stomach pain or cramps or if side effects of nausea and vomiting persist.
Diarrhea
While taking doxycycline, you can develop diarrhea as a side effect of this medication. Diarrhea is a condition that causes frequent and urgent bowel movements that produce loose, watery stools. Additional side effects you may experience due to diarrhea include abdominal cramping, bloating or pain. Diarrhea can also contribute to symptoms of dehydration, such as fatigue and headache. If you experience diarrhea as a side effect of this medication, be sure to remain hydrated by drinking at least 8 glasses of fluid each day. Contact your doctor as soon as possible if you develop severe diarrhea or blood within your stools.
Sunlight Sensitivity
Certain patients can experience increased skin sensitivity to sunlight while receiving treatment with doxycycline, explain health professionals at Drugs.com, an informational, peer-reviewed drug product website. Such side effects can cause you to burn more easily than usual when exposed to sunlight. While taking this medication, avoid excessive exposure to sunlight and be sure to apply a protective sunscreen or sun block to your skin before spending time outside.
