Potential Side Effects of Doxycycline

Doxycycline, while generally well-tolerated, can cause side effects. These vary in severity and frequency.

Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and heartburn. These usually are mild and resolve without treatment. However, persistent or severe gastrointestinal upset warrants contacting your doctor.

Less common, but potentially more serious side effects, include increased sun sensitivity. Therefore, sun protection is crucial while taking doxycycline. Wear sunscreen, protective clothing, and limit sun exposure.

Side Effect Category Specific Examples Action to Take
Gastrointestinal Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, heartburn, abdominal pain Contact your doctor if symptoms are severe or persistent.
Skin Increased sun sensitivity, rash Use sunscreen with a high SPF, wear protective clothing. Report any rash to your doctor.
Yeast Infection Vaginal yeast infection (women), oral thrush (mouth) Contact your doctor for appropriate treatment.
Other Headache, dizziness, tooth discoloration (in children), esophageal ulceration (rare) Report any concerning symptom to your doctor immediately.

Rare but serious side effects include liver damage and allergic reactions. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms such as yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice), difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, or severe abdominal pain.

This information is not exhaustive, and individual reactions vary. Always consult your physician or pharmacist for complete information about potential side effects and how to manage them.