Doxycycline: Uses, Side Effects & Brands in Pakistan
Doxycycline is a tetracycline antibiotic. It is a prescription medicine used for acne, rosacea, chest infections, sexually transmitted infections, Lyme disease, malaria prevention and other bacterial infections. In Pakistan it is available as capsules, tablets and syrup, made by 11 different manufacturers. On this page you can read how it works, its common side effects and precautions, and compare the brands and prices available at Medimart.
How Doxycycline works
Doxycycline is a tetracycline antibiotic. It stops bacteria from making the proteins they need to grow and multiply, which holds back the infection and allows the immune system to clear it. In acne and rosacea it also reduces inflammation in the skin.
What is Doxycycline used for?
- Acne
- Rosacea
- Chest infections
- Sexually transmitted infections
- Lyme disease
- Malaria prevention
- Other bacterial infections
Doxycycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic used for many types of infection, including chest and sinus infections, chlamydia and some other sexually transmitted infections, Lyme disease and certain infections spread by ticks or animals. It is also prescribed for longer courses to treat acne and rosacea, and to help prevent malaria in people travelling to high-risk areas. It does not work against colds or flu.
Side effects of Doxycycline
Most people take Doxycycline without major problems. Common side effects include:
- Nausea or indigestion
- Diarrhoea
- Increased sensitivity to sunlight
- Headache
- Vaginal thrush
Stop taking it and get medical help for a severe headache with blurred or double vision, pain on swallowing or pain behind the breastbone, a blistering rash, or severe or bloody diarrhoea.
Precautions and warnings
- Swallow it with a full glass of water while sitting or standing, and stay upright for a while afterwards, to avoid irritating the food pipe.
- Do not take it at the same time as milk, antacids, or iron, zinc or calcium supplements, as these reduce absorption; leave a gap of a few hours.
- Avoid strong sunlight and sunbeds, and use a high-factor sunscreen, as your skin may burn easily.
- It is not normally given to children under 12 or during pregnancy or breastfeeding, as it can stain developing teeth.
- Finish the full course your doctor prescribes, even if you feel better earlier.
Frequently asked questions about Doxycycline
What is the price of Doxycycline in Pakistan?
At Medimart, Doxycycline products currently in stock range from Rs 64 to Rs 1,640 per pack, depending on the brand, strength and pack size. The lowest-priced option right now is Arbev 100 mg Tablet at Rs 64. Prices are updated regularly, so the product list on this page always shows the latest price.Which brands of Doxycycline are available in Pakistan?
Doxycycline is sold in Pakistan under brand names such as Nordox (Platinum Pharmaceuticals Ltd), Vibramycin (Pfizer Laboratories Ltd), Maxfyl (Neutro Pharma), Adoxa (Pharma Health), Contimycin (Asian Continental), Doxybact (Martin Dow Pharmaceuticals Ltd), Supramycin (Merck Marker Ltd) and Axidox (Axis Pharma), along with 4 more brands listed below.Do I need a prescription for Doxycycline?
Yes. Doxycycline is a prescription medicine in Pakistan. Use it only when a doctor has prescribed it, at the dose and for the time they advise.
Can Doxycycline be used during pregnancy?
It is not normally given to children under 12 or during pregnancy or breastfeeding, as it can stain developing teeth.
Are all Doxycycline brands the same?
Brands that contain the same amount of Doxycycline in the same form are expected to work in the same way, although inactive ingredients, pack sizes and prices differ. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before switching from one brand to another.
Doxycycline brands and prices in Pakistan
Medimart lists 15 products containing Doxycycline from different manufacturers. Compare strengths, pack sizes and prices below and order online with cash on delivery.
