What to avoid
As with most prescription medications, some care is needed when two or more chemicals are mixed together. In the case of Doxycycline, you want to ensure that it will have its maximum possible effect against the bacteria. So let us start with the less obvious interactions. Milk, milk formulas and dairy products interfere with the way in which your body absorbs any of the tetracycline drugs. Although the effect is less pronounced on Doxycycline, it is better not to drink milk, or consume yogurt, cottage cheese and full fat cheese.
| If you have stomach problems, perhaps simple indigestion or heartburn, it is usual to reach for antacids, bismuth salts or zinc salts. Unfortunately, if you take anything contains magnesium, calcium or aluminum this can significantly slow down the rate at which your body absorbs Doxycycline into the blood stream (this includes diet supplements and laxatives so always read the labels of over-the-counter drugs before buying). Similarly, iron salts used to treat anaemia and some medications used to reduce the level of cholesterol or lipids in your blood, e.g. colestipol or cholestyramine, will interfere with the take-up rate. Mixing barbiturates with Doxycycline will also decrease its effectiveness. Mixing antibiotics, e.g. penicillins with the tetracyclines reduces overall effectiveness. |
Some of you may have read that there is a bacterial infection element in acne and so be tempted to take Doxycycline. Although this may help if you have picked at blemishes and produced skin infections, never take it alongside Accutane (sold under the generic name Isotretinoin). This may cause pseudotumor cerebri which is a set of symptoms matching those accompanying a real brain tumor, e.g. severe headaches and vision problems.
If you are on heart medication and using Digoxin, seek the guidance of your doctor on whether to continue and, if so, at what dosages. A combination with Warfarin may increase the anticoagulant effect so doses will again need to be adjusted.
Finally, if you are taking an oral contraceptive containing estrogen, you should consider adding a condom while taking Doxycycline.
The contraceptive efficiency of the pills may be reduced and you will risk pregnancy if you have unprotected sex.
