Tetracycline Minimum Age — ORE Part 1 MCQ
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Correct answer: E — Below 8 years of age
Option E is correct. The UK SmPC states that doxycycline should not be used in children aged under 8 years because tetracycline exposure during tooth development may cause permanent yellow-grey-brown tooth discolouration; enamel hypoplasia has also been reported. From age 8 years, the absolute age-based avoidance threshold no longer applies, although use in those aged 8 to under 12 years should be carefully justified for acute infection. Option A is a plausible distractor because UK malaria chemoprophylaxis guidance restricts doxycycline in children under 12 years, but that is indication-specific and is not the general SmPC threshold asked here. Options B and C use incorrect age cut-offs, while D ignores the recognised paediatric restriction.
Reference: electronic Medicines Compendium (emc), Doxycycline 100mg Capsules – Summary of Product Characteristics, sections 4.2 and 4.4, updated 2026: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/13082/smpc