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Doxycycline counselling — GPhC CRA MCQ

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EasyInfection TherapeuticsDoxycycline counsellingGPhC CRA

A 40-year-old man presents with a prescription for doxycycline 100 mg twice daily for 7 days for a Chlamydia trachomatis infection. He asks whether he should take it with food. What is the most appropriate counselling?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: A — Take with or after food to reduce gastric irritation and remain upright for at least 30 minutes afterwards

Doxycycline should be taken with or after food to reduce the risk of oesophageal irritation and ulceration. Patients should remain upright (sitting or standing) for at least 30 minutes after taking the dose. Unlike other tetracyclines, doxycycline absorption is not significantly affected by food. However, it should not be taken with milk or antacids as calcium can chelate tetracyclines and reduce absorption.

Reference: BNF Doxycycline