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Doxycycline counselling — GPhC CRA MCQ

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ModerateInfectionsDoxycycline counsellingGPhC CRA

A 58-year-old man with pneumonia is prescribed doxycycline 100mg twice daily on day 1, then 100mg daily. He takes ferrous sulfate 200mg three times daily and omeprazole. What would you advise the patient?

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

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Correct answer: DSeparate doxycycline from iron because absorption is reduced by chelation

Iron salts can chelate doxycycline and reduce its absorption. The patient should separate administration times and take doxycycline with plenty of water while upright to reduce oesophageal irritation. Milk can also reduce tetracycline absorption for some products and is not ideal advice. Omeprazole is not the main issue here.

Reference: BNF