Doxycycline Dosage: What You Need to Know

Ever wondered why your doctor prescribed doxycycline and how much you should take? Doxycycline is a broad‑spectrum antibiotic used for everything from acne to Lyme disease. The right dose depends on the condition, your age, and kidney function. Getting the dosage right helps clear the infection fast and reduces the chance of side effects.

Common Doses for Different Conditions

Acne: Most adults start with 100 mg once daily, or 50 mg twice a day. Some dermatologists recommend a lower 40 mg dose if you’re prone to stomach upset. Treatment usually lasts 3‑6 months, and you’ll notice improvement after a few weeks.

Lyme Disease: The standard adult regimen is 100 mg twice daily for 10‑21 days, depending on disease stage. Early localized Lyme often clears with a 10‑day course, while more advanced cases need the longer schedule.

Respiratory Infections (e.g., pneumonia): Adults typically take 100 mg twice daily for 7‑14 days. For children over 8 years, the dose is weight‑based: 2.2 mg per kilogram every 12 hours.

Severe Infections (e.g., gonorrhea): A single 200 mg dose may be enough, but combination therapy is often recommended. Always follow local guidelines.

If you have liver or kidney problems, your doctor might lower the dose or extend the interval. Pregnant women and young children should avoid doxycycline unless there’s no alternative.

Tips for Taking Doxycycline Properly

Take doxycycline with a full glass of water and stay upright for at least 30 minutes. This prevents irritation of the esophagus, which can feel like a burning sensation.

Food can slow absorption, but a small snack is fine if the tablet upsets your stomach. Avoid dairy products, calcium supplements, antacids, and iron within two hours of the dose—they can bind to the drug and make it less effective.

Sun sensitivity is a real issue. Doxycycline can make you more prone to sunburn, so wear sunscreen and protective clothing if you’ll be outdoors for extended periods.

Finish the entire prescription, even if you feel better early on. Stopping too soon can let bacteria survive and become resistant, which makes future infections harder to treat.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember—unless it’s almost time for the next dose. In that case, skip the missed one; don’t double up.

Typical side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and a mild yeast infection in the mouth or vagina. Most go away on their own, but if you notice severe vomiting, rash, or difficulty breathing, seek medical help right away.

Now that you know the basic dosing ranges and how to take doxycycline safely, you can follow your doctor’s instructions with confidence. If anything feels off, call your pharmacy or doctor—better safe than sorry.