CHLAMYDIA TREATMENT FACTS
About chlamydia treatment
If you or a partner have tested positive for chlamydia, antibiotic treatment with Doxycycline can be a highly effective way to clear it up.
How does Doxycycline treat chlamydia?
Chlamydia is a bacterial infection. Doxycycline is an antibiotic that helps you to fight the bacteria that cause the infection.
How do I take it?
If we prescribe chlamydia treatment you would take one capsule, twice a day, for seven days.
What are the side effects?
Common side effects of Doxycycline include an allergic rash, nausea, heartburn, vomiting, headache, swelling in your legs and a racing heart. You should also avoid bright sunlight or sunlamps while taking Doxycycline as the medicine can make your skin sensitive in bright light.
For the full information of Doxycycline’s side effects and how to take it, it’s important to read the Patient Information Leaflet that comes with your medicine.
Important safety information
Do not drink alcohol while taking Doxycycline.
It’s important that you tell us which other medicines you’re taking — whether they’re prescription or medicines you’ve bought without a prescription. You must also tell us about any medical conditions you have. We need to know so that we only prescribe Doxycycline if suitable for you. Doxycycline should not be taken at the same time as certain other medicines.
What if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
If you are, or could be, pregnant, or if you’re breastfeeding, you should see your GP in person, not use this service. Do not take Doxycycline.
What are my options if I don’t take Doxycycline?
Your GP might prescribe you a different type of antibiotic if you’re allergic to Doxycycline, pregnant or breastfeeding, or get side effects from Doxycycline.
Chlamydia doesn’t usually clear up by itself. If you don’t get treated you risk spreading the infection to other partners. You’re also risking long-term health complications.
Keeping you safe
If you do not feel safe, are experiencing abuse or control, or have experienced this in the past, please find support below or send us a message:
- Ask for ANI at your local Boots pharmacy
- Contact National Domestic Abuse helpline 24/7 on 0808 2000 247 (Women)
- Contact Men’s Advice Line mensadviceline.org.uk on 0808 8010 327 (Men)
- Look at www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/abuse/
- Emergency situation dial 999, speak, cough or tap, then speak or press 55 when through to the police
Page last reviewed by: Dr. Christina Hennessey 21/06/2021