Doxycycline 100 mg: uses, price & cheaper substitutes
Prescription required (Schedule H)
Common uses: Chest infections, sinusitis and some urinary infections; Acne and rosacea (longer courses under a dermatologist).
Listed MRPs range from ₹1.10 to ₹3.29 per capsule across 5 listings. Use only on a doctor's prescription.
Price comparison
| Brand | Manufacturer | Pack | MRP | ₹ / capsule | As on |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Doxycycline Capsules IP 100mgJan Aushadhi | Jan Aushadhi (PMBJP) | 10 | ₹14.44 | ₹1.44 | 19 October 2026 |
| Lenteclin 100 | Aristo Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd | 10 | ₹11.01 | ₹1.10 | 19 October 2026 |
| Doxypen 100 | Dr. Morepen Limited | 10 | ₹26.25 | ₹2.62 | 19 October 2026 |
| Codox 100 | Comed Chemicals Ltd | 10 | ₹32.34 | ₹3.23 | 19 October 2026 |
| Minicycline | Shreya Life Sciences Pvt Ltd | 10 | ₹32.87 | ₹3.29 | 19 October 2026 |
MRPs as printed/listed on the date shown; actual price may vary.
Uses
- Chest infections, sinusitis and some urinary infections.
- Acne and rosacea (longer courses under a dermatologist).
- Sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia.
- Preventing malaria when travelling to high-risk areas.
- Scrub typhus, leptospirosis and some other monsoon fevers, as diagnosed by a doctor.
How to take it
Take one 100 mg capsule once or twice a day as prescribed, at the same time each day. Swallow it whole with a full glass of water while sitting or standing, and stay upright for at least 30 minutes so it does not irritate or ulcerate the food pipe – do not take it just before lying down. Taking it with food reduces stomach upset. Keep it at least 2 hours away from antacids, iron, zinc, calcium and milk-based products. Finish the full course. Use sunscreen and avoid strong sun, as it makes skin burn easily. For malaria prevention, start before travel and continue after return as your doctor advises.
Side effects
Common
- Nausea, vomiting or stomach upset.
- Headache.
- Skin that burns easily in the sun.
- Mild rash.
- Vaginal thrush.
Serious
Stop and get medical help urgently if you notice any of these.
- Severe pain or difficulty swallowing (ulcer in the food pipe).
- Bloody or severe diarrhoea (bowel inflammation).
- Severe allergic reaction, blistering rash, or severe sunburn-like reaction.
- Severe headache with vision changes (raised pressure in the head), or yellowing of the skin.
Safety information
Alcohol
Best avoided – alcohol can reduce how well doxycycline works and worsens stomach upset.
Pregnancy
Not usually used in pregnancy or breastfeeding because it can affect the baby's teeth and bones. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.
Kidney problems
Tell your doctor about kidney disease; doxycycline is often still usable but your doctor will decide.
Liver problems
Tell your doctor about liver disease; it may be unsuitable or need monitoring.
Children
Usually not given to children under 12 because it can permanently stain developing teeth.
Missed dose
Take it when you remember unless the next dose is nearly due – then skip it. Never take two doses to catch up.
Interactions
- Antacids (Gelusil, Digene), iron, zinc, calcium and multivitamin tablets – reduce absorption; take 2 hours apart.
- Warfarin and other blood thinners – bleeding risk may rise.
- Epilepsy medicines such as phenytoin and carbamazepine – can lower doxycycline levels.
- Isotretinoin and other acne retinoids – do not combine; risk of raised pressure in the head.
- Penicillin antibiotics – may work less well together; tell your doctor.
Frequently asked questions
What is doxycycline 100 mg used for?
It is a broad antibiotic used for chest and sinus infections, acne, chlamydia, scrub typhus and leptospirosis, and for preventing malaria when travelling. It does not treat viral fevers.
Doxycycline before or after food?
After food, with a full glass of water, and stay upright for at least 30 minutes. Food reduces stomach upset, but keep it away from milk, antacids, iron and calcium by 2 hours.
Can I take doxycycline with alcohol?
It is best to avoid alcohol during the course; it can reduce the effect of doxycycline and worsens nausea.
Why does doxycycline cause throat pain?
If the capsule sticks in the food pipe it can cause an ulcer. Always take it with plenty of water while sitting or standing, and never just before lying down.
Can I take doxycycline in pregnancy?
No, it is normally avoided in pregnancy and breastfeeding because it affects the baby's teeth and bone growth. Tell your doctor if you are or might be pregnant.
Does doxycycline make skin sensitive to the sun?
Yes. Use sunscreen, cover up and avoid midday sun, as severe sunburn-like reactions can happen.
How long is a doxycycline course for acne?
Acne courses are longer than infection courses and are set by a dermatologist, often several weeks, with a review. Do not keep taking it indefinitely without follow-up.
Does doxycycline need a prescription in India?
Yes. It is a Schedule H antibiotic and should be dispensed only against a doctor's prescription.
Sources
- NHS – Doxycycline (19 October 2026)
- NPPA Pharma Sahi Daam (ceiling prices) (19 October 2026)
- PMBI Jan Aushadhi Product & MRP List (19 October 2026)
Medyzen Editorial Team · Last updated
This page is general information, not medical advice. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without asking a doctor or pharmacist. Terms