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Who can and cannot take doxycycline

Who can take doxycycline

Doxycycline is usually taken by adults and children over 12 years old. For some infections, doxycycline can be taken by younger children.

Who may not be able to take doxycycline

Doxycycline is not suitable for some people. To make sure it's safe for you, tell your doctor if you:

  • have ever had an allergic reaction to doxycycline or any other medicine
  • have kidney or liver problems
  • have an inflamed food pipe (oesophagitis)
  • have lupus, an autoimmune disease
  • have myasthenia gravis, a condition that causes severe muscle weakness
  • are pregnant or breastfeeding

Page last reviewed: 19 January 2022
Next review due: 19 January 2025