Doxycycline Side Effects on Malaria Patients

Doxycycline is an antibiotic that helps in the treatment and prevention of malaria, a disease that is spread through infected mosquitoes. Doxycycline helps prevent malaria by stopping the advancement of the parasites in the blood stream that cause malaria. Malaria is common in South and Central America, Asia and the South Pacific region.

When to Take Doxycycline

Doxycycline is taken orally in tablet form a few days before traveling to an area where contracting malaria is possible. Doxycycline must continue to be taken throughout the stay in a malaria-present area and up to four weeks after leaving the area.

Sensitive Skin

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, skin sensitivity is the most common side effect of Doxycycline. Use of Doxycycline with exposure to the sun can cause the skin to burn more easily than normal. Use of sun block and clothing that covers the skin will help eliminate sun exposure.

Eye Sensitivity

Photosensitivity may also result from a use of Doxycycline. Doxycycline can slow the pupils' response to bright light. The slow response time causes the eyes to become sensitive to both artificial light and sunlight.

Stomach Ailments

Users of Doxycycline may experience nausea, vomiting or an upset stomach.

Drug Reflux

Doxycycline may be regurgitated easily, especially when used by small children. Taking the drug with food and a full glass of water will help to digest the Doxycycline pill. Lying down soon after taking Doxycycline may also lead to the reflux of the tablet.