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Doxycycline Hyclate Tablet question?
For Malaria - We have just been to Thailand for a week. Started taking the tablets 2 days before entering Thailand and took them the whole time we were there. My question is - we are told to keep taking them for 1 MONTH after arriving home - we are still taking them but is it necessary? We used deet insect repellent while there, only went into bush briefly while riding the elephants and we only got a few mosquito bites while there - have had no side effects from the tablets but is it really necessary to keep taking them? (have about 3 more weeks of tablets to go!). I don't like taking medicine so would prefer to not have to take them. Also told this is an antibiotic but it is not mentioned ANYWHERE on the container so if it is a antibiotic it must be a low dose? Thanks.
3 Answers
- LakLv 61 decade agoFavourite answer
Yes, there is a reason doxycycline and most other antimalarials are recommended for 4 weeks after return. The reason is that it is only active against malaria parasites in the blood, not in the liver. Stopping the doxycycline early may allow parasites in the liver to mature and be released into the blood, causing illness. The 4-week period is necessary to allow time for any parasites in the liver to mature and be eliminated as they are released into the blood.
Doxycycline is an antibiotic and is used for other types of infections, but is also recognized as effective for prevention of malaria. Since all antimalarials are nearly, but not 100% effective, you need to still seek medical attention immediately if you have an illness with fever anytime after your return home.
Source(s): travel doc - 5 years ago
I am in Africa right now and I have been on doxycycline since starting this assignment 22 months ago. Mine are from a UK pharmacy and I can assure you they don't contain penicillin or aspirin. The first issue i got of these was in Houston, and they were just doxycycline too. No aspirin or penicillin. I don't remember mine being called "hyclate" though. Hope this helps- If you are in the States it's a wonder they didn't suggest you take Lariam, which is what most of my US colleagues are on? If you are in any doubt, put your foot down and ask for lariam. You only need to take it weekly . And you won't have any allergy worries.
- 1 decade ago
It is an antibiotic. Call your local pharmacy and talk to the pharmacist, he/she will be able to help with your questions.
Source(s): I work in a pharmacy
