# Doxycycline in Nigeria

Doxycycline has 12 active NAFDAC registrations in our October 2026 copy of the register, from 12 registration holders; 10 further listings have lapsed.

- Source: https://ogbogwu.com/drugs/doxycycline/
- Drug class: Tetracycline antibiotic (Antibiotics)
- Also known as: Doxytet, Vibramycin, Doxycap
- Prescription required: yes
- On the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines
- Last updated: October 2026

## Price in Nigeria

As of October 2026, the only doxycycline our sampled online pharmacies (HealthPlus) list is Doxycap, at about ₦12,960. That is Doxycap's price, not the molecule's: 12 doxycycline brands are NAFDAC-registered and generic versions usually cost less, so ask a licensed pharmacy for a generic by name and check its NAFDAC number before you pay.

## What is Doxycycline?

Doxycycline is one of the most versatile and widely prescribed antibiotics in Nigeria, belonging to the tetracycline class of antibiotics. It works by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis — specifically, it binds to the 30S ribosomal subunit and prevents the attachment of aminoacyl-tRNA, which bacteria need to build the proteins essential for their survival and reproduction. Doxycycline has a remarkably broad spectrum of activity, effective against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, as well as atypical organisms like Chlamydia, Mycoplasma, and Rickettsia. This breadth of coverage makes it invaluable in Nigerian clinical practice, where diagnostic laboratory facilities are not always readily accessible and clinicians often need to cover multiple potential pathogens.

In Nigeria, doxycycline is prescribed across a wide range of conditions — from sexually transmitted infections (particularly chlamydia and syphilis) to respiratory tract infections, acne, and even as malaria prophylaxis for travellers. It is widely known by the brand name Doxytet (Aspen Pharmacare), though the original brand Vibramycin (Pfizer) and generic doxycycline capsules are widely available, including brands made in Nigeria. The standard 100mg capsule is the most commonly dispensed formulation. Unlike many older tetracyclines, doxycycline can be taken with food (which actually helps reduce the common side effect of nausea), making it more tolerable for patients.

Doxycycline has gained particular importance in Nigeria's STI treatment landscape. With the high prevalence of chlamydial infections and the increasing recognition of non-gonococcal urethritis and pelvic inflammatory disease, doxycycline is a first-line treatment recommended by both the WHO and Nigerian STI treatment guidelines. It is also used in syndromic management protocols at primary healthcare centres where specific STI testing may not be available. However, like all antibiotics, doxycycline should only be used when appropriately indicated. Patients must complete the full course and should be aware of important precautions, particularly the risk of severe sunburn (photosensitivity) and the requirement to take capsules with plenty of water while sitting or standing upright to prevent oesophageal irritation.

Our October 2026 copy of the NAFDAC register lists 22 doxycycline products, 12 of them with Active registrations: Alben's Aldox (B4-5289), Sagar's Stridox (A4-4957), Krishat Doxycycline (A11-100424), Expharlab's Doxy 200 tablets (B4-7010) and a dozen more 100 mg capsules from Nigerian, Indian and Chinese makers. Vibramycin, Doxytet and Medomycin — the names on older prescriptions — do not appear in our copy of the register, so a pack carrying one of them should be checked by its printed number rather than trusted by name.

## What is Doxycycline used for?

- Sexually transmitted infections — first-line treatment for chlamydia (Chlamydia trachomatis) and a key part of syndromic management of urethral discharge and pelvic inflammatory disease in Nigeria
- Respiratory tract infections — community-acquired pneumonia, acute bronchitis, and atypical pneumonia caused by Mycoplasma or Chlamydophila
- Acne vulgaris — one of the most commonly prescribed oral antibiotics for moderate to severe acne in Nigerian dermatology practice
- Syphilis — alternative treatment for early syphilis in patients allergic to penicillin
- Malaria prophylaxis — used by travellers to malaria-endemic areas; also used by non-immune visitors to Nigeria
- Lyme disease, Q fever, and rickettsial infections
- Cholera — adjunct to rehydration therapy for severe cholera
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) — typically combined with ceftriaxone and metronidazole in Nigerian treatment protocols
- Periodontal (gum) disease — used in dental infections

## Dosage

Always follow a doctor's or pharmacist's instructions; this is general reference information.

- Adults: The standard adult dose for most infections is 200mg on the first day (given as 100mg every 12 hours or 200mg as a single dose), followed by 100mg once daily for the remainder of the course. For chlamydia: 100mg twice daily for 7 days. For acne: 50mg to 100mg once daily for 6 to 12 weeks. For malaria prophylaxis: 100mg once daily, starting 1 to 2 days before travel, throughout the trip, and for 4 weeks after leaving the malaria area. Capsules should be taken with a full glass of water while sitting or standing upright — do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking the dose to prevent oesophageal ulceration.
- Children: Doxycycline should NOT be used in children under 8 years of age unless no other suitable antibiotic is available, as tetracyclines can cause permanent yellow-brown discolouration of developing teeth and may affect bone growth. For children aged 8 years and older weighing less than 45kg: 2mg per kilogram twice daily on the first day, then 2mg per kilogram once daily. Children weighing 45kg or more can receive the standard adult dose. Recent evidence suggests that short courses (5 days or less) of doxycycline in younger children may carry less risk of dental staining than previously thought, but this should only be considered under specialist guidance.
- Elderly: No specific dose adjustment is needed based on age alone. However, elderly patients should be particularly careful about taking the medication with adequate water and remaining upright, as the risk of oesophageal irritation may be higher. Kidney impairment does not significantly affect doxycycline dosing (unlike other tetracyclines), making it a safer choice in elderly patients with reduced kidney function.

Take doxycycline with food or milk to reduce nausea — unlike older tetracyclines, food does not significantly reduce absorption of doxycycline. Swallow capsules whole with a full glass of water while sitting or standing upright. Do NOT lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking the dose. Avoid excessive sun exposure — doxycycline causes significant photosensitivity and you can develop a severe sunburn very quickly. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing. Do not take doxycycline together with antacids, iron supplements, or calcium/magnesium supplements as these reduce absorption — space them at least 2 to 3 hours apart.

## Side effects

Common: Nausea and vomiting — the most frequent side effect; reduced by taking with food; Diarrhoea and abdominal discomfort; Photosensitivity — increased sensitivity to sunlight causing exaggerated sunburn, particularly important in Nigeria's climate; Oesophageal irritation and ulceration — if capsules are taken without adequate water or while lying down; Vaginal yeast infection (candidiasis) — common in women taking any antibiotic course.

Serious (seek medical help immediately): Severe photosensitivity reactions — blistering sunburn even with brief sun exposure; this is particularly relevant in Nigeria where people are frequently exposed to strong sunlight; Oesophageal ulceration — can cause severe chest pain and difficulty swallowing if capsules lodge in the oesophagus; always take with plenty of water; Intracranial hypertension (pseudotumour cerebri) — rare but serious, causing severe headache, blurred vision, and visual disturbances; risk increases when combined with vitamin A or retinoids; Severe allergic reaction — skin rash, swelling, difficulty breathing; Liver toxicity — rare, particularly with high doses or prolonged use; Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhoea — severe, persistent diarrhoea that may occur during or after treatment; Permanent tooth discolouration in children under 8 years — teeth develop a yellow-brown stain that cannot be removed.

When to see a doctor: See a doctor promptly if you develop a severe sunburn or blistering skin reaction after sun exposure while taking doxycycline. Seek urgent medical attention if you experience severe chest pain or difficulty swallowing (which may indicate oesophageal ulceration), severe persistent headache or vision changes, severe diarrhoea that persists after stopping the antibiotic, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or signs of a severe allergic reaction including facial swelling or difficulty breathing. If you are in Nigeria during the dry season or any period of intense sunlight, be especially vigilant about sun protection while on doxycycline.

## Warnings

Do not take if: Known allergy to doxycycline or any other tetracycline antibiotic; Children under 8 years of age — risk of permanent tooth discolouration and effects on bone growth (exceptions for life-threatening infections only); Pregnancy — doxycycline can cause permanent tooth discolouration in the developing baby and may affect foetal bone development; Severe liver disease; Concurrent use with oral retinoids (isotretinoin, acitretin) — increased risk of intracranial hypertension.

Interactions: Antacids and mineral supplements (aluminium, magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc) — significantly reduce doxycycline absorption; take at least 2 to 3 hours apart; Oral contraceptive pills — doxycycline may reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives; use additional barrier contraception during treatment and for 7 days after; Warfarin — doxycycline may enhance the anticoagulant effect; INR monitoring is advisable; Phenytoin, carbamazepine, and barbiturates — these drugs accelerate the breakdown of doxycycline, reducing its effectiveness; higher doses of doxycycline may be needed; Methotrexate — increased risk of methotrexate toxicity; Ciclosporin — doxycycline may increase ciclosporin levels; Isotretinoin (used for acne) — do NOT combine with doxycycline due to the risk of intracranial hypertension.

Pregnancy & breastfeeding: Doxycycline is CONTRAINDICATED in pregnancy. It crosses the placenta and can cause permanent yellow-brown staining of the developing baby's teeth (which form during the second and third trimesters) and may inhibit bone growth. Tetracyclines including doxycycline have also been associated with liver toxicity in pregnant women, particularly when given intravenously. If an antibiotic is needed during pregnancy, safer alternatives include amoxicillin, erythromycin, and azithromycin. Doxycycline is excreted in breast milk in small amounts but is generally considered compatible with breastfeeding by most guidelines, as the calcium in breast milk binds to doxycycline and limits the infant's absorption. However, prolonged courses should be avoided during breastfeeding. Consult your doctor.

## Brands in Nigeria

Well-known NAFDAC-registered brands: Doxycap (Phamatex Nigeria Limited, made in Malaysia); Aldox (Alben Health Care Industries Limited, made in Nigeria); Stridox (Sagar Vitaceuticals Nigeria Ltd, made in Nigeria); Krishat Doxycycline (Krishat Pharma Industries Limited, made in Nigeria); Doxy 200 (Expharlab, made in India).
Full searchable brand list: https://ogbogwu.com/drugs/doxycycline/brands/

## How to verify it is genuine

1. Check the NAFDAC registration number on the pack. In our October 2026 copy of the register Aldox (B4-5289), Stridox (A4-4957), Krishat Doxycycline (A11-100424) and Doxy 200 (B4-7010) are Active; Phamatex's Doxycap (04-1259), the name most Nigerians know, is recorded Inactive since 27 September 2026 — a renewal matter for the holder, not proof a pack is fake; Vibramycin and Doxytet do not appear in our copy
2. Enter the number in our free NAFDAC checker and confirm the product name, strength and holder match the pack
3. Purchase from licensed pharmacies and registered patent medicine stores only — doxycycline is a prescription antibiotic and should not be bought from unregistered vendors
4. Inspect the capsules — genuine doxycycline capsules should be uniform in colour and size, with clear printing on the capsule shell. Reject any that appear discoloured, damaged, or inconsistent
5. Check the packaging for the manufacturer's name, batch number, manufacturing date, and expiry date — all printing should be clear and not smudged or peeling
6. Compare the price with what other pharmacies charge — a pack of 100mg doxycycline priced far below the rest may be substandard

Verify any NAFDAC number free (no login): https://ogbogwu.com/nafdac-checker/

## FAQs

### Can I take doxycycline for chlamydia?

Yes, doxycycline 100mg twice daily for 7 days is the WHO and Nigerian guideline-recommended first-line treatment for uncomplicated genital chlamydia infection. It is highly effective, with cure rates above 95% when the full course is completed. Both sexual partners must be treated simultaneously to prevent re-infection — this is a critical point that many patients overlook. You should abstain from sexual intercourse for 7 days after both you and your partner have completed treatment. If you cannot tolerate doxycycline, azithromycin 1g as a single dose is an effective alternative. In Nigeria, many STI clinics use a syndromic management approach where doxycycline is prescribed based on symptoms without laboratory testing, which makes completing the full course even more important.

### Why does doxycycline make me sensitive to sunlight?

Doxycycline causes photosensitivity through a phototoxic reaction — the drug molecules accumulate in the skin and absorb UV radiation from sunlight, generating reactive oxygen species that damage skin cells. This is not an allergy but a dose-dependent chemical reaction that can affect anyone taking the drug. In Nigeria, where sunlight is intense year-round, this is a particularly important concern. You can develop a severe sunburn within minutes of sun exposure that would normally cause no problems. To protect yourself: use SPF 30+ sunscreen on exposed skin, wear protective clothing and a hat, avoid direct sun during peak hours (10am to 4pm), and be aware that the photosensitivity can persist for a few days after stopping the drug. If you develop a severe burn or blistering, see a doctor.

### Can doxycycline prevent malaria?

Yes, doxycycline is an effective malaria prophylactic (preventive medication) and is one of three drugs commonly used for this purpose (alongside atovaquone-proguanil and mefloquine). It is taken as 100mg once daily, starting 1 to 2 days before entering a malaria area, throughout the stay, and for 4 weeks after leaving. However, doxycycline is primarily used for malaria prophylaxis by non-immune travellers — it is NOT recommended as a prophylactic for Nigerians living in malaria-endemic areas, as long-term use is impractical and unnecessary for people who have developed partial immunity through lifelong exposure. For visitors to Nigeria or Nigerians travelling to areas with different malaria strains, discuss malaria prophylaxis with a doctor or travel health clinic.

### Why must I sit upright after taking doxycycline?

Doxycycline capsules can cause irritation and even ulceration of the oesophagus (the tube that connects your mouth to your stomach) if they get stuck or dissolve before reaching the stomach. This causes severe chest pain, difficulty swallowing, and in serious cases, oesophageal scarring. To prevent this: always take doxycycline with a full glass of water (not just a sip), remain sitting or standing upright for at least 30 minutes after swallowing the capsule, and never take doxycycline just before going to bed. Taking the capsule with food also helps push it into the stomach. If you experience pain behind your breastbone or difficulty swallowing after taking doxycycline, see a doctor — oesophageal ulceration requires medical attention.

## Sources

- NAFDAC Greenbook (official register of approved products in Nigeria)
- WHO Model List of Essential Medicines
- British National Formulary (BNF)
- Nigerian Standard Treatment Guidelines (Federal Ministry of Health)