Prevention and Treatment of Doxycycline Esophagitis

Prevention Strategies

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends taking doxycycline with a full glass of water (at least 100 ml) to ensure the capsule or tablet is properly washed down into the stomach 1, 2, 3
• Patients should remain in an upright position for at least 1 hour after taking doxycycline to prevent the medication from lodging in the esophagus 1, 3
• Taking doxycycline with food or on a full stomach can reduce the risk of esophageal irritation 1
• Doxycycline doses should be separated by at least 2 hours from dairy products, antacids, and supplements containing calcium, iron, magnesium, or sodium bicarbonate, as these can impair absorption 1