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Travel health.
Clearly explained.

Doxycycline

Doxycycline is a daily prescription antibiotic that can prevent malaria in destinations where it remains an appropriate option.

What is it?

Malaria is transmitted through infected mosquito bites and can progress rapidly. Preventive tablets reduce risk but do not replace bite avoidance or urgent investigation of fever.

Where it may be relevant

  • Travellers to malaria-risk areas where doxycycline is recommended
  • Longer stays where a low daily tablet cost may be helpful
  • People who can reliably continue treatment for four weeks after exposure

Dose schedules.

The clinician will select the appropriate licensed schedule after reviewing age, health, previous doses and departure date.

Daily prevention

Adults and children aged 12 years or over

Before travelStart 1–2 days before
During travelTake daily
After travelContinue for 4 weeks

Take consistently with plenty of water; follow the dispensing instructions about food and interacting products.

Who may be eligible

  • Adults and children aged 12 years or over when clinically suitable
  • People without a contraindication or important interacting medicine

Who may not be eligible

  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding
  • Children under 12 years for malaria prevention
  • People with tetracycline allergy; swallowing problems, oesophageal disease and interacting medicines require review

Potential side effects

  • Nausea, indigestion, abdominal discomfort or diarrhoea
  • Increased sensitivity to sunlight and risk of sunburn
  • Oesophageal irritation if taken without enough water or immediately before lying down

Important risks and precautions

  • Swallow with plenty of water while upright and do not lie down immediately afterwards
  • Use strong sun protection and stop for urgent advice if a severe rash or allergic reaction develops
  • No antimalarial is fully protective; fever requires urgent malaria testing

Clinical references

Further information.

Information is general and does not replace a personal assessment, prescribing decision or the latest destination-specific advice.

Frequently asked questions

How long do I take doxycycline for malaria prevention?

Start one to two days before entering the malaria area, take it daily and continue for four weeks after leaving.

Why can doxycycline cause sunburn?

It can make skin more sensitive to sunlight. Use high-factor broad-spectrum sunscreen, protective clothing and shade.

Can children take doxycycline for malaria prevention?

It may be prescribed from age 12 when otherwise suitable; it is not used for younger children for this purpose.

How should I swallow it?

Take it with plenty of water while sitting or standing and avoid lying down immediately afterward to reduce oesophageal irritation.

What if I develop fever after travel?

Seek urgent medical assessment and state where you travelled, even if every tablet was taken correctly.