Doxycycline and Diarrhea: What Users Say

• Rei...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 19, 2021

For Urinary Tract Infection "The two side effects that always got me while taking doxy were the feeling of nausea and having diarrhea shortly after taking the medicine. For the nausea, I would just eat and it would pretty much immediately go away. Anyways... I did a 10-day course because I noticed burning in my urethra while peeing and the need to go to the restroom very often, and after about the 3rd or 4th day, the burning was gone but it took until about the 7th or 8th day for the urgency to pee to go away. I’m an adult male, 6’1, 230 lbish, and I took a 100 mg dose twice a day, usually 12 hours apart. Hope this helps!"

• Anonymous
• December 7, 2019

For Upper Respiratory Tract Infection "Doxycycline is a very good antibiotic which is very effective. Was given this for a sinus infection that has failed to clear after amoxicillin. Have had it previously so I am aware of the potential nasty side effects. Can make you extremely nauseous if not taken with an adequate meal and plenty of water. As with other antibiotics can upset your stomach and give you diarrhea. The cons have to be weighed against the pros though, as ultimately recovering from a bacterial infection is priority. I can handle upset stomach, nausea and headaches if an antibiotic is effective in treating the infection. You will ultimately recover from those but the infection could be the end of you if left to run its course. No drug is without side effects and this should be taken into consideration. People drink alcohol and look what that does to you."

• Gig...
• July 12, 2013

For Lyme Disease "I found a bright red rash on my arm after planting some flowers and vegetables in my yard. I thought at first it was a yellow jacket sting, but I never felt it. By after a few days, my arm began to hurt, and the rash spread. Not a true bull's-eye though. My doctor saw me from across the crowded waiting room and pointed to me and said Lyme. I was prescribed Doxycycline 100mg 2x a day for 14 days. I was unable to take this medicine on an empty stomach because I had severe nausea and diarrhea but didn't want to reduce the effectiveness, so I ate a little something. It made me sleepy and sometimes anxious and sometimes dizzy but not enough to stop the medicines. I pray this Lyme disease is gone for good."

• ale...
• November 10, 2019

For Bacterial Infection "I told the P.A. that I was on my last pill for Zithromax. She told me that I need to stop taking it and start taking this poisonous ATB (doxycycline). After the first pill, I started experiencing diarrhea, the second time, it got worse that I had to go to the bathroom every 15 mins during the night. I was physically and mentally drained the next day, but forced myself to work. To make matters worse, my respiratory infection exacerbated and developed a hoarse voice. It has been 3 days since I took the 2nd pill and I'm still going to the bathroom every 20 mins. Yesterday I took Lomotil to control the urge for when I was at work. I ate lots of bananas, white rice, etc., but to no avail. Now my anus is so irritated. Whoever prescribed this for bacterial infection should be told they have violated their oath of 'DO NO HARM!'"

• Anonymous
• July 24, 2012

For Bacterial Infection "I took this medication for 4 days and had severe side effects. It started out with a stomach ache, nausea, diarrhea, then I felt like I had the worst case of the flu. Body aches, chills, low-grade fever, dizziness, weakness, sore skin. Plus, the infection I was taking it for only got worse. It's been 4 days since I stopped taking it, and I still feel horrible."

• Bos...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 25, 2018

For Bacterial Infection "I was on doxycycline 100 mg, 2x daily for 7 days. I thought I was dying after 5 pills. I had been sick for over a week, and the urgent care NP thought I should take this. I actually asked for amoxicillin, and she refused. I had taken 3 doses and felt my heart race and dizzy. I called in to the urgent care but could not speak directly to her. The receptionist said I could stop taking it, but she wasn’t convinced it was from the doxy. So I thought I’d push through. After dose 5, I left work at noon and went straight to my family doctor, I thought I was dying. I had watery diarrhea exploding from me. Ten times before noon! I was severely dizzy, I couldn’t even think about eating. I had cold sweats and a weird headache. I felt like my brain was swelling! My vision seemed bowed, that’s the only way I can explain it. I couldn’t see anything straight. He told me doxy is a horrible antibiotic, the side effects are too common and severe. He doesn’t prescribe."

• ART...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 20, 2017

For Pneumonia "I developed pneumonia after the flu, and my doctor prescribed 100 mg of doxycycline twice a day for 10 days. While the medicine was effective in lessening my pneumonia symptoms, it was very difficult to live and function with the side effects. I learned what worked for me, and that was to eat an hour or two before taking the medicine. I had extreme nausea and diarrhea on days when I didn't eat enough before taking the medicine, but I only had mild nausea when I had eaten enough before. Overall, it worked for me, but if a doctor prescribes this for me again, I will ask for a different medicine. DO NOT TAKE THIS ON AN EMPTY STOMACH."

• Alx...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 25, 2022

For Pneumonia "So to start, I was first prescribed a Z-Pak: Azithromycin for suggestive pneumonitis. I’ve taken a Z-Pak before, so I thought nothing of it. Unfortunately, I had the worst watery diarrhea and stomach pain an hour after taking it, along with a fast heartbeat. I took it with food and everything. Those are not good side effects, by the way. Yikes. So I made an urgent care virtual visit, and that doctor prescribed me Doxycycline. I was terrified to take it because I reacted badly to the other antibiotic. I'm pleased to report I’ve had NO side effects at all. Not even a stomachache! Literally no side effects. I'm so happy! I'm supposed to take it twice daily for a week, and I'm almost halfway through it. It’s too early to tell if it’s working for the pneumonitis or not, but I'm happy to keep taking it because I feel nothing from it! If you’re on the fence, just take it and see what happens!"

• Lot...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 8, 2017

For Lyme Disease "I just tested positive for my Lyme's western blot at the end of August. Started doxycycline 100 mg two daily for 21 days. It is a terrible medication! My belly hurt whether I ate or was on an empty stomach, and I would get diarrhea. I talked to my niece, who is a pharmacist, about it. She told me to start taking a probiotic, 3 every day. Once I started taking the Florajen 3, all my terrible symptoms from the doxycycline disappeared! It's wonderful now! Don't mind taking the medication at all now. I sure hope it helps. I still don't feel like myself. Some days are good and some days are bad. Good luck everyone. Hope this helps you all."

• kra...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 15, 2017

Doxycycline for Bacterial Infection "This is my last day of the 10-day course for a sinus infection, and I am taking it to a lab to get it analyzed. Something must be illegal with this drug that it is prescribed so easily without specific instructions. I have been sick all week. Sinusitis and the effects of this drug have kept me in bed most of the week. I got ill on a weekend and had to go to one of those 'clinics.' Next time, I will go to the E.R. I lost an entire week of my life. i.e., shoulder/neck pain, sore throat, 'something in my eye,' dryness, light-headedness, lethargy, loss of appetite, dry nose, restless sleep, yet sleep all day, nausea, feeling bloated, some diarrhea, and feeling mentally disconnected. I was not a happy camper. And now, on the 10th day, I still have an infection, yellow mucus."

• Sha...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 2, 2019

For Bacterial Infection "Not even sure that I needed an antibiotic, but took it on GP’s advice. This medication is awful. Horrendous stomach cramps, indigestion, heartburn, nausea, and diarrhoea to name but a few. Seven days after stopping, and I’m still suffering with some effects. Had to take time off work. Would not recommend anyone take this medication."

• ENF...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 4, 2022

For Pneumonia "I've had pneumonia several times. This time, my doctor prescribed doxycycline (2x a day, 100 mg for 10 days). First 2 doses, I felt okay, but by the 3rd dose, I had a severe coughing spell for 15-20 minutes straight. That was when I ate something before taking it. Then I tried it on an empty stomach. That time, I got so nauseous I almost wanted to stop taking it. Then I tried taking it again on an empty stomach, but about 15 minutes late, when the nausea began, I drank a little warm chicken broth, and that totally helped me tolerate the side effect. I also had some diarrhea, but not too bad. Totally agree with other reviews, doxycycline does work, and the key is to drink lots and lots of water."

• K C...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 17, 2019

For Lyme Disease "I can’t give it a 10 because it’s not a cure. I believe Mytomycin-C is the cure, and I have no way to get my hands on it. Doxy 400 mg every 12 hr for several months gets a 9 star from me because it saved my life and put me out of my pure misery that I endured for 10 years. Whenever I take it, my trigeminal nerve in my face (right side) heats up and the other joints that are always in pain heat up. But after 10 months, I’m at the gym instead of on my deathbed. Ps. Have alternated with penicillin for a month and minocycline for a month, then have also included metronidazole the first month to prevent diarrhea. Can’t stop the doxy or mino though, or symptoms return within a few weeks. That could indicate bartonella infection as well, sadly. I’ve rescued my share of stray sick cats and groomed my share of tick-infested dogs, yuck. Not a pet person anymore! Anyway, I’m just glad to be alive and not at 1000 on the 1-10 pain scale (my apologies to the math professors out there)."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 14, 2018

For Bacterial Infection "I was given Doxy for a sinus infection, and I immediately felt terrible. I had horrible watery diarrhea, headaches, and neck pain. I couldn’t sleep and was dizzy, lightheaded, and the worst was I was incredibly irritable and had a short fuse. I wouldn’t recommend this medicine to anyone."

• Brr...
• February 22, 2020

For Bacterial Infection "I started this medicine, and within the first day, I thought, man, I feel so good! It was amazing the first few days (minus the diarrhea, but I understood this as a side effect. I was given Flagyl to ease with this). Fast forward to day five, and I woke up with a stiff neck. It was hard for me to swallow or get any food down. I had a sore throat and can't move my neck without any pain. I've stopped the medication, being as I thought it was going to be the end of me. Now I'm waiting for my doctor's office to be opened on Monday to be prescribed something else. It's been 24 hours since I took the last dose, and my stiff neck has subsided, but my sore throat and difficulty swallowing persist."

• Bon...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 30, 2019

For Upper Respiratory Tract Infection "On doxycycline and my side effects of severe diarrhea all throughout taking and severe weight loss of 13 lbs over 6 days. Had nausea, stomach cramps, completely lost any appetite, couldn't eat anything on it."

• Not...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 2, 2022

For Upper Respiratory Tract Infection "I was prescribed a 7-day round of doxycycline for a stubborn sinus infection and coughing. The doxycycline started working to clear up the sinus infection after a few days, but wrecked havoc on my system. Diarrhea every day, very fatigued, and the coughing has not eased up two days after the round completed. If you have GERD or acid reflux, this medicine will make it worse, even with Nexium. It burns the esophagus, and coughing lingers. You either have a burning sore throat or cough. Yes, it works to get rid of infection, but too harsh for GERD and stomach issues."

• Joa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 17, 2020

For Upper Respiratory Tract Infection "I've been prescribed doxy (100 mgs) for a slight infection in my chest. I have been taking them for 5 days now. Two together as one dose each day. They are making me extremely sick. I take them with a pint of water after breakfast. Nauseated on and off all day. Diarrhea several times a day. Feeling very anxious and spaced out since starting them. I have palpitations since starting them, and on day 4, I started getting pins and needles in my hands and feet. All day. Thinking of stopping them. It's awful."

• BV8...
• January 23, 2018

For Bacterial Infection "Have been taking for 3 days and was fine until late on the 3rd day, second dose. Extreme abdominal pain and burning, then woke at 4 am with nonstop vomiting, chills, diarrhea. Within 2 hours, I had full-blown flu symptoms and a mild fever. I can't stand up for more than a few seconds without feeling I'll faint, and I've felt incredibly weak. I'm a stay-at-home mother of 2 children and never had to tell my husband to stay home before to help with the kids. I feel worse than I ever have in my life. I'd rather go through labor again than take these horrific pills. The scariest part about this is my symptoms started during a serious flu outbreak, but after reading side effects from others similar to mine, I was more at ease."

• Amb...
• April 7, 2013

Doxycycline for Acne "Day 3 of Monodox: my acne is starting to clear up. I'm on 75 mg 1x a day. Sinus stuffiness/drainage, diarrhea, muscle weakness, and a headache when I run too hard. I've read really good things about this medicine, that's why I opted to fill my prescription. SUPER EXPENSIVE without insurance and a discount card my Dr. gave me. Hope the side effects subside."

• Tam...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 31, 2021

For Urinary Tract Infection "Scariest experience in my life, and I've been septic twice before, so that says a lot! After finishing a week of doxy, I had trouble with wheezing, then diarrhea, then massive attacks of high blood pressure and heart rate. Felt like a heroin overdose...two trips to the ER with zero help. Day 10 of bad reaction, I'm still scared to be home alone with my kids. Allergist thinks it was a drug-induced vaso-vagal response...BEWARE!!!!! NEVER again!"

• Cle...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 29, 2022

For Upper Respiratory Tract Infection "I have had six chest infections in 9 months and coughed and brought up phlegm for years and years on a daily basis. One course of this medication has somehow managed to stop my coughing and phlegm production almost completely. Side effects were diarrhea quite bad, however, to have almost no coughing etc., I would say this medication was pretty amazing. Thank you."

• msm...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 3, 2016

For Bacterial Infection "I was prescribed this for a sinus infection. After a day, I began getting diarrhea. Then a couple of days later, severe headaches that only got worse. Also, neck pain. Plus, my sinuses are so dry and my hair looks awful. I wouldn't recommend this to anyone. It's too strong!"

• Jam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 26, 2020

For Acne "Used Apo doxycycline for a month. Side effects included nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and severe headaches. I also developed sensitivity to light. It cleared most of my skin, but the side effects were really bad, and I had to stop. I should have stopped earlier but was so desperate to get rid of my acne that I kept going for a month. Within a week of stopping treatment, my acne came back. Meanwhile, it took a few months for my gut to feel normal again. My appetite only returned to normal after about 3 months. This treatment was very disappointing as it cleared my acne short-term but was not sustainable and had terrible side effects. I am now using Duac gel, which has no side effects and has reduced my acne."

• Sup...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 9, 2015

For Bronchitis "I have had what I originally thought might be pneumonia, then decided it was bronchitis. My doctor gave me one antibiotic, which didn't kill much of 'the bug', so he put me on tetracycline 100 mg twice a day. I immediately had some nausea, which I never have. Over the next three days, I developed, and still have: esophagitis, dyspepsia (heartburn), diarrhea, unusual headache, noticeable lack of appetite, and new onset lower back pain. In all fairness, I have several health issues, but these symptoms that I listed above are new, except for the last two, although this time the rate and severity of these symptoms are different. The drug seems to work well, I have almost always seen good results in my patients, but the side effects suck."