NSTK · 01.2026Independent supplement reference
NutriStack
Edition 1.0Updated July 13, 2026

Doxycycline

Prescription ·Exploratory record · not publication-reviewed ·Updated July 13, 2026

A broad-spectrum tetracycline antibiotic effective against a wide range of gram-positive, gram-negative, atypical, and intracellular organisms. Used extensively for community-acquired pneumonia, Lyme disease, rickettsial infections (Rocky Mountain spotted fever), chlamydial STIs, acne vulgaris, rosacea, malaria prophylaxis, and periodontal disease. One of the most versatile antibiotics in clinical practice.

Evidence tier
Strong
Indexed sources
10 2005–2025
Interactions
0
Depletes
4 nutrients
Read the sources → Compare profiles
Publication status

Exploratory record, not a reviewed medical publication.

See the editorial and medical-review policies for the publication gate.

This generated database record has not completed a claim-level review by a qualified human medical reviewer. Bibliography links and evidence labels are not approval. The page remains available for reference and is excluded from search indexing.

In short

What the research says.

A quick, data-only summary. The full evidence, dosing, and sources are below.

A broad-spectrum tetracycline antibiotic effective against a wide range of gram-positive, gram-negative, atypical, and intracellular organisms. NutriStack rates the supporting evidence as strong. Common adult dosing is 100 mg every 12 hours or 200 mg once daily; acne: 50-100 mg daily; Lyme disease: 100 mg BID x 10-21 days (as prescribed by your physician), though a prescriber sets the actual dose. With long-term use it can deplete calcium, iron, magnesium. This profile indexes 10 sources.

What it's good for
  • Treats community-acquired pneumonia (atypical coverage)5,10
  • First-line treatment for Lyme disease5,8
  • Treats rickettsial infections (Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis)1,3
  • Treats chlamydial infections (C. trachomatis)1,3
  • Treats acne vulgaris and rosacea
What to watch for
  • Photosensitivity (common, can be severe)
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Esophageal ulceration/erosion
  • Known tetracycline hypersensitivity
  • Pregnancy (category D, causes permanent tooth discoloration and affects bone growth in fetus)

The bottom line

Evidence rating strong. Most-documented uses: treats community-acquired pneumonia (atypical coverage), first-line treatment for lyme disease, treats rickettsial infections (rocky mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis). 10 sources indexed (2005–2025), with 0 interaction records on file.

The science

How it works, mechanistically.

Core mechanism

Binds reversibly to the 30S ribosomal subunit at the A-site (aminoacyl-tRNA site), blocking the attachment of aminoacyl-tRNA to the mRNA-ribosome complex. This prevents the addition of amino acids to the growing peptide chain, inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis. Primarily bacteriostatic. Also has anti-inflammatory and anti-matrix metalloproteinase properties independent of antimicrobial activity, which contribute to its efficacy in acne and rosacea.

Class
Tetracycline Antibiotic
Absorption
Water-soluble; take with food
Dosing

Dosing & protocol.

Common range
100 mg every 12 hours or 200 mg once daily; acne: 50-100 mg daily; Lyme disease: 100 mg BID x 10-21 days (as prescribed by your physician)
Recommended form
Oral capsules, tablets, delayed-release tablets, or IV

Bioavailability approximately 90-100%. Do NOT take with calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, or aluminum-containing antacids, chelation significantly reduces absorption. Separate from dairy products and mineral-containing supplements by at least 2 hours. Take with a full glass of water and remain upright for 30 minutes to avoid esophageal ulceration. Unlike other tetracyclines, food has minimal effect on doxycycline absorption, and taking with food reduces GI upset.

Depletions

What it depletes.

Nutrients this medication can lower over time, and what to replace.

Calcium

Mild

Tetracyclines chelate divalent minerals in the gut, functionally reducing calcium availability during active treatment when taken together.

Replace CalciumMonitor Clinical assessmentOnset Primarily during active treatment if co-administered

Iron

Mild

Tetracyclines chelate iron in the gut, reducing iron availability and drug absorption when taken together.

Replace Iron BisglycinateMonitor Ferritin + transferrin saturationOnset Primarily during active treatment if co-administered

Magnesium

Mild

Tetracyclines chelate magnesium in the gut, functionally reducing magnesium availability when co-administered.

Replace Magnesium GlycinateMonitor Serum magnesium or RBC magnesiumOnset Primarily during active treatment if co-administered

Zinc

Mild

Tetracyclines chelate zinc in the gut, functionally reducing zinc availability when co-administered.

Replace Zinc PicolinateMonitor Serum zincOnset Primarily during active treatment if co-administered

Full Doxycycline depletion and interaction guide →

Safety

Full safety detail.

Side effects

  • Photosensitivity (common, can be severe)
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Esophageal ulceration/erosion
  • Diarrhea
  • Vaginal candidiasis
  • Tooth discoloration (in children under 8)
  • Skin hyperpigmentation with prolonged use

Contraindications

  • Known tetracycline hypersensitivity
  • Pregnancy (category D, causes permanent tooth discoloration and affects bone growth in fetus)
  • Children under 8 years (risk of permanent tooth discoloration, except for life-threatening infections)
  • Severe hepatic impairment
  • Concomitant use with isotretinoin (risk of pseudotumor cerebri)
Sources

Sources, by evidence tier.

Numbered references. Citations throughout the page link here.

Meta-analyses & systematic reviews

7

Reference material

3
FAQ

Common questions.

Quick answers about Doxycycline, drawn from the data on this page.

What is Doxycycline?

A broad-spectrum tetracycline antibiotic effective against a wide range of gram-positive, gram-negative, atypical, and intracellular organisms. Used extensively for community-acquired pneumonia, Lyme disease, rickettsial infections (Rocky Mountain spotted fever), chlamydial STIs, acne vulgaris, rosacea, malaria prophylaxis, and periodontal disease. One of the most versatile antibiotics in clinical practice.

What is Doxycycline used for?

Commonly cited benefits of Doxycycline include: Treats community-acquired pneumonia (atypical coverage); First-line treatment for Lyme disease; Treats rickettsial infections (Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis); Treats chlamydial infections (C. trachomatis); Treats acne vulgaris and rosacea. NutriStack rates the overall evidence as strong.

What is a typical dose of Doxycycline?

A typical adult dose of Doxycycline is 100 mg every 12 hours or 200 mg once daily; acne: 50-100 mg daily; Lyme disease: 100 mg BID x 10-21 days (as prescribed by your physician). The commonly recommended form is Oral capsules, tablets, delayed-release tablets, or IV. These are general ranges, not personalized advice; confirm the right dose with a clinician.

What are the side effects of Doxycycline?

Reported side effects include photosensitivity (common, can be severe), nausea and vomiting, esophageal ulceration/erosion, diarrhea, vaginal candidiasis, tooth discoloration (in children under 8). This is educational information; check with a healthcare professional before use.

How strong is the evidence for Doxycycline?

NutriStack rates this as Strong, meaning multiple high-quality meta-analyses or systematic reviews converge on the same finding. Full tier criteria are at https://nutristackapp.com/methodology/evidence-tiers.

Use this with your stack

Doxycycline in NutriStack.

Add it to your stack, see how it interacts with everything else you take, and get a Stack Score that updates the moment it does.

Download on the App Store → Read the methodology

NutriStack is an informational and organizational tool, not a medical service, and not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement or medication.