Restoring your body’s healthy balance after taking antibiotics such as Doxycycline Monohydrate is crucial. You can take prebiotics, probiotics, fiber, and fermented foods. Prebiotics and probiotics also help reduce Doxycycline Monohydrate side effects. However, some foods such as grapefruits, foods rich in calcium or iron, and orange juices can interact with Doxycycline Monohydrate, making the drug less effective.
Doxycycline Monohydrate is a tetracycline antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections such as respiratory infections, eye infections, gonorrhea, syphilis, intestinal infections, acne, urinary tract infections, and others.
Doxycycline Monohydrate works by preventing bacterial multiplication. The antibiotic is also used to treat conditions such as acne since it has anti-inflammatory action.
While it’s okay to eat certain foods and fluids while taking this medication, certain things can prevent Doxycycline Monohydrate from being fully absorbed by the body. You should not take dairy products, calcium-rich foods, and iron. Like any other medication, avoid alcohol altogether.
Here are the foods and fluids you can take while taking Doxycycline Monohydrate and how safe they are.
Do’s and don’t when taking Doxycycline Monohydrate
You should take Doxycycline Monohydrate on an empty stomach at least one hour before meals or two hours after taking your meals.
Doxycycline monohydrate is taken orally by mouth with a full glass of water. If you are taking the capsule, swallow it whole. Do not crush, chew, or open the medication while taking it.
Do not lie down immediately after taking the drug. Doxycycline Monohydrate can cause your skin to be more sensitive than usual.
Avoid direct sunlight or wear protective clothing, including a hat and sunglass.
Should I have dairy while taking Doxycycline Monohydrate?
Dairy products such as cheese, ice cream, ghee, milk, and yogurt can interfere with the absorption of Doxycycline Monohydrate in your body, especially if you are taking the products same time as you’re taking the medication.
This is mainly because of the presence of calcium in dairy products. Calcium ions interfere with Doxycycline Monohydrate forming a chemical compound, chelate, in a process known as chelation. When this happens, less Doxycycline Monohydrate is absorbed in your body.
When is it safe to consume dairy? It’s usually safe to have dairy products two hours before or after taking Doxycycline Monohydrate.
For example, if you take the drug at 8:00 am, you would want to avoid taking dairy from 6:00 am until 10:00 am.
Can I eat bananas while taking Doxycycline Monohydrate?
Bananas are great fruits to eat when you are unwell. They are bland and soft but rich in nutrients.
Bananas are also rich in potassium, which helps replenish the electrolytes in your body. However, according to the department of Agriculture’s MyPlate guidelines in the US, their nutritional value does not end there.
Bananas have iron content but are very low, approximately 0.4mg/100g. However, the iron content is very absorbable; therefore, it can still interfere with Doxycycline Monohydrate absorption in your body, so it’s best to avoid the fruit before or after taking the drug.
Can I eat high-fiber foods while taking Doxycycline Monohydrate?
Fiber stimulates the growth of beneficial bacteria found in the gut. Your body can’t digest fiber. Your gut bacteria can only digest it.
It’s advisable to stop taking high-fiber foods while taking Doxycycline Monohydrate as it might affect how the stomach absorbs the drug.
However, high-fiber foods can help restore beneficial bacteria and improve proper digestion once you take Doxycycline Monohydrate drugs.
The following are examples of High-fibre foods:
- Whole grain (brown rice, whole grain bread, porridge)
- Lentils
- Seeds
- Nuts
- Berries
- Broccoli
- Peas
- Artichokes
Applesauce with Doxycycline Monohydrate
Many people who have trouble swallowing pills like to crush and mix them with applesauce. Always ask your doctor for advice about crushing or mixing Doxycycline Monohydrate with applesauce.
“Crushing or mixing the drug with applesauce can dump too much of the medicine into your body system, interfering with how the drug works,” says Dr. Charles Twilley, a Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center pharmacist.
Alcohol and Doxycycline Monohydrate
It is sensible not to drink alcohol while on any medication. Little alcohol, in most cases, may not interfere with Doxycycline Monohydrate; however, it may worsen the side effects.
The following reactions and symptoms can occur when you drink alcohol while taking Doxycycline Monohydrate:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Abdominal pains
- Nausea
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
Alcohol also interferes with normal body processes such as hydration and sleep, which are critical components of recovering from a bacterial infection.
Other things to avoid while taking Doxycycline Monohydrate
Taking certain drugs such as bismuth and warfarin at once while on Doxycycline Monohydrate can trigger some reaction between the two drugs, which can be harmful – this is called an interaction.
Foods rich in Iron, such as beef, kale, and eggs, calcium supplements, antacids, and multivitamins can also interact with Doxycycline Monohydrate.
Talk to your doctor about any prescription or supplements you are taking.
Food and drinks you should eat or avoid while taking Doxycycline Monohydrate
The table below summarizes the foods and beverages you should eat or avoid while taking Doxycycline Monohydrate drugs.
Types of foods
| Dairy Products | Iron-Rich Food | Drinks |
|---|---|---|
| Milk | Beef | Coffee/ Caffeine |
| Buttermilk | Eggs | Alcoholic Drinks |
| Cream/ Cottage Cheese | kale | Apple sauce |
| Yogurt / frozen yogurt | Sardines | Fruit Juice |
| Cheese | Spinach | |
| Ice cream | ||
| Ghee |
Other substances that can interact with Doxycycline Monohydrate
- Multivitamins
- Diuretics
- Iron supplements
- Laxatives
- Anticoagulants
- Lithium
Share with your doctor if you’re under any prescription, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, or supplements. This will help the doctor advise you on the best way to take Doxycycline Monohydrate.
Doxycycline Monohydrate can also make some birth control pills and implants less effective.
FAQS
How long should I wait to eat dairy after taking Doxycycline Monohydrate?
You don’t need to remove dairy from your meal plan altogether. However, pay attention when consuming dairy products. Please consume dairy after two to three hours before or after taking Doxycycline Monohydrate.
How much does dairy affect Doxycycline Monohydrate?
The amount of dairy that can affect Doxycycline Monohydrate is not well known, but some studies suggest that dairy affects Doxycycline Monohydrate absorption rate by up to 30%.
What foods interfere with Doxycycline Monohydrate?
Foods rich in calcium and iron can interfere with the absorption of Doxycycline Monohydrate if taken at the same time. You should avoid these foods two to three hours before or after taking the antibiotic.
How long should I wait to eat after taking Doxycycline Monohydrate?
Please consult your doctor or refer to the instructions written in your medicine packet. Some Doxycycline Monohydrate drugs encourage you to take the medications with food, while others suggest having the pill before eating.
