Vibramycin
Bacterial Infections
100mg
Doxycycline capsules for bacterial infections, including chlamydia. It stops bacteria from making proteins they need to grow.
From$0.66/ capsuleView
Doxycycline
Doxycycline, sold here as Vibramycin 100 mg capsules, is a tetracycline antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections such as chlamydia and to prevent malaria while travelling.
Key points
- Doxycycline is a tetracycline-class antibiotic that also treats urinary tract infections, chest infections, gum infections, and skin conditions like acne and rosacea.
- Photosensitivity is a common side effect: the skin becomes more sensitive to sunlight, causing rash, itching, and redness that may be harder to spot on brown or black skin.
- Some medicines and supplements, including antacids, iron, and zinc, can stop doxycycline from working properly, so check what you are taking alongside it.
How does Doxycycline work?
As one of the antibiotics listed here, doxycycline stops bacteria from making the proteins they need to grow and multiply. It binds to the ribosome, the tiny structure inside each bacterial cell that assembles proteins, and blocks that process. Without new proteins, the bacteria cannot repair themselves or divide, so the infection clears as the immune system removes what is left.
Further reading
What is doxycycline used for?
Doxycycline is a tetracycline antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections such as chlamydia and to prevent malaria while travelling. It also treats urinary tract infections, chest infections, gum infections, and skin conditions like acne and rosacea.
How long does doxycycline take to work?
Doxycycline starts working within 1 to 2 hours. Its effect lasts around 12 to 24 hours.
What side effects can doxycycline cause?
Common side effects include nausea, diarrhoea and vomiting. It can also cause photosensitivity, oesophagitis and vaginal candidiasis. Serious effects such as pseudotumour cerebri or severe liver damage (hepatotoxicity) need immediate medical attention.
Can doxycycline be taken with other medicines?
Some medicines and supplements, including antacids, iron and zinc, can stop doxycycline from working properly. Phenytoin can also interact with it. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking doxycycline with other medicines or supplements.
Who should not take doxycycline?
Doxycycline is not for children under eight years, during pregnancy, or for anyone with a severe hypersensitivity to tetracyclines. If any of these apply, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
In which products can I find doxycycline?
On Direct Meds, doxycycline comes as Vibramycin. Compare their forms, strengths and packs.
How much does doxycycline cost in South Africa?
Compare the rand prices for each product, strength and pack above. Prices are converted from US dollars.
Payment and prices →Is doxycycline available over the counter in South Africa?
Yes, online. Direct Meds does not ask for a prescription to order doxycycline. We are a broker, not a dispensing pharmacy. We arrange orders and delivery with our affiliated supplier on your behalf.
Ordering without a prescription →Can I buy doxycycline online in South Africa?
Yes. Our affiliated supplier delivers across South Africa. Estimated delivery is 7 days with Express Delivery, which includes online tracking, or up to 3 weeks with Regular Delivery.
How ordering works →Related articles
22 Sept 2026 ⋅ 5 min read
Doxycycline for malaria or acne: why the purpose matters
Doxycycline has different roles in malaria prevention, acne and rosacea. Learn the formulation differences, South African supply exception and practical precautions.
Read guide