Let's take a minute to talk about your medication.

This is doxycycline hyclate. This antibiotic treats infections caused by bacteria. It cannot treat infections caused by viruses, like the common cold. Doxycycline may also help protect travelers from malaria.

You should take this medicine exactly as your doctor tells you to. You should swallow the capsule or tablet whole with a full glass of water. This will help protect your throat from irritation.

Most people tolerate this medicine well. Some people may have nausea or an upset stomach. If this happens, taking it with a small meal might help. Women could get a vaginal yeast infection. If this occurs, you should obtain treatment. If these or other side effects become reasons you want to stop taking this medicine, please talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Doxycycline can make your skin sensitive to sunlight. You should protect your skin with sunscreen and limit your time in the sun.

Doxycycline can cause diarrhea. You should call your doctor if diarrhea is severe, if it lasts for more than 2 days, or if it contains blood.

As with any medicine, rare but serious side effects could occur. You should call your doctor if you notice any unusual changes to your body.

This medicine is not safe for unborn babies, so women who are pregnant should not take it. Also, it is generally not recommended for children younger than 9 years of age.

Drug interactions can occur. You should check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take any other medicine, including antacids, birth control pills and blood thinners.

For best results with doxycycline, be sure to finish the full course of treatment. Also, tell your doctor if your condition does not improve in a few days, or if it gets worse instead of better.