Probiotics - Doxycycline Hyclate Interaction
Herbal: Probiotics
Drug: Doxycycline Hyclate
Brand names:
Acticlate, Acticlate Cap, Lymepak

Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
May 04, 2025
Interaction Details
Doxycycline Hyclate is classified as belonging to the following category: Antibiotic Drugs
Theoretically, taking antibiotic drugs with certain probiotics might decrease the effectiveness of probiotics.
Many probiotics are bacteria. Since these preparations usually contain live and active organisms, simultaneously taking antibiotics might kill a significant number of sensitive organisms. Human research shows that taking probiotic concurrently with antibiotic treatment does not affect the diversity of the gut microbiome compared with antibiotic treatment in the absence of probiotics. Tell patients to separate administration of antibiotics and these preparations by at least two hours.
Interaction Rating
Likelihood of Occurrence
ProbableInteraction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
References
- Pierce A. The American Pharmaceutical Association Practical Guide to Natural Medicines. New York: The Stonesong Press, 1999:19.
- Xiao JZ, Takahashi S, Odamaki T, et al. Antibiotic susceptibility of bifidobacterial strains distributed in the Japanese market. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2010;74(2):336-42.
- Éliás AJ, Barna V, Patoni C, et al. Probiotic supplementation during antibiotic treatment is unjustified in maintaining the gut microbiome diversity: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Med 2023;21(1):262.
Doxycycline Hyclate Overview
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Doxycycline is used to treat a variety of infections caused by certain types of bacteria. Doxycycline is also used to treat or prevent anthrax (a serious infection that may be spread on purpose as part of a bioterror attack) in people who may have been exposed to anthrax in the air and to treat plague and tuleramia (serious infections that may be spread on purpose as part of a bioterror attack). It is also used to prevent malaria. Doxycycline is also used along with other medications to treat acne and rosacea (a skin disease that causes redness, flushing, and pimples on the face). Doxycycline (Oracea) is used only to treat pimples and bumps caused by rosacea. Doxycycline is in a class of medications called tetracycline antibiotics. It works to treat infections by preventing the growth and spread of bacteria. It works to treat acne by killing the bacteria that infects pores and decreasing a certain natural oily substance that causes acne. It works to treat rosacea by decreasing the inflammation that causes this condition.
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Antibiotics such as doxycycline will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections. Using antibiotics when they are not needed increases your risk of getting an infection later that resists antibiotic treatment.
Probiotics - More Interactions
Probiotics interacts with 218 drugs
Interaction Rating Key
These severity listings are for informational use only. Never start, stop or otherwise change your therapy before speaking with your provider.
Major | The combined use of these agents is strongly discouraged as serious side effects or other negative outcomes could occur. |
Moderate | Use cautiously under the care of a healthcare professional or avoid this combination. A significant interaction or negative outcome could occur. |
Minor | Be aware that there is a chance of an interaction. Watch for warning signs of a potential interaction. |
Unknown | No interactions have been reported or no interaction data is currently available. |
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Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.
DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.
© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC
Drug descriptions are provided by MedlinePlus.