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Can I take Doxycycline and Simvastatin together?

Drug interaction guide

Taking these two medicines together can increase the amount of simvastatin in your blood. This makes it more likely that you will experience side effects from the statin, specifically muscle pain, weakness, or in rare cases, a serious condition called rhabdomyolysis where muscle tissue breaks down and can damage the kidneys.

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Why this happens

Doxycycline can interfere with the way your liver processes simvastatin. Specifically, it can slow down the enzymes (proteins) that normally break simvastatin down, leading to higher levels of the drug staying in your system for longer.

You should speak to your doctor before taking these together. They may suggest a lower dose of simvastatin while you are on the course of antibiotics, or they may ask you to temporarily stop taking simvastatin until the doxycycline treatment is finished. If you do take them together, report any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness to your doctor immediately.

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Taking multiple medicines? Our Medicines Interaction Checker helps you check whether your prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements are safe to take together. Simply search for your medicines to see potential interactions and what to do about them.

Disclaimer

This information is for general educational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your GP, pharmacist, or another qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about your medications. Individual circumstances may vary, and only a healthcare professional who knows your medical history can provide personalised guidance.

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Article history

The information on this page is written and peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 12 May 2026 | Originally published
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