Efracea 40mg MR Capsules

Efracea 40mg MR Capsules contain the antibiotic doxycycline which has both antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. This makes it the ideal medication to tackle the persistent redness, flushing, stinging and spots (papules and pustules) associated with rosacea. It comes in a once-daily MR (modified release) capsule, so this means that the medication is slowly released into your body and maintain good levels throughout the day to fight bacteria. The lower strength of 40mg is just as effective as the higher strength but reduces the risk of bacterial resistance- meaning it is more likely that this medication will stay effective for longer.

Doxycycline is an antibiotic from the tetracycline class helps kill the bacteria that may be responsible for causing or worsening rosacea (like Staphylococcus epidermidis). It also has an anti-inflammatory effect whereby it reduces the amount of inflammatory chemicals (mediators) in the skin which reduces the signs of inflammation (redness, swelling, warmth etc.)

• Take One capsule each morning
• Take on an empty stomach (1 hour before or 2 hours after food) with a full glass of water
• Swallow capsules whole and do not chew
• Take for a minimum of 2-3 months for maximum results
• If the rosacea goes away after finishing the course, but comes back now and again, the course can usually be repeated. If the rosacea keeps coming back frequently when the medication has been stopped, then consider only taking the medication 2-3 days per week to keep it at bay.

• Efracea can cause your skin to become more sensitive to sunlight than usual. Avoid strong sunlight and sunbeds until you know how your skin reacts.

• Do not take Efracea if you are allergic or suspect allergy to any of the ingredients listed below.

• Do not take Efracea if you have kidney or liver failure, SLE or Myasthenia Gravis.

• Do not take Efracea if you are under 12 years old as this can cause permanent damage, including to bones and teeth.

• Keep out of the sight and reach of children.

• Drug interactions- Please speak to a pharmacist or doctor before taking Efracea if you are taking any of the following medications (this list is not exhaustive so please check if in doubt): Amoxicillin, Ampicillin, Cefadroxil, Cefaclor, Cefalexin ,Quinapril, Ranitidine, Antacids, Iron, Calcium, Aluminium, Kaolin, Strontium Ranelate, Ergotamine, Warfarin, Amiloride, Furosemide, Oral Contraceptive Pills, Carbamazepine, phenytoin, primidone, Ciclosporin, Methotrexate, Oral Retinoids (including Isotretinoin)

This medication is not for use in pregnancy or breastfeeding as this medication could cause damage to the unborn baby or breastfed baby.

Active Ingredients: Doxycycline 40mg

Other Ingredients: Hypromellose, Methacrylic Acid-Ethyl Acrylate Copolymer (1 :1), Triethyl Citrate, Talc, Hypromellose, Titanium Dioxide, Macrogol 400, Yellow Iron Oxide, Red Iron Oxide, Polysorbate 80, Sugar Spheres (Maize Starch, Sucrose). 

Capsules: Gelatin, Black Iron Oxide, Red Iron Oxide, Yellow Iron Oxide, Titanium Dioxide. Printing Ink: Shellac, Propylene Glycol, Black Iron Oxide, Indigo Carmine Aluminium Lake, Allura Red Ac Aluminium Lake (E129), Brilliant Blue Fcf Aluminium Lake, D & C Yellow No. 10 Aluminium Lake.

All medications and products can potentially cause side effects- If they are severe, or are mild and do not improve, then you should speak to your pharmacist or doctor immediately. This list may not be exhaustive so please consult the patient information leaflet for the full list.


Common Side effects (affecting 1%- 10% of people): Inflammation of the nose and throat, Inflammation of the sinuses, Fungal infection, Anxiety, Sinus headache, High or increased blood pressure, Diarrhoea, Pain in the upper part of the abdomen, Dry mouth, Back pain, Pain, Changes in some blood tests (amount of glucose in blood or tests of liver function).

There are many other Rosacea treatments available which are listed in our Rosacea guide. If you need help choosing, then start a quick questionnaire-based consultation or book in for a friendly telephone or video consultation with one of our dermatology pharmacists.