A nurse is caring for a client who has a chlamydial infection and a new prescription for doxycycline. The client reports nausea and vomiting after starting the medication. Which of the following recommendations should the nurse make?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Take the medication with crackers: Taking doxycycline with food can help reduce gastrointestinal irritation, including nausea and vomiting. While it is not usually recommended to take doxycycline with food to ensure full absorption, in this case, eating crackers can help alleviate nausea and make the medication more tolerable. B. Take the medication with an antacid: Antacids can interfere with the absorption of doxycycline, decreasing its effectiveness. Therefore, it is not recommended to take doxycycline with an antacid. C. Take the medication and then lay down for 30 min: Lying down after taking doxycycline can increase the risk of esophageal irritation and ulceration. The medication should be taken while sitting or standing, and the client should remain upright for at least 30 minutes afterward. D. Take the medication with calcium-fortified orange juice: Calcium can bind to doxycycline, decreasing its absorption and effectiveness. Therefore, it is not recommended to take doxycycline with calcium-fortified beverages.