Doxycycline
Description
Doxycycline is a widely used antibiotic that belongs to the tetracycline group
of medicines. It is prescribed for treating many types of bacterial infections, including respiratory tract infections, skin infections, eye infections, urinary tract infections, and certain sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). It works by stopping the growth of bacteria, helping your body fight off the infection effectively. Doxycycline should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor, usually with a full glass of water. It is best to avoid lying down immediately after taking it to prevent stomach irritation. Always complete the full course of treatment, even if you start to feel better, to ensure the infection is fully eradicated.
Uses
- Doxycycline is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections such as infections of the respiratory tract and the lungs (like bronchitis, pneumonia, etc.)
- Urinary tract infections
- Sexually transmitted diseases such as urethral, cervical (lower part of the uterus), anal infections and ulcers in the genital region (chancroid)
- Doxycycline is used as second line treatment for gonorrhea and syphilis
- Pimples and infections of sweat glands (acne vulgaris)
- Eye infections
- Rickettsial infections (fever, chills, severe headache, body pains, loss of appetite, etc.) such as rocky mountain spotted fever, Q fever and tick fevers
- Other infections like malaria, cholera, psittacosis (parrot fever – fever, chills, vomiting, body pains, diarrhea), melioidosis (cough, fever, chest pain, headache) and other similar bacterial infections...
- Prevention of infectious diseases such as scrub typhus (fever, body aches, and rashes), leptospirosis (high fever, chills, body aches, bleeding) and traveler’s diarrhea
Contraindications
When should one not use Doxycycline
Allergy to Doxycycline or any components of this medicine or other medicines of the class ‘tetracyclines’ – Oxytetracycline, Minocycline, Demeclocycline, etc.
Side effects
Common side effects of this drug are:
- Extreme skin sensitivity to light causing skin rashes, itching, redness, sunburn (serious, but uncommon)
- Swollen tongue, loose motions, fever, cramps (pseudomembranous colitis); itching near the genital regions or anus; worsening of previously existing allergic reactions; decreased blood cell counts causing easy bleeding, infections, sore throats; ringing in the ears; liver problems (jaundice or yellowing of skin and eyes), irritation of the pancreas...
- Discoloration of teeth, black hairy tongue, discoloration of thyroid gland, mouth and lip sores, stomach pain, loose motions, indigestion, vomiting, ulcers of the oesophagus (food tube), headache, blurred or permanent loss of vision, bulging head in infants; kidney problems, body aches, detachment of nails etc. (uncommon)...
- Severe skin reactions causing rashes, redness, patches on the skin, blisters, ulcers, skin peeling, like burning (Stevens-Johnson syndrome); fever chills, headache, body pains, rashes (Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction), or allergic reactions causing fever, rashes, blood cell abnormalities (DRESS syndrome) – serious, but rare...
- Severe allergic reactions causing swelling of face, throat, lips, swallowing or breathing difficulty with or without rashes, skin blisters, low blood pressure (serious, but rare)
Precautions and Warnings
Pregnancy
Q:
Can I take Doxycycline during pregnancy?
A:
Doxycycline is not recommended during pregnancy as it has the potential to harm the unborn baby.
Breast Feeding
Q:
Can I take Doxycycline while breastfeeding?
A:
Doxycycline is secreted in breast milk and can harm the baby. It is not advisable to consume this medicine during breastfeeding.
Driving
Q:
Can I drive if I have consumed Doxycycline?
A:
Doxycycline may not affect your ability to drive but you are advised not to drive if you experience any side effects such as blurred vision or any other visual disturbances.
Alcohol
Q:
Can I consume alcohol with Doxycycline?
A:
Doxycycline interacts with alcohol and increases the intensity of unwanted effects of alcohol. Hence, it is best advised to avoid alcohol while taking this medicine. Do not take alcohol for at least 48 hours before or after stopping this medicine.
Other General Warnings
Talk to your doctor if
- Liver disease
- A genetic disorder of blood resulting in defective hemoglobin, purple patches on the skin and nerve damage (porphyria)
- A type of muscle weakness (myasthenia gravis)
- Sensitivity to light
- A disorder of the immune system causing rashes on the face, fever, joint and body pains, hair loss (systemic lupus erythematosus)
Mode of Action
How Does It Work?
Doxycycline interferes with the formation of proteins, which are essential for the survival and growth of bacteria. This will prevent the bacterial replication and thus controls the infection.
Interactions
Interactions with other medicines
- Use the following medicines with caution:
- Warfarin (blood-thinning agent, used to prevent blood clots)
- Penicillin and Rifampicin (antibiotics)
- Antacids or Sucralfate (reduce acidity of stomach)
- Sleeping tablets (Phenobarbital, etc.)
- Carbamazepine, Phenytoin or Primidone (to treat seizures)
- Methoxyflurane (used for anesthesia)
- Cyclosporine (to suppress immune response)
- Ergotamine or methysergide (for migraine)
- Kaolin (for loose motions)
- Methotrexate (to treat cancers, joint pains)
- Quinapril (for high blood pressure)
- Birth control pills
- Retinoids (vitamin A compounds used for skin growth)
- Typhoid vaccines
Interactions with food items
Doxycycline can be taken with or without food. The capsules can be taken with water, milk, or food.
Dietary Restrictions
Drink plenty of fluids.
Dosage
Overdose
Accidental overdose of Doxycycline may not be harmful. Reach out to the doctor in the presence of symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Missed a Dose
- If you forget to take a dose, follow the regular dose schedule. Do not take a higher or double dose to make up for the missed dose
- Doxycycline is ordinarily taken once or twice a day. Hence, make sure there is at least a 12-hour gap between 2 dosages
Content Details
WRITTEN BY
Dr. Mahesh Muthe
MBBS
REVIEWED BY
Dr. Ritu Budania
MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What else should I know before taking Doxycycline?
- Always take Doxycycline under medical supervision
- If taking capsules with water is irritating your stomach or causing loose motions, take the tablets with food or milk. You should take it in sitting or standing position and make sure not to lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking this medicine...
- This medicine is preferably taken at night, 1-2 hours before going to bed
- Doxycycline should be taken for at least 10 days and do not stop the medicine earlier, even if you feel better. Improper usage may result in reduced efficacy. This medicine should not be used in higher doses than recommended...
- If you are taking any antacids, make sure there is at least 2 hour gap before or after taking the medicine
- Doxycycline should not be used in children in less than 8 years of age
Q: Is Doxycycline an effective antibiotic?
- Doxycycline is a safe, well-tolerated, and a widely used antibiotic, which is in use since a long time for the treatment of a variety of bacterial infections
- Dose adjustment is not required in kidney or liver failure
- It works effectively when taken orally with minimum side effects and interactions with other medicines
- Absorption and tissue penetration rates of Doxycycline are very good compared to other antibiotics
- It reduces the efficacy of birth control pills and alternative methods of contraception such as condoms or loops must be used while taking Doxycycline
- This medicine is available in the form of capsules and injection
Q: What is Doxycycline used for?
- Doxycycline is an antibiotic that treats a wide range of bacterial infections, including chest infections, urinary tract infections, skin infections, eye infections, and some sexually transmitted infections, such as chlamydia. It is also used to prevent malaria in people travelling to areas where malaria is common, and to treat conditions like acne and certain dental infections....
Q: What are the common side effects of Doxycycline?
- Common side effects may include nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, diarrhoea, skin sensitivity to sunlight (sunburn more easily), and headache. These are usually mild and improve once your body adjusts. Rare but serious side effects include liver problems, severe allergic reactions, or changes in vision. Seek medical help if these occur....
Q: How does Doxycycline work?
- Doxycycline belongs to a class of antibiotics known as tetracyclines. It works by stopping bacteria from making the proteins they need to grow and multiply. This prevents the infection from spreading and allows the body’s immune system to kill the bacteria....
References
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