Understanding Doxycycline: A Pillar of Antibiotic Treatment

What is doxycycline used for?

• Doxycycline is a versatile antibiotic from the tetracycline class. It is frequently used to prevent malaria, enhance tooth attachment, and minimize periodontal pockets in patients undergoing scaling and root planing for gum disease (periodontitis). Additionally, doxycycline is prescribed to treat various infections caused by specific bacteria.
• Infections from tick bites, including rickettsial diseases
• Certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
• Respiratory tract infections, such as bronchitis, pneumonia, or sinusitis
• Certain eye infections (e.g., trachoma, inclusion conjunctivitis)
• Severe acne
• An infection called plague
• An infection called cholera
• An infection called anthrax
• Some infections are spread by animals
• Certain infections when penicillin cannot be used
• Specific infections caused by parasites

How Does Doxycycline Work (Mechanism of Action)?

Doxycycline combats bacterial infections by inhibiting the bacteria’s ability to produce essential proteins, effectively stopping their growth. While its mechanism against malaria-causing parasites isn’t fully understood, it has proven to be effective in treating malaria. Additionally, Doxycycline may aid in preventing gum tissue deterioration, making it useful in certain dental treatments.

How is Doxycycline supplied (dosage forms)?

Doxycycline is available in the following oral dosage forms: Acticlate, Doryx, Doryx MPC, Monodox, Vibramycin, and generic Doxycycline.

Oral capsules 50 mg, 75 mg, 100 mg and 150 mg

Delayed release oral tablets 50 mg, 60 mg, 80 mg and 200 mg

Oral tablets 20 mg, 50 mg, 75 mg, 100 mg and 150 mg

Oral suspension 25 mg/5 ml

Oral suspension 50 mg/5 ml

Doxycycline is also available in injectable form.

Doxycycline side effects

The most common side effects of doxycycline are listed below. Tell your doctor if you have any of these side effects that trouble you.

• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea (see below)
• Rash or hives
• Sensitivity to the sun (see below)

Doxycycline may have other side effects that are not listed here. Contact your doctor if you think you are experiencing a side effect of a medication.

Who should not use doxycycline?

Who can take doxycycline

Doxycycline is usually taken by adults and children over 12 years old. For some infections, doxycycline can be taken by younger children.

Who may not be able to take doxycycline

Doxycycline is not suitable for some people. To make sure it’s safe for you, tell your doctor if you:

•	Ever had an allergic reaction to doxycycline or any other medicine
•	Kidney or liver problems
•	Inflamed food pipe (oesophagitis)
•	Lupus, an autoimmune disease
•	Myasthenia gravis, a condition that causes severe muscle weakness
•	Pregnant or breastfeeding

Your pharmacist can provide you with a complete list of ingredients in the specific doxycycline products they have in stock. Be sure to consult them for detailed information.

What should I tell my doctor before using doxycycline?

Inform your healthcare provider about all your health conditions, prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and other supplements. This information will help them assess if doxycycline is a suitable option for you. Specifically, be sure to discuss the following:

Current and past health conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following:

• Kidney or liver problems
• Diarrhea
• Vision problems
• History of stomach surgery
• History of yeast or fungal infections in the mouth or vagina

Pregnancy. Doxycycline may pose a risk to an unborn baby, so it’s important to inform your doctor if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant. If pregnancy occurs during treatment, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Breast-feeding. Doxycycline passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding or plan to breast-feed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take doxycycline while breast-feeding.

Interactions

Doxycycline may interact with certain medications and supplements, such as:

• Antacids
• Iron supplements
• Other antibiotics