Doxycycline – Information, Uses, Side Effects and Dosage

Drug Trade Name: Monodox and Vibramycin

Category: Tetracycline antibiotics

Generic Name: doxycycline

Introduction and Quick Information:

Doxycycline is tetracycline antibiotic that fights against bacteria in the body. Doxycycline is approved to treat bacterial infections, pneumonia and rest of respiratory tract infections such as acne, certain skin infections, genital, anthrax and Lyme disease. It is also prescribed to prevent malaria; It acts by preventing the development and spread of bacterial infection. However, this antibiotic medication will not for viral infections such as cold, flu etc.

Is Doxycycline Approved by FDA?

The U.S. FDA has approved doxycycline to treat certain bacterial infection in various dosage form like a capsule, oral-suspension, syrup, solution, tablet, tablet delayed-release.

Usage and Benefits of Doxycycline:

Doxycycline is a tetracycline antibiotic approved to treat certain bacterial infections. This antibiotic acts by preventing bacteria to spread within the body. By reducing bacteria’s capability to make protein. Also, Doxycycline is prescribed to treat severe bacterial infections including:

Treatment of anthrax infection
An alternative for the prevention of malaria
Treatment of periodontitis (gum disease)
Acne treatment
Treatment of bacterial infections

Doxycycline can be prescribed a number of infections caused by different bacteria. It is most commonly prescribed to treat an infection such as tick fever, rocky mountain spotted fever, plague, cholera, certain types of pneumonia, chlamydia, tularemia, gonorrhea, Lyme disease, some respiratory or urinary tract infections and syphilis.

Side Effects of Doxycycline:

Some of the common side effects associated with this drug are:

Diarrhea (watery or bloody)
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
Loss of appetite
Urinary issues (Dark-colored urine)
Vaginal itching or discharge
Body aches
Flu symptoms
Fever and chills
Blurred vision
A severe headache and dizziness
Confusion
Weakness
Nausea and vomiting
Fast heart rate
Severe upper abdominal pain radiating to your back
Severe skin reaction such as swelling of your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, sore throat.
Itching or mild skin rash
Difficulty breathing
Joint pain

Recommended Dosages of Doxycycline:

Doxycycline dosages might vary because it mostly depends on a number of factors that are associated with a current health condition and history of certain medical conditions. Only your healthcare provider can decide dosage schedule and amount. Do not try to make your own dosing schedule. You must inform your doctor if missed or took an overdose of this antibiotic medicine.

In Case I Miss my Dose?

In case the dose is missed, take it as soon as you recall. If, it the time for the next dose then skip the missed dose. You may ask your doctor for further assistance.

In Case I Take Overdose?

Some of the common overdose symptoms may include diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea. If you find these symptoms, seek medical help.

Drug Interactions of Doxycycline:

Drug interactions of doxycycline are as harmful as side effects of this medicine. There are plenty of drugs that can interact with doxycycline including:

A product that contains bismuth subsalicylate such as Pepto-Bismol
An antacid such as Milk of Magnesia, Maalox, Rolaids, Tums, and others
tretinoin (Atralin)
colestipol (Colestid)
cholestyramine (Prevalite)
isotretinoin (Absorica)
Minerals such as magnesium, calcium, zinc, iron, and over-the-counter vitamin and mineral supplements
A blood thinner such as warfarin
A penicillin antibiotic such as ampicillin, amoxicillin, penicillin, oxacillin

Life Style and Food Habits You Must Follow When on Doxycycline:

There are some foods that can affect Doxycycline benefits. If you have any of the health conditions liver disease, kidney problems, asthma, sulfite allergy; you should consult your doctor for a specific diet plan.

How safe is Doxycycline for Pregnant Women or Nursing Mothers?

Pregnancy: Not studied in pregnant patients; the vast majority of reported experience with doxycycline during human pregnancy is short-term, first-trimester exposure; there are no human data available to assess effects of long-term therapy of doxycycline in pregnant women; it should not be used in pregnant women unless the judgment of a physician.

Lactation: Tetracyclines are excreted in human milk; however, the extent of absorption of tetracyclines, including doxycycline, by the breastfed infant is not known; short-term use by lactating women is not necessarily contraindicated; however, effects of prolonged exposure to doxycycline in breast milk are unknown.

Complications and Conditions Possible Due to Prolonged Use of Doxycycline:

Do not take doxycycline longer than recommended as it can cause some other health discomforts. Talk to your doctor about risks and adverse reactions if you take this medicine longer than prescribed.

Availability of Doxycycline:

This drug is available only by prescription.

Frank K. Norman, Pharmacologist

Frank holds a master’s degree in pharmacology and currently, working in the research department of a leading pharmaceutical company. He writes about prescription drugs and related topics, including uses, benefits, possible side effects and so on.