Doxycycline

Doxycycline is a broad-spectrum tetracycline antibiotic medication, and is typically used for the treatment of illnesses which are caused by fleas, ticks, and lice, such as the Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Doxycycline can also be given to patients who suffer from urinary tract infections, and some adults who suffer from other gonococcal infections.

Doxycycline Directions

Doxycycline Side Effects

Doxycycline - The Bacteriostatic Drug you Need

Part of the tetracycline antibiotic group, doxycycline is a semi-synthetic drug used to treat a wide variety of infections. It was developed more than 40 years by a renowned pharmaceutical company and presented on the market as a broad-spectrum antibiotic.

The following list contains major uses of doxycycline and additional information:

• inflammation of the prostate gland, medical condition known as prostatitis;
• inflammation of the paranasal sinuses;
• venereal disease - syphilis, gonorrhea, Chlamydia infections;
• PID - inflammation of the female pelvic organs, especially the Fallopian tubes; caused by infectious microorganisms, such as gonococci or Chlamydia;
• acne - inflammatory disease, affecting the sebaceous glands of the skin;
• acne rosacea - enlarged blood vessels on the face, appears predominantly in women;
• anthrax - highly infectious animal disease, transmitted to people, caused by bacillus anthracis; doxycycline is available as treatment but also for prophylactic purposes;
• malaria - prophylaxis administration, simultaneously with other medication in order for the antimalarial effect to remain potent;
• treatment of bubonic plague - caused by the infectious agent known as Yersinia Pestis;
• treatment of Lyme disease and rickettsiosis (spotted fever, caused by rickettsial bacteria);
• respiratory infections - upper and lower tract;
• urinary tract infections - cystitis, urethritis;
• other types of infection - eye, chest or nasal.

Being an antibiotic, doxycycline cannot cure viral infections.

Doxycycline can eliminate and reduce the growth of the following bacteria in the human body: E.Coli, enteric bacteria, shigella, haemophilus influenza, Klebsiella, Streptococcus pneumoniae, MRSA (methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus).

No medication should be taken without precaution. Doxycycline is likely to increase one's sensitivity to light after prolonged usage, especially in those who have taken it as prophylaxis against malaria. Perhaps one of the greatest advantages of doxycycline is that it does not require dosage adjustment or treatment discontinuing for those suffering from renal disease. However, studies have shown that patients can suffer liver damage if the treatment with doxycycline is prolonged for too long. The medication is best taken with a full glass of water and the patients are recommended to maintain an orthostatic position for half an hour, preventing gastric discomfort.

The antibiotic is not indicated to children, particularly those that are under eight years of age. The growth and the maturation of the skeletal group can be affected by the active ingredients of doxycycline. Thus, the antibiotic is only recommended to children who are suffering from serious medical problems such as anthrax exposure and spotted fever. Pregnancy and breast-feeding represent two major contraindications, as doxycycline can harm the unborn baby and pass into the mother's milk.

Doxycycline is available as capsules of 50 and 100 mg. The capsules contain other inactive ingredients such as: lactose, magnesium stearate, starch, and sodium sulphate.

Before taking the medicine, you should talk to your doctor and mention any allergies you have. If you are allergic to any of the antibiotics included by the tetracycline group or to any of the ingredients included by doxycycline capsules, inform your doctor. The same precautions are valid for pregnant women, those who are breast-feeding or for children. Keep in mind that antibiotics and particularly doxycycline should not be used during the period when the bone system grows. The drug can also affect the teeth, leading to yellowing and staining.

If you are taking doxycycline, you should be careful about how much exposure you get to sunlight or sunlamps. The medication can even cause allergic reactions, with skin rashes and sunburn, a reason strong enough for you to discontinue the treatment. You will also have to discuss with your doctor about potential drug interactions. Doxycycline may interfere with the following drugs: antacids and iron supplements, preventing them from functioning properly. Patients who are treated with warfarin or other similar anticoagulants should not take doxycycline at the same time; the anticoagulant effect is increased and side-effects are likely to appear. Doctors have also tried to raise awareness about the use of birth control pills simultaneously with doxycycline. It seems that the antibiotic decreases their efficiency and thus, may increase the risk for pregnancy. Doxycycline reduces the antibiotic effect of penicillin but it also influences the activity of carbamazepine.

The treatment plan starts with a 200 mg dosage for the first day, followed by a dose of 100 mg taken on a daily basis. Your doctor will set the period of treatment, depending on the severity of the infection you are suffering from and the microorganisms identified. If you have been diagnosed with acne, then the dosage is of 50 mg per day, followed for a period of 6 between 12 weeks. Those suffering from venereal disease will receive 100 mg of doxycycline, daily, for a period of 10 days. The only exception is represented by patients with syphilis, the dosage recommended being of 200 mg, twice per day, for 14 days. For malaria prophylaxis, the medication is administered in a dosage of 100 mg per day, prior to traveling and during the entire period of journeying.

When taking doxycycline follow the label on your prescription bottle exactly. Take the medication with water or food and always at the same period in the day. Do not stop the treatment just because you feel better.

Doxycycline treatments can cause the following side-effects: indigestion, stomach pain, diarrhea, anorexia and flushing. Usually, these effects are not too serious and disappear in a short period of time. However, there is a high risk for more serious adverse reactions to appear, requiring immediate medical attention: skin rash (allergic reaction), migraines, blurred vision, decreased blood pressure and joint pain. Notify your doctor and he/she will make necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.