Doxycycline is used to treat various bacterial infections such as acne, urinary tract infections, bowel infections, eyes infections, gonorrhea and periodontitis. It is also used to treat symptoms of rosacea and prevent the onset of malaria. Treatment with doxycycline is also included in cases involving resistance to chloroquine, anthrax therapy and infections associated with mites, ticks and lice.
What is Doxycycline?
Doxycycline is a tetracycline. It acts by inhibiting the protein synthesis in bacteria and interfering with the essential functions associated with the growth of plasmodium.
How should Doxycycline be taken?
Doxycycline is administered orally in the form of capsules, tablets, syrups or powders. The choice of administration varies from case to case. It also exists in the form of topical creams and injections.
Side effects associated with Doxycycline
In children under the ages of 8, Doxycycline can cause permanent yellowing of the teeth or make them gray.
Among the other possible side effects of doxycycline include the following:
- Nausea , vomiting and stomach discomfort
- Mild diarrhea
- Skin rash or minor itching
- Itching or vaginal discharge
You should contact a doctor immediately if you experience:
- Severe rash
- Urticaria
- Severe itching
- Difficulty breathing
- Tightness in the chest
- Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue
- Vision problems
- Watery or bloody diarrhea
- Fever
- Swollen glands
- Aches
- Flu-like symptoms
- Weakness
- Rash
- Pale skin
- Bruising or bleeding
- Tingling or numbness
- Pain
- Muscle weakness
- Pain in the upper abdomen that may spread to the back
- Loss of appetite
- Dark urine
- Jaundice
- Chest pain
- Irregular heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
- Confusion
- Nausea and vomiting
- Rapid weight gain
- Decreased urination
- Cough with fever
- Respiratory problems
- Increased intracranial pressure (other symptoms that can arise: severe headaches, tinnitus, dizziness, nausea)
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Doxycycline
Doxycycline can reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills and increase the skin's sensitivity to the sun. It should be consumed at least 2 hours apart from iron or calcium supplements, multivitamins, antacids or laxatives. It is also necessary to avoid the concomitant use of other antibiotics (unless otherwise specified by the physician).
Before starting treatment with Doxycycline, it is important to tell your doctor if:
- You have any allergies to the active substance, its excipients, any other drugs (particularly to other tetracyclines) or food
- You are taking any other medications, herbal remedies or supplements. Mentioning in particular: isotretinoin, anticonvulsants or anti-coagulants
- You are suffering (or have suffered) from liver or kidney disease, asthma, allergy to sulfites or increased intracranial pressure
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding
