Drug Uses
Doxycycline is a tetracycline antibiotic that slows down the growth of bacteria in the body and is used to treat a variety of conditions like chronic prostatitis, sinusitis, syphilis, Chlamydia, acne amongst others. It may also be used to slow the progress of anthrax in the body.
How it is taken
Doxycycline can be taken by mouth with or without food. The best way to use the drug is as recommended by your doctor. You must maintain a regular schedule for taking the medication and use it for the entire length of treatment to clear up the infection completely.
Missed Dosage
If you miss a dose of Doxycycline, then you may take it as soon as you remember and adjust the remaining doses accordingly. However, if it is nearly time for the next dose then you may skip this dose and continue with the regular dosage. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.
Overdose
Seek medical attention immediately if you suspect a Doxycycline overdose.
Warnings/Precautions
Discuss with your doctor about any prior medical condition that you may have including allergies to medicines, food or other substances, if you are allergic to any ingredient in Doxycycline, if you have diarrhea, a stomach or intestinal infection.
You must not take if you are allergic to any ingredient in it or if you are taking acitretin, or penicillin (eg, amoxicillin)
If you are pregnant or suspect that you are, then stop using Doxycycline and contact your doctor immediately.
It is unknown whether is secreted in breast milk. Avoid breast feeding while using the drug.
Certain drugs can interact with Doxycycline and hence, mention clearly to your doctor or pharmacist all medicines, dietary supplements and herbal prescriptions that you are taking.
Doxycycline is an antibiotic and cannot be used to cure viral infections. Long term use of Doxycycline can lead to a second infection. Inform your doctor if this occurs as your medication may need to be changed.
Some patients develop stomach pain or cramps, severe diarrhea, or bloody stools while using Doxycycline. Contact your doctor promptly if this occurs.
Doxycycline should not be used in children below 8 years of age as it may lead to a permanent discoloration of their tooth.
Doxycyclin may make you more sensitive to the sun so please avoid the sun, sunlamps or a tanning booth until you know how your body reacts to the drug. If you cannot avoid going out in the sun for a long while, then wear protective clothing or use a proper sunscreen.
Periodic lab tests may be recommended to monitor your health while taking the drug. Ensure that you do not miss any lab tests.
It has been noted that elder patients are more sensitive to the side effects of the drug. They might need a dosage adjustment or special monitoring throughout the treatment.
Possible Side Effects
Some of the possible side effects of Doxycyclin are Diarrhea, difficulty swallowing, inflammation of the tongue, loss of appetite, nausea, purple patches under the skin, sensitivity to sunlight, skin inflammation in the anal and genital areas, vomiting. Please contact your doctor if the symptoms persist or become bothersome.
Other severe side effects include allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), bulging soft spots in infants, headache and/or blurred vision, increased pressure in the head, pain, swelling, or redness at injection site, vaginal irritation or discharge, severe reaction to the sun.
You must seek medical attention immediately if any of these side effects occur.
