Uses of Doxycycline

Doxycycline is used for the treatment of various bacterial infections like that of chest, lung or nose (Ex. bronchitis, pneumonia, sinusitis), urinary tract (Ex. cystitis, urethritis), skin (Ex. acne), eyes or sexually transmitted diseases (Ex. gonorrhoea, syphilis, chlamydia).

It is also used to treat fevers associated with louse or tick bites and malaria (when chloroquine is ineffective). It can also be used to prevent certain infections like scrub typhus (a disease carried by small insects), Rocky Mountain spotted fever, travellers’ diarrhoea, malaria and leptospirosis.

Therapeutic Category

Doxycycline: Tetracycline antibiotics

How Doxycycline works

Doxycycline works by inhibiting the growth and replication of bacteria. It does this by binding to the bacterial ribosome, preventing the synthesis of proteins that are essential for the bacteria's survival.

Common side effects of Doxycycline

• Mild diarrhea, nausea, vomiting
• Light sensitivity
• Skin rash or itching
• Tooth discoloration
• Worsening of systemic lupus erythematous (allergic condition which causes joint pain, skin rash and fever)
• Headache
• Pericarditis (inflammation affecting the heart)

When to consult your doctor

Consult your doctor if you experience:

• Skin sensitivity to light (skin rash, itching, redness or severe sunburn when out in sunlight or after using a sun bed)
• Sudden wheeziness, trouble breathing, chest pain, fever, swelling of eyelids, face or lips, rash or itching (especially affecting the whole body)
• Serious bowel inflammation (upset stomach, loss of appetite, severe, persistent or bloody diarrhoea associated with stomach pain or fever)
• Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (fever, swollen lymph nodes, skin rash)
• Benign intracranial hypertension (headache, vomiting, visual disturbances including blurred or double vision, a localized defect in the visual field bordered by an area of normal vision and possible vision loss, in some cases, even permanent)
• Serious disorder with widespread severe blistering of the skin, mouth, eyes and genitals
• Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction (fever, chills, headache, muscle pain and skin rash that is usually self-limiting)
• Inflammation or ulcers of the gullet
• Blood disorders (tiredness, easy bruising, infections)
• Low blood pressure, increased heart rate
• Joint or muscle pain
• Stomach pain
• Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhoea (blood in stool, stomach pain, watery stools, dehydration, fever)
• Steven-Johnson syndrome (skin with rashes, blisters, pain along with fever)
• Overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms, including fungi
• Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (areas with redness and swelling on body along with fever)
• Toxic epidermal necrolysis (painful red area without blister formation which spreads quickly and causes skin to peel, fever, chills)
• Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS)
• Intra cranial hypertension (headache, blurred or double vision, loss of vision)
• Angioedema (swelling in face, lips, mouth, throat with difficulty in swallowing and breathing)
• Anaphylactic shock (increased heart rate, over sweating, fall in blood pressure, fainting)

Health Tips for Doxycycline

• Taking Doxycycline, with food or a full glass of water can help reduce stomach upset. Do not take more or less than the recommended dosage and complete the full course of treatment even if you start feeling better
• Avoid taking it with dairy products, calcium supplements, antacids, or iron supplements, as they can interfere with its absorption
• Avoid consumption of alcohol while taking Doxycycline because it might reduce the efficacy of this medicine
• Regular follow-up appointments with your doctor are important to monitor your progress and assess the effectiveness of the treatment
• Drink plenty of water while taking doxycycline to help prevent dehydration and aid in the proper functioning of the medication
• Protect your skin by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and avoiding excessive sun exposure
• Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy or breastfeeding women