Doxycycline is an antibiotic drug in the class of antibiotics called tetracyclines. It’s the name of the active ingredient. The medicine is available in various brands with different names, appearances, and packaging. Whichever brand you’re prescribed, Doxycycline fights the infection in the very same way.
Doxycycline’s dosage forms include capsules, tablets, suspension, and injections. The most popular strengths of tablets and capsules are 50mg, 75mg, and 100mg.
What Are the Doxycycline Uses?
Doxycycline is used in the treatment of various health conditions:
- Acne
- Rosacea
- Respiratory tract infections
- Gum disease
- Eye infections
- Malaria infections
A doctor may also prescribe this medication for other reasons, such as:
- Preventing malaria, especially for people travelling in high-risk areas
- Avoiding risk of sexually transmitted illnesses in bisexual, gay, and other men who engage in sex with other men.
- Treating infections caused by ticks, mites, or lice
Please ask your doctor if you’re unsure why you’re taking Doxycycline.
How Does Doxycycline Work?
Doxycycline stops bacterial growth. For example, it works in acne by reducing bacteria on the skin’s surface. This drug is also believed to have an anti-inflammatory action.
How to Take Doxycycline
You should take Doxycycline exactly as directed by your healthcare provider. Follow the guide on your prescription label. Do not use this medication in smaller or larger quantities or longer than recommended.
Take capsules or tablets with a full glass of water. We recommend drinking plenty of liquids while taking this medicine. Most brands can be taken with milk or food if needed. However, different doxycycline brands may have different instructions about taking them with or without food.
Swallow a delayed-release tablet or capsule whole; please do not break, crush, or open it. Try to sit up or stand for at least 30 minutes after taking Doxycycline. That reduces your risk of developing oesophagus irritation (oesophagitis).
Do not stop taking this medicine until your healthcare provider tells you that it’s OK to do so.
Forgotten, Missed Dose, and Overdose
In case you miss your dose, do this:
- If it’s close to the usual time, take it as soon as you remember. Then, take subsequent doses at the usual times.
- If it’s close to when you take the next dose, take your next dose at the time you planned and continue as usual. You don’t want to take a double dose to compensate for the missed dose.
Please call your pharmacist or doctor if you need clarification. Seek emergency medical help or contact the Poison Help line if you overdose on Doxycycline.
Possible Side Effects of Doxycycline
All medicines come with their fair share of possible side effects. Doxycycline is not different. The following are some of the commonly repeated side effects of Doxycycline:
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Vaginal or oral thrush
- Itching or rash
- Irritation of the food pipe
- Changes to the appearance of your nails
- Loss of sense of taste
- Noise in the ears
You should seek urgent medical attention if you have any of these severe side effects:
- Persistent vomiting, blurred vision, and headache
- Severe muscle pain
- Dizziness
- Severe skin reactions
- Pain or difficulty swallowing
- Fast or unusual heart rate
The above is not the complete list of side effects. Please consult your doctor if you have new side effects.
Doxycycline Warnings and Precautions
Although it’s rare, some Doxycycline users can experience an allergic reaction. To be safe, tell your doctor if you have ever had antibiotic allergies. Some of the common signs of an allergic reaction include:
- Hives or a raised, red, and itchy rash
- Swollen lips, face, or tongue
- Difficulty breathing
Doxycycline can also increase the sensitivity of your skin to UV light. If you’re taking this medicine, please protect exposed skin with:
- Long clothing
- Sunscreen of at least 30 SPF
- A hat
Doxycycline can stain teeth and affect the formation of tooth enamel. Therefore, it should not be taken by children under the age of 8 unless the condition is life-threatening.
Pregnancy & Contraceptives
Women who are more than 16 weeks pregnant should also avoid Doxycycline. This is when the baby’s teeth are developing.
This medicine may render some oral contraceptive pills less effective. If you’re taking oral birth control pills, ask your healthcare provider if you should use another contraception method while using Doxycycline.
Before Taking Doxycycline
To ensure Doxycycline is safe for you, please tell your doctor if you have ever experienced:
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Increased pressure in your skull
- Asthma or sulfite allergy
Let your doctor know if you also take seizure medicine, isotretinoin, or a blood thinner, such as warfarin.
How Does Doxycycline Interact with Other Drugs?
Sometimes it’s unsafe to use certain medications while taking Doxycycline. Some drugs can influence blood levels of other drugs you take, leading to increased risk of side effects or making the medicines less effective.
Drugs that may interact with Doxycycline include:
- Prescription and over-the-counter drugs
- Herbal products
- Vitamins
Please tell your healthcare providers about all substances you use now and any you start or stop using.
Doxycycline Storage
Keep Doxycycline at room temperature in a cool and dry place. Do not share the medicine with anyone, and keep it out of the reach of children and pets.
Warning: Do not use expired Doxycycline.[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]