Doxycycline

Doxycycline is an antibiotic belonging to the tetracycline class. It has a broad spectrum of action and is available as tablets, capsules and periodontal gels. Doxycycline prevents the growth of bacteria.

Doxycycline is used in the treatment of pneumonia, acute deterioration of chronic bronchitis (bronchitis), chlamydia infections of the urinary and genital tract, and Borrelia infections after tick bite. Doxycycline is also used in acute sinusitis for patients who are hypersensitive to penicillins or when treatment with penicillins has not given the desired effect.

Doxycycline is used to treat infections caused by bacteria that are sensitive to it, both Gram-positive and Gram-negative. More specifically, the use of doxycycline is indicated for the treatment of:

• Respiratory tract infections;
• Otorhinolaryngological infections;
• Skin and soft tissue infections;
• Gastrointestinal infections;
• Infections of the genitourinary system;
• Gynecological infections;
• Boils or red pimples caused by rosacea;
• Chronic and aggressive periodontitis (doxycycline is used as a periodontal gel).

Doxycycline is a tetracycline derivative that acts by inhibiting the ribosomal protein synthesis and has effects on both extra and intracellular pathogens. The effect is mainly bacteriostatic.

Always take doxycycline as directed by your doctor. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure. Swallow the tablets with a glass of liquid. Break the tablet in two only if you have difficulty swallowing it whole.

Take the tablets with food to prevent stomach discomfort. Do not lie down while taking the tablets.

Usual dose for adults and children over 12 years: First day 2 tablets, then one tablet daily. Since doxycycline is excreted from the body slowly, it will usually suffice with one dose daily.

The side effects of the drugs are not experienced by all individuals. Different users experience different side effects of the drug, and to a different degree of intensity. Here is what you can expect when taking the drug in terms of adverse events:

Doxycycline can cause photosensitivity reactions, therefore, exposure to sunlight and UV rays should be avoided during antibiotic therapy.

Treatment with doxycycline can promote the development of superinfections with bacteria resistant to doxycycline itself or from fungi, such as, for example, vaginal candidiasis or Clostridium difficile infection that can lead to the onset of pseudomembranous colitis.

Doxycycline therapy – especially if done at high doses and for long periods – can cause changes in liver function, therefore, regular checks must be performed.

Caution should be exercised when administering doxycycline in patients with renal insufficiency. In fact, in these patients, the renal excretion of doxycycline may decrease, with a consequent increase in the plasma concentration of the same. Increased plasma antibiotic concentration, in turn, can lead to the onset of liver damage.

Doxycycline can cause esophagitis and even severe esophageal ulcers. Therefore, it is recommended to take doxycycline with the help of a lot of water and to remain upright for at least an hour after the antibiotic is administered.

When doxycycline is administered for long periods, it is necessary to carry out regular checks of blood counts and liver and kidney function.

Like all tetracyclines, doxycycline can also be deposited in the teeth and bones during the period of formation and growth, can cause hypoplasia and can alter tooth coloring (the teeth may take on a yellow-brown color). Therefore, the antibiotic should not be administered during pregnancy, lactation and in children under 12 years of age.

Great caution should be used when administering doxycycline in patients with preexisting myasthenia gravis (a neuromuscular disease).

In patients already on oral anticoagulants who need to start treatment with doxycycline, adjustment of the doses of anticoagulants administered may be necessary.

The use of doxycycline is contraindicated in the following cases:

• In patients with known hypersensitivity to doxycycline itself;
• In patients with known hypersensitivity to other tetracyclines;
• In patients suffering from obstructive esophageal disorders, such as narrowing or esophageal achalasia;
• In children under 12 years of age;
• In pregnancy;
• During breastfeeding.

Doxycycline is available in multiple forms as an OTC preparation produced by a large number of generic manufacturers. You will find the list of drug manufacturing companies and names under which you can find this antibiotic below. These drugs can be ordered online from e-pharmacies. Caution should be exercised every time you shop for healthcare items from an online vendor for the first time. Make sure that the drug distributor sells authentic medications; check for the name of drug manufacturer before sending items to your shopping cart. Scan the Terms and Conditions, as well as Privacy Policy practiced on the site.

• Avidox-SP – Avalanche Pharmaceutical Pvt.Ltd.
• Tetradox – Ranbaxy Laboratories Ltd. (Stancare)
• Emdox TZ – Madhav Biotech Pvt. Ltd.
• Neocin D – Western Remedies (India)
• Seradox – Intra Labs India Pvt. Ltd.
• Dox-M TZ – Moraceae Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd.
• Martidox-M – Micro Labs Ltd (India)
• Tido – Eskag Pharma Pvt. Ltd.
• Tidox TZ – Oyster Labs Limited
• Microdox Dr – Micro Labs Ltd (India)
• Tidox – Aeon Therapeutics (India) Pvt. Ltd
• Solomycin – IPCA Laboratories Ltd. (Innova)
• Doxizen-FA – Gary Pharmaceuticals P Ltd.
• Vibazine Dt – Medibios Laboratories Pvt. Ltd.