About Doxycycline
What is Doxycycline?
This is a broad-spectrum antibiotic in the tetracycline class used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections. It has been a key drug since its US launch in 1967.
What does it treat?
It treats a range of bacterial infections, infections caused by protozoa, worms and other parasites, and a range of inflammatory conditions from sinusitis, acne, rosacea to some sexually transmitted diseases.
What to tell your doctor
It is important to describe your symptoms accurately and honestly to your doctor or pharmacist so that a proper diagnosis can be made. If you do not match the antibiotic to the underlying cause, the drug you take will be completely ineffective. Tell your doctor if you have:
- any allergies to drugs;
- a stomach infection and diarrhea; or
- you are planning a pregnancy or already pregnant.
You should also give a list of any other drugs or over-the-counter products you are taking.
What other drugs interact with Doxycycline?
Some care is required if you are taking any anti-anxiety drugs or sedatives, some of the stronger drugs used to treat acne, or an anticoagulant like warfarin. Remembering it is not a good idea to take several antibiotics at the same time, the only other issue to discuss is the use of some birth control pills.
How to use Doxycycline
Always take the dosage recommended and continue through to the end of the treatment. This gives the greatest chance of preventing reinfection. One of the problems with any antibiotic is that, once the balance of bacteria is disturbed in your body, other groups of bacteria or fungi may increase their growth. If this happens, get immediate advice.
What should you know?
Keep yourself hydrated. The more water you drink while taking this antibiotic, the less the risk of stomach upsets. Second, do not go out in the sun unless you use a sunscreen and never use a tanning machine with ultraviolet light.
What are the main side effects?
Most antibiotics can cause diarrhea. This usually ends when you stop the course of treatment but, in a small number of people, the problem can persist for some months. Doxycycline is one of the better drugs in this respect, but it does cause photosensitivity to ultraviolet and can cause your skin to burn quickly. If you experience any other more severe symptoms like stomach pain or cramps, joint pain, high fever or changes to your vision, go to see your doctor immediately.