What is Doxycycline?
Doxycycline is an antibiotic used to treat many bacterial conditions, such as urinary tract infections, respiratory infections, etc.
Doxycycline is an antibiotic of the tetracycline class. It stops the growth of bacteria and treats infections. It also has an anti-inflammatory effect which is used to treat certain conditions.
Doxycycline is commonly used to treat acne, UTI, respiratory tract infections, gonorrhea, chlamydia, eye infections, syphilis, and many other bacterial infections.
Doxycycline can also be used to prevent certain epidemics, such as malaria. It is also used in certain leprosy. It also treats infections caused by mites, ticks, and lice.
Doxycycline uses
As Doxycycline is an antibiotic, it is used to treat certain infections. It mainly uses in;
- Sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea, syphilis
- Skin infections
- Eye infections
- Respiratory tract infection
- Leprosy
- Urinary tract infections with certain bacteria
- Chlamydial infections
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How to take it
Different forms of Doxycycline are available. It should be taken as prescribed or instructed by the doctors.
A tablet/capsule form of Doxycycline is usually given. It is instructed to take in an empty stomach one or two hours after having the meal.
Oral Doxycycline pill should be taken with a glass of drinking water. The dosing frequency of this drug depends on the type of infection and is chosen by the doctor.
Sometimes doctor chooses some formulation that needs to take frequently, such as two times a day. But on the other hand, the doctor often decides the slow-release formulation of Doxycycline, which can be taken once daily.
Take this medicine as your doctor instructs it.
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Doxycycline potency
Doxycycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that can be used against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.
It’s mostly effective in certain respiratory tract infections. It’s also effective in rickettsial infections and certain eye infections.
Doxycycline is quite potent for certain sexually transmitted diseases.
FDA also approved it for Lyme infections.
How Doxycycline can ruin one’s life
Doxycycline has several side effects. Some of them are common and not that much serious. But some of the side effects are serious and have some severe consequences.
When the side effects flare up in a person, that feels like Doxycycline ruined their life.
General side effects
There are some common side effects of Doxycycline that aren’t too severe. These side effects can occur in any person without any risk factors and go away within a short time. Such as;
- Anorexia: Loss of appetite
- Nausea, often vomiting
- Rash
- Diarrhea
- Sunlight sensitivity
- Discoloration of adult teeth (that is temporary and goes away if the teeth are cleaned or the drug is stopped.)
These side effects are mild, and the doctors mention them while prescribing Doxycycline. However, if these side effects persist, one should consult a doctor.
Severe side effects
Severe side effects of Doxycycline are pretty rare. These side effects occur in varying combinations in different people.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea can occur in varying combinations. Such as;
- Severe diarrhea
- Diarrhea with blood
- Severe abdominal pain
- Dehydration
- Fever
- Weight loss
Symptoms associated with head;
- Headache
- Vision disturbance
- Diplopia (double vision)
- Vision loss (infrequent)
Other Abdominal Side Effects;
- Burning sensation in the chest due to acid reflux into the esophagus (food passage)
Skin Reactions
- Peeling skin
- Rash
- Skin blisters
Anemia is also recognized as a severe manifestation of a Doxycycline side effect.
Note: If any of the side effects are seen or persist. Call for emergency and consult your doctor.
Serious Consequences of Doxycycline
Irreversible Change of tooth color
If Doxycycline is taken during pregnancy, it can cause permanent discoloration of the child’s teeth.
If Doxycycline is taken within 8 years of age, it can also cause permanent discoloration of the tooth.
Doxycycline is not a pregnancy-safe drug, and it’s better not to use it during pregnancy.
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Severe Diarrhea
People often do not take diarrhea seriously. Diarrhea causes dehydration and low blood pressure, which can lead to fainting, coma, and death.
If there is severe diarrhea, call 911, and drink ORS to compensate for the salt and water loss.
Raised Intracranial pressure
It’s a serious side effect of Doxycycline. It causes increased blood pressure inside the brain. If it’s not corrected, then it compresses many parts of the brain and may lead to;
- Headache
- Blurring of vision
- Double vision
- Vision loss
The raised intracranial pressure may also lead to other serious brain injuries that can also be life-threatening.
Severe Skin Reactions
Doxycycline can cause severe skin reactions in some persons. These skin reactions include;
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome
- Toxic epidermal necrolysis
- Drug reactions with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms
The other skin symptoms may include;
- Skin blisters
- Blisters
- Small rash with spots
Delayed bone growth
If Doxycycline is taken during pregnancy, it may cause delayed bone growth in children. It can also occur if children consume this drug before they turn eight years old.
Photosensitivity
Doxycycline may cause photosensitivity to someone. It may cause extreme sensitivity to sunlight and may produce the following symptoms;
- Itching
- Redness
- Rash
- Sunburn
However, using sunscreen and other protective measures may help you.
Drug interactions
There are some drugs cannot be used with Doxycycline, such as;
- Penicillin
- Isotretinoin
But some drugs may reduce the potency of Doxycycline, such as;
- Antacids
- Seizure drugs such as barbiturates, carbamazepine, and phenytoin
Using with another drug may increase the side effects of Doxycycline, such as;
- Warfarin: Used to treat blood clot-related conditions
How to Minimize Side Effects
One can minimize Doxycycline’s side effects by following the doctor’s instructions. When the doctor prescribes this drug, they keep in mind certain conditions such as;
- Age
- The disease/condition for using the drug
- The severity of the condition
- Other medical conditions
- How well is the drug tolerated by you
- The risk-benefit ratio
Follow the instructions of the doctor and stay alert about the warning signs. If any severe reactions or side effects occur, consult with your doctor or call for an emergency.
Takeaway
Doxycycline can ruin one life if it’s not taken properly. Therefore, one should not take this drug without consulting a doctor. This drug has many side effects, some of which are very severe.
Doxycycline should not be taken during pregnancy and children up to 8 years old.
There are some warning signs for this drug. If any warning signs appear, then emergency healthcare should be called out.
However, when a doctor prescribes Doxycycline, he keeps in mind all of the complications and side effects and uses it for the best outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What should you avoid when taking Doxycycline?
Certain medicines such as antacids, warfarin, penicillin, etc.
Are Doxycycline antibiotics strong?
Doxycycline is a very potent and strong antibiotic used primarily on urinary tract infections, respiratory tract infections, eye infections, and other bacterial infections.
Can Doxycycline make you feel weird?
Doxycycline has a lot of side effects that affect multiple systems of your body. That may make you feel weird and sick.
Sometimes, it could be much more severe.
Last Updated on October 26, 2022 by Learn From Doctor Team
