Doxycycline

Brand Names

Doxycycline, Adoxa, Adoxa CK, Adoxa TT, Alodox, Avidoxy, Doryx, Monodox, Oracea, Oraxyl, Periostat, Vibramycin, Vibramycin Calcium, Vibramycin Monohydrate

What is Doxycycline

Doxycycline is a prescription antibiotic that related to the tetracycline antibiotics group. It works by killing certain bacteria or stopping their growth. Doxycycline is used to treat many kinds of infections such as dental, skin, respiratory and urinary tract infections.

Side effects of Doxycycline

The most common side effects of doxycycline include the followings:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Indigestion and heartburn
• Vomiting
• Skin reaction to sunlight (photosensitivity)
• Loss of appetite

Indication

Doxycycline is used for the following purposes:

• Treatment of bacterial infections such as Pneumonia, Chlamydia, Plague, Cholera
• Treatment of certain types of urinary tract infections (UTIs) such as Gonorrhea, Lyme disease
• An alternative for malaria prevention
• Treatment of anthrax infections (including cutaneous anthrax, gastrointestinal anthrax, and inhalational anthrax)
• Acne treatment
• Treatment of rosacea
• Treatment of periodontitis (gum disease)

Precautions

You should inform your doctor before taking doxycycline if you have:

• Liver disease or liver failure
• Kidney disease such as kidney failure (renal failure)
• Frequent yeast infections
• Any other allergies, including allergies to food, dyes or preservatives
• Are pregnant, plan to be pregnant or breastfeeding

Dosage forms

Dose of Doxycycline for Bacterial Infections

The recommended doxycycline dosage for most types of bacterial infections in adults is 100-200 mg per day for 7-14 days. For chronic (long-term) or more serious infections, treatment can be carried out for a longer time.

In children ages 8 or older, your doctor will prescribe a doxycycline dosage based on a weight chart, usually about 1-2 mg per pound of body weight per day. The dose is divided and taken for 7-14 days. Children should generally be limited to 200 mg or less of doxycycline per day.

Doxycycline Dose for Malaria Prevention

The recommended dose of doxycycline for preventing malaria is 100 mg daily for adults. For children, the dosage is 2 mg per kilogram of body weight (about 0.9 mg per pound), not to exceed 100 mg per day. Treatment should begin a day or two before travel, be taken with you throughout your stay in the area of concern, and continued for 28 days after you have left the noted area.