Doxycycline
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Doxycycline
Doxycycline is a tetracycline group of antibiotic. It acts by slowing the growth of bacteria. Slowing bacteria's growth allows the body's immune system to destroy the bacteria as well as slowly the bacteria die.
Therapeutic Uses of Doxycycline
Doxycycline is used in the treatment of certain bacterial infections which are sensitive to it. It is also used in combination with other medicines to treat certain amoeba infections. It can also be used to prevent or slow the progression of anthrax after exposure to it.
Direction of use of Doxycycline
Doxycycline should be used as per direction of your doctor. Read the label of medicine for exact dosing instruction. Doxycycline pills should be taken orally with food, with a glass of water.
Doxycycline injection is generally given at your doctor's office, hospital, or clinic. If you will be using Doxycycline at home, learn how to use it properly from a health care provider. Be sure you understand how to use Doxycycline. Follow the procedures of use of Doxycycline exactly as your health care provider taught you. Contact your health care provider if you have any questions. Do not use Doxycycline if it contains particles, is cloudy or discolored, or if the vial is cracked or damaged.
Doxycycline works best if it is taken at the same time each day. Take Doxycycline for the full course of treatment, to clear up your infection completely. Keep using it for full course, even if you feel better in a few days.
If You Miss a Dose of Doxycycline
If you miss a dose of Doxycycline, you should take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses of Doxycycline at a time.
How to Store Doxycycline
Doxycycline should be stored at room temperature between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store it in a tightly closed container away from heat, moisture, and light. Keep Doxycycline out of reach of children. Do not store Doxycycline in your bathroom.
More Information about Doxycycline
If you have any questions about Doxycycline, consult your doctor or other health care provider. Doxycycline is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people. If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Doxycycline
Do not use Doxycycline if you have any of the following medical problems and consult your doctor immediately:
- If you are allergic to any of the ingredient of Doxycycline.
- If you have recently received live oral typhoid vaccine or will be receive one.
- If you are taking acitretin, oral contraceptives (birth control pills), or penicillins like amoxicillin.
Some medical conditions may interact with Doxycycline. If you have any medical problem that may interact with Doxycycline, you should inform your doctor, especially if you have any of the following conditions:
- If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding.
- If you are allergic to any medicine, food or any other substance that is not included here.
- If you are suffering from diarrhea, stomach infection, intestinal infection, a history of lupus, or the blood disease porphyria.
- If you are taking any prescription medicine, nonprescription medicine (over the counter medicine), herbal preparation, dietary supplement.
Some medicines may interact with Doxycycline. Inform your doctor if you are taking any medicine that may interact with Doxycycline. The following medicines may interact with Doxycycline:
- Live oral typhoid vaccine, hormonal birth control, penicillins like amoxicillin etc. because their effectiveness may be decreased by Doxycycline.
- Anticoagulants like warfarin; digoxin, methotrexate, or methoxyflurane because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Doxycycline.
- Barbiturates like Phenobarbital; carbamazepine, hydantoins like phenytoin etc. because they may decrease effectiveness of Doxycycline.
- Acitretin, isotretinoin etc. because side effects, like increased pressure (intracranial pressure) inside the skull resulting in severe headaches and vision problems may occur.
Possible Adverse Effects of Doxycycline
- Common side effects of Doxycycline are loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting; sensitivity to sunlight etc. If any of these side effects become persistent or bothersome you should consult your doctor.
- Get immediate medical attention if any of the serious side effects of Doxycycline is experienced by you. The serious side effects of Doxycycline are severe allergic reaction (symptoms of allergic reaction are skin rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; unusual hoarseness); signs of infection (fever, chills, or sore throat), severe diarrhea, severe or persistent headache, stomach pain, stomach cramps; bloody stools; dark urine, decreased urine output; throat irritation, difficulty in swallowing; vaginal irritation, vaginal discharge; vision changes; yellowing of the skin or eyes; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual tiredness etc.
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