Doxycycline (Doxycycline) - 100mg (10 capsules)

Description

Doxycycline belongs to a class of drugs known as tetracycycline antibiotics. It works by preventing the growth and spread of bacteria, and physicians recommend the oral formulation as a first-line treatment for stages of Lyme disease without nervous system or cardiac involvement.

Doxycycline is used to treat a wide variety of respiratory, urinary tract, eye and sexually transmitted infections, and various other infections caused by susceptible bacteria and micro-organisms.

It is also used for severe acne, as it is active against the bacteria associated with acne, Propionebacterium acnes. This is a common type of bacteria that feeds on sebum produced by the sebaceous glands in the skin. It produces waste products and fatty acids that irritate the sebaceous glands, making them inflamed and causing spots. By controlling bacterial numbers, doxycycline brings the inflammation of the sebaceous glands under control, and the skin is allowed to heal.

Doxycycline is also active against the parasite that causes malaria. It is sometimes used to treat malaria, and can also be used to prevent it when visiting high-risk malarial areas, in particular areas where the malaria parasite is resistant to chloroquine.

Potential Side Effects

Skin reaction related to sun exposure (photo-sensitivity reaction), rash, hives, permanent discoloration of teeth (when administered during tooth development), anorexia, diarrhea, difficulty swallowing, various blood abnormalities, anemia, decreased kidney functions, stomach upset.

Cautions

• Not for use in children less than eight years of ages, except in the treatment of anthrax
• Not for use in patients with severe liver dysfunction
• Sensitivity reactions are more likely to occur in patients with a history of asthma, allergies, hay fever, or hives
• Not for use during pregnancy
• Chronic use may result in super-infection, including oral or vaginal candidiasis
• Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight or tanning equipment

Food Interactions

Blood levels may be decreased if taken with food or milk. Administration with iron or calcium may decrease absorption. May decrease absorptiob of calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, and amino acid. Avoid chronic alcohol ingestion.

Dosage

The absorption of doxycycline is not markedly affected by food, and therefore, it can be taken with meals. For most infections, doxycycline is taken once or twice daily for 7 to 14 days. For adult infections, the usual dose of oral doxycycline is 200 mg on the first day of treatment (100 mg every 12 hours) followed by a dose of 100 mg/day as a single dose or 50 mg twice daily.