Doxycycline

Doxycycline 100mg

Doxycycline belongs to the class of antibiotics referred to as tetracycline. It is available in its generic name or brand names such as Adoxa, Doryx, Morgidox, Oracea or Vibramycin.

This antibiotic is used for the treatment of several bacterial infections caused by bacteria species including mycoplasma pneumoniae, haemophilus influenza or streptococcus pneumonia. The medication is prescribed for the treatment of pneumonia; infections of the skin including acne, skin blemishes; genital and urinary tract infections. It is also used to prevent malaria and preventive medication for anthrax after inhalation exposure.  

The medication is available in different strengths and preparations hereunder listed:

• Tablets – in the strengths of 20, 50, 75 and 150 mg Doxycycline under the brand names Alodox, Periostat, Monodox, NurtiDox, Vibramycin, Vibra-Tabs or Doryx.
• Capsules – in the strengths of 50, 75, 100 and 150 mg capsules under the brand names Monodox, NurtiDox, Vibramycin, Vibra-Tabs or Doryx. Delayed-release capsules in 40 mg are also available under the brand name Oracea.  
• Syrup – in the strength of 50mg/5ml formulation is available under the brand name Vibramycin.
• Powder for oral suspension – in the strength of 25mg/5ml powder for suspension
• Gel – in the strength of 10& Doxycycline gel under the brand name Atridox
• Vial for injection – presented in 100 mg and 200 mg vials for injection.

Doxycycline is manufactured by several companies such as Pfizer, Inc., Watson Laboratories, Sandoz, APP Pharmaceuticals and others.

Pharmacological Action

Doxycycline 100mg is an antibacterial drug (antibiotic) that is classified under the class called tetracyclines. It effectively works by influencing the activity of bacteria by inhibiting it to produce protein necessary in its life and growth cycle.

It works hand in hand with our body’s immune system to fight off infection. When our body’s natural fighting agent can no longer contain the demands of infection, we need antibiotics to inhibit the bacterial growth. Doxycycline does not actually kill these bacteria but it inhibits its proliferation so that our immune system can perform well, that is to fight off infection.

For the treatment of skin infection including acne. It works by preventing the multiplication of bacteria that causes the inflammation of the sebaceous glands.

For the prevention of malaria. It fights off the parasite that causes malaria. It should be taken 2 days prior to stay in malaria stricken region and should be continued 4 days after departure.

Indication

Doxycycline 100mg has been used for the treatment of different variety of diseases including:

• Bacterial infections caused by Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, or Mycoplasma pneumoniae that causes infections in the respiratory tract.
• Urinary Tract Infections (UTI)
• Lyme Disease
• Infections of the skin such as acne, blemishes or bumps
• Acne-like lesions caused by Rosacea
• Genital infections including Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Prostatitis, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, Syphilis or Urethritis
• Lung infections including bronchitis, pneumonia or sinusitis
• Gum disease referred to as Periodontitis
• Rickettsial infections that caused Q Fever
• Cholera
• Anthrax ( Cutaneous Anthrax, Gastrointestinal Anthrax or Anthrax cause by inhalation exposure)
• Leptospirosis (caused by Leptospira bacteria)

Mode of Administration

The efficacy of treatment always depends on how you take the treatment. Always follow your doctor’s instruction regarding the treatment dosage. The recommended dosage of Doxycycline is between 50 mg to 200 mg taken once or twice a day for the duration of 1 to 2 weeks.

It may be taken in a full or empty stomach, but some recommends taking the medication in an empty stomach with a glass of water. Do not crush or break the tablet in half, this will affect the efficacy of the medication.

For best treatment result it is always important to follow your doctors’ instruction. Should you have any question regarding the medication, refer to the prescription label or ask your health care provider for more information. 

Contraindications and Cautions

Antibiotic is contraindicated to patients who are hypersensitive to Doxycycline substance or to antibiotics belonging to the class referred to as tetracycline such as brodspec, panmycin, sumycin or tetracap or other tetracycline antibiotics including demeclocycline and minocycline. It is not to be used to patients who are:

• Below 12 years old - may cause permanent discoloration of teeth.
• Patients with porphyrias (hereditary blood disorder)
• Pregnant women- Doxycycline belonged to the category D for pregnancy as assessed by the FDA. It will harm the unborn baby and cause teeth discoloration later in life.   

There are certain conditions and drugs that are contraindicated to the medication. Inform your Doctor of your medical history and other medications you are taking both prescribed and non-prescribed to establish safety and precaution. Patients who have asthma or those who have functional disorders of the kidney or liver are cautioned to inform their Doctor of such fact.  

Doxycycline Side Effects

Side effects are but natural occurrence of treatment if used within the required dosage. Like other medications, Doxycycline has certain side effects associated on its use. Although side effects vary on aspects such as age, severity of infection or medical history, the following are the common side effects that is associated to antibiotic:

• Mild Nausea or vomiting
• Mild Loss of Appetite
• Mild Diarrhea
• Mild skin rash and itching
• Itching in the vaginal region
• Vaginal discharge
• Stomach upset

There are serious side effects that may arise especially when a patient is allergic to Doxycycline substance or any tetracycline antibiotics. Immediately seek medical attention if you experienced any of the following symptoms:

• Signs of allergy: hives; breathing difficulty; swelling of face, lips, mouth, tongue or throat
• Bloody stools
• Decreased urination
• Chills and fever
• Blistered or peeling skin

Drug Interactions

The efficacy of drugs is influenced by several factors including drug interactions. The interactions between 2 drugs may affect the performance of either medication and may increase the risk of side effects and complications. For better treatment management, your physician may establish any of the following:

• Dosage medication
• Possible Change of medication

If you are under medication with Doxycycline 100mg, you should avoid using any of the following medications:

• Antacids containing aluminum, calcium or magnesium – it interferes the absorption of doxycycline and thereby making it less effective
• Barbiturates (phenobarbital, amobarbital)
• Carbamazepine
• Oral typhoid vaccine
• Penicillin antibiotics including amoxicillin, ampicillin or oxacillin
• Phenytoin
• Primidone
• Rifampicin
• Supplements containing calcium or iron minerals including bismuth subsalicylate
• Warfarin and other anti-coagulant medication – these drugs will cause excessive blood thinning that may lead to unnecessary bleeding.

These are not the complete list of drugs that may have interactions with Doxycycline. It is important to inform your health care provider what other medications you are currently taking to avoid harsh complication.

Interesting facts

It is interesting to know that Doxycycline 100mg has been a product of medical evolution in the study of antibiotics since the early 1960’s. The research of this drug is pioneered by a magnate pharmaceutical company, Pfizer, Inc. In the year 1967, the FDA has approved Vibramycin, the brand name of the product which thereby becomes Pfizer’s first antibiotic prescribed for once-a-day medication.