By Susan C. Haussler, EdD, RN, CNE
Reviewed by Steve Burkes, Pharm.D., BCPS, CSP
Last Update: August 20, 2024
Our prices
What is Doxycycline?
Doxycycline is a semisynthetic broad-spectrum antibiotic-tetracycline. The mechanism of action is associated with impaired protein production in bacterial cells. It has a bacteriostatic action (stops the growth and reproduction of microbes).
The antibiotic is active against gram-positive (Gr +) aerobic bacteria: Streptococcus viridans, Streptococcus haemolytic, Streptococcus pneumonia, Staphylococcus spp. (including Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermis), Enterococcus faecalis, Listeria spp. (including Lіsteria monocytogenes), Bacіllus anthracis; gram-negative aerobic bacteria: Brucella spp., Escherichia coli, Neisseria meningitides, apes; iesseria gonorrhoeae, apes; , Treponema spp. (including strains resistant to beta-lactam antibiotics), Rickettsiae spp., Campylobacter spp .; gram-negative (Gr-) anaerobic microorganisms: Enterobacter spp., Clostridium spp., Bacteroids spp.
The antibiotic is highly active against Chlamydia spp., Mycoplasma spp .; some protozoa: Entamoeba histolytica, P. falciparum.
Resistant microorganisms: most strains of Serratia spp., Proteus spp., Pseudomonas spp., Fungi (exception – Actynomyces spp.).
This medicine is produced in the form of capsules each containing 100 mg of the active component.
Indications
Doxycycline is used for treating:
- infections of the upper/lower respiratory tract (pneumonia, otitis, sinusitis, exacerbation of chronic bronchitis in people under 65 years of age);
- urogenital infection (pielonephritis, urethritis, prostatitis, orchiepididymitis, cervicitis, endometritis);
- mycoplasma, chlamydial infection, incl. Reiter’s syndrome;
- gonorrhea, primary/secondary syphilis, in patients with an allergy to beta-lactam antibiotics;
- with biliary tract infection (cholangitis, cholecystitis);
- intestinal infections (travelers’ diarrhea, gastroenterocolitis, yersiniosis, shigellosis);
- infections of skin, soft tissue (acne, abscess, phlegmon, furunculosis);
- infected burns, wounds;
- legionellosis (“legionnaires disease”);
- rickettsiosis or other infections caused by rickettsia sensitive to this antibiotic;
- especially dangerous infections: cholera, plague, tularemia, glanders, anthrax, brucellosis;
- Lyme disease (tick-borne borreliosis);
- actinomycosis;
- malaria (for treatment, prophylaxis);
- amoebic dysentery;
- leptospirosis,
- granulocytic ehrlichiosis;
- osteomyelitis;
- prevention of infection after medical abortion.
Dosage and mode of application
Capsules are taken orally, with a glass of water, during or after a meal.
Adults, children over 12 years of age (weighing more than 45 kg): 200 mg in one or two doses on the first day, and 100 mg x1 times a day from the second day. The maximum daily dose for severe infections is 200 mg in 1-2 doses.
The duration of treatment depends on the type of infection and is usually 5–10 days.
Treatment of Lyme disease: the course of treatment is 3–4 weeks; brucellosis: 1.5–6 months;
Treatment of gonorrhea: 200 mg/day in 1 dose, men – 200–300 mg/day (2-3 capsules) in 1 dose for 5 days.
Treatment of syphilis: 300 mg/day for 10 days.
Treatment of chlamydial, mycoplasma infections: 200 mg/day for 7 days.
Treatment of acne: 50 mg/day for 6-12 weeks.
Prophylaxis of infections after medical abortion, 200 mg 1 hour before the procedure and 200 mg 30 minutes after it.
Patients with kidney failure require a reduction in the daily dose.
Contraindications
Doxycycline should not be used in the following cases:
- allergy to the active ingredient, other tetracyclines;
- intolerance to excipients;
- age under 12 years;
- body weight less than 45 kg;
- pregnancy/lactation;
- leukopenia (decrease in the number of leukocytes in the blood);
- porphyria;
- severe functional disorders of the liver/kidneys.
Side effects
- Neurological disorders: increased intracranial pressure (nausea, lack of appetite, severe headache, swelling of the nipple of the optic nerve), ataxia (poor coordination), dizziness;
- Digestive disorders: diarrhea/constipation, glossitis (inflammation of the tongue), dysphagia (violation of swallowing), erosive and ulcerative esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus), gastritis, ulcers/erosion of the stomach, duodenum 12, intestinal enterocolitis (inflammation of the intestine), change in color of the tooth enamel, inflammation in the anogenital region;
- Others: allergic reactions (skin rash, redness of the skin, itching, angioedema, lupus syndrome, etc.), photosensitization (sensitivity to the sun), changes in the blood test (hemolytic anemia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, eosinophilia), nephropathy, hemolytic anemia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, eosinophilia, superinfection (candidiasis).
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
The use of Doxycycline is contraindicated during pregnancy because the drug penetrates through the placenta and can disrupt the normal development of the teeth, cause growth inhibition of the fetal skeleton, and also cause fatty infiltration of the liver.
The use of the drug is contraindicated during lactation. If it’s necessary to use the antibiotic during lactation, breastfeeding should be stopped for the period of treatment.
Interactions
Medications that can interact with Doxycycline include:
- antacids containing salts of aluminum (Al3 +), calcium (Ca2 +) and magnesium (Mg2 +);
- iron preparations (Fe);
- sodium bicarbonate;
- laxatives containing magnesium salts (Mg2 +) colestiramine;
- colestipol;
- indirect anticoagulants;
- bactericidal antibiotics;
- estrogen-containing oral contraceptives;
- ethanol;
- barbiturates;
- rifampicin;
- carbamazepine;
- phenytoin;
- microsomal oxidation stimulants;
- methoxyflurane;
- retinol.
Safety precautions
Symptoms of overdose: neurotoxic reactions manifested by convulsions, dizziness, vomiting, impaired consciousness (due to an increase in intracranial pressure). Overdose treatment: drug withdrawal, gastric lavage, sorbents (activated carbon), antacids, magnesium sulfate, symptomatic and supportive therapy. There is no specific antidote. Hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis are ineffective.
To prevent local irritating action (esophagitis, gastritis, ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract mucous membrane), it is recommended to take tablets with a large amount of liquid, food or milk.
The medication can cause photosensitization; in connection with this, it is necessary to limit insolation during treatment and for 4-5 days after it. With prolonged use, periodic monitoring of the liver and blood-forming organs is necessary.
Doxycycline is a “first-line” antibiotic for patients under 65 years of age with exacerbation of chronic bronchitis (including against the background of bronchial asthma) without associated diseases (these exacerbations are often caused by Haemophilus influenzae). The drug is effective in exacerbation of bronchopulmonary infections (usually staphylococcal etiology) in patients with cystic fibrosis, chlamydial arthritis, granulocytic ehrlichiosis. In elderly patients, it is used to treat acute prostatitis and urinary infection caused by Escherichia coli. In combination with quinine, it is highly effective in treating malaria.
How to buy Doxycycline?
You can buy this drug in any pharmacy. You can even order it online without a doctor’s prescription. Our company offers you to buy this medicine online with delivery to any address you specify. Our prices are lower than those offered by your local drugstores.
However, you should remember that an antibiotic is not a vitamin; it cannot be used without a serious reason. Antibacterial drugs act on bacteria, and each of them has different indications. Therefore, you should not self-medicate. Before taking any medication, you should consult a doctor. Improper use of the drug can cause the body’s resistance to it. This means that the antibiotic will no longer help a patient if he encounters an attack of bacteria in the future, and it will be much more difficult for him to recover. Only a doctor can determine the right drug, its dosage and duration of treatment!
Are you sure that your condition requires treatment with Doxycycline? Then our online pharmacy is the best choice. You will surely appreciate our high-quality service, customer support, and competitive prices. It has never been easier to buy antibiotics online.
About the Author
Susan C. Haussler, EdD, RN, CNE, is a renowned nurse educator and leader, currently serving as an Associate Editor at our journal and as a faculty member at the University of Massachusetts–Boston. Based in Boston, Massachusetts, her extensive experience in clinical practice and academic instruction, along with her contributions to nursing literature, underscore her commitment to enhancing nursing education and healthcare outcomes. Dr. Haussler’s work, bolstered by her academic credentials, plays a crucial role in developing future nursing professionals.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this site is solely for educational purposes and is not a replacement for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before altering your medical treatment or medications. Relying on this content instead of seeking professional advice is not recommended.