Doxycycline is an antibiotic drug used to treat various diseases caused by bacterial infections. This drug is also used to treat acne and prevent malaria. This drug is available in the form of tablets and capsules.
Doxycycline can treat various diseases caused by bacterial infections, ranging from bacterial infections in the lungs, digestive tract, urinary tract , eyes, skin, to sexually transmitted
infections, such as syphilis. This drug can also be an option to treat and prevent anthrax .
Doxycycline works by inhibiting and stopping the growth of bacteria that cause infection. Please note, this drug is not effective for treating diseases caused by viral infections, such as colds.
Trademarks for doxycycline : Dohixat, Dotur, Doxicor, Doxycycline hyclate, Dumoxin, Interdoxin, Pushrob, Siclidon, Viadoxin.
What is Doxycycline?
class Tetracycline class of antibiotics
Category Prescription drug
Benefit Overcome bacterial infections and prevent malaria
Consumed by Adults and children (ages over 8 years)
Doxycycline for pregnant and lactating women Category D: There is positive evidence of a risk to the human fetus, but the benefits may outweigh the risks, for example in dealing with a life-threatening situation. Doxycycline may pass into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first.
Drug form Tablets and capsules
Precautions Before Taking Doxycycline
Do not use doxycycline if you have an allergy to this drug or to tetracycline class antibiotics.
Tell your doctor if you have obesity , asthma , yeast infections of the mouth or vagina, esophagitis , liver problems , myasthenia gravis , or lupus .
Tell your doctor if you have or have a history of increased intracranial pressure (inside the skull cavity) or kidney problems .
Tell your doctor if you have had surgery on the stomach area, including the stomach.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy.
Tell your doctor if you are using birth control pills , because doxycycline can reduce the effectiveness of birth control.
Tell your doctor if you are going to have typhoid vaccination while taking doxycycline, because this drug may interfere with the vaccine's performance.
If you have an allergic drug reaction or an overdose after taking doxycycline, contact your doctor immediately.
Dosage and Rules for Use of Doxycycline
The dose of doxycycline administration will be adjusted to the conditions being treated. Here's the explanation:
Bacterial infections
Adults and children weighing >45 kg: 100–200 mg daily.
Children weighing < 45 kg: 2.2–4.4 mg/kg per day.
Prevention of malaria
Adults: 100 mg per day. Consumption starts from 1-2 days before going to a high-risk (endemic) area of malaria, up to 1 month after returning to the place of origin.
Children: 2 mg/kg per day. The duration (duration) of drug use is the same as adults.
Sexually transmitted diseases
Adult: 100–300 mg daily, for 7–10 days.
Adult Acne
: 40–50 mg daily, for 6–12 weeks.
Prevention of leptospirosis
Adults: 200 mg, once weekly, while in an endemic area, followed by 200 mg on the last day of being in the area.
How to Use Doxycycline Properly
Take doxycycline according to the doctor's instructions and the instructions for use listed on the drug packaging.
Doxycycline can be taken before or after meals. Taking the drug after eating is recommended if you are nauseous when taking it before eating. Take this medicine with a glass of water.
Take the medicine in an upright position (sitting or standing) and do not lie down for at least 10 minutes after taking the medicine. This is done to prevent irritation of the gastrointestinal tract.
Even if you feel better, keep taking the medicine according to the doctor's advice. Stopping consumption of the drug sooner than it should be can cause the infection not to heal completely and can return at a later date.
Foods that contain calcium , such as milk and cheese, can reduce the absorption of doxycycline. Therefore, give a pause of at least 1 hour between consumption of these drugs and foods.
Taking doxycycline can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Therefore, use sunscreen or closed clothing when leaving the house, during treatment.
For patients who forget to take doxycycline, it is recommended to do it immediately if the break with the next consumption schedule is not too close. If it's close, ignore it and don't double the dose.
Store the drug in a closed container at room temperature and not exposed to direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.
Interactions of Doxycline and Other Drugs
There are several interaction effects that may occur when using doxycycline together with other drugs, namely:
Reduces the effectiveness of penicillin antibiotics in eradicating bacteria
Increase the risk of side effects of blood-thinning medications, such as warfarin
Increased risk of intracranial enhancement when used with isotretinoin and acitrecin
Decreased effectiveness of doxycycline when used with antacids and anti-seizure drugs , such as carbamazepine , phenobarbital, and phenytoin
Doxycycline Side Effects and Dangers
Doxycycline can cause some of the following side effects:
Temporary change in tooth color
Decreased appetite
Nausea and vomiting
Stomach ache
Diarrhea
Sensitive to sunlight
vaginal itching
If these side effects feel more severe or don't go away, consult a doctor immediately. You are also advised to see a doctor immediately if you experience an allergic drug reaction or serious side effects, such as:
Headache
Dry mouth
Urine that comes out when urinating becomes less
Blurred vision
Chest pain
Fever
Heavy vaginal discharge or abnormal vaginal discharge