What is doxycycline?
Doxycycline is a medicine used as an antibiotic, which has as its active ingredient a doxycycline hiclate, whose mechanism of action is to prevent bacteria from growing and spreading throughout the body or the areas they infect, since they do not synthesize their proteins.
Its use and administration is oral, in the presentations of tablets (capsules, suspension or tablets) of 100 mg, although it is also used intravenously, making its doses depend on the involvement or characteristics of the patient. Therefore,a prescription is required.
Note: A study mentions that: “Doxycycline, in addition to the broad-spectrum antibacterial properties possessed by this molecule, anti-inflammatory properties have been discovered.” (1)
What is doxycycline for?
This drug is prescribed for infectiouscasesin many common areas of the body, especially on the mucous walls. Therefore, we will show you what its specific functions are:
1. Respiratory, skin and eye infections
Doxycycline is recommended for psittacosis (pneumonia caused by Chlamydiapsittaci), trachoma and conjunctivitis (eye infections caused byChlamydia trachomatis), as well ascellulitis, boils orfolliculitiscarried byStaphylococcus aureus bacteria.
2. Genito-urinary infections
These are the diseases that affect the urinary tract , classified as uncomplicated urethral infection and non-gonococcal urethritis, which occur in adults and usually due to sexually transmitted diseases.
You should know: For these cases, adults Can take doxycycline100 mghours a day.
3. Gastrointestinal infections
Doxycycline is prescribed for symptoms of gastrointestinal conditions , which are caused specifically by the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria , including nausea, intoxication , indigestion , vomiting, and diarrhea that lasts for several days.
Note: As these symptoms can also affect children, Dosages of Doxycycline in tablets of 100 mg or 50 mg every 6 or 12 hours a day are recommended, without exceeding 200 mg (all depending on the weight of the minor).
4. Severe acne vulgaris and rosacea
On the other hand, doxycycline is used as a treatment for rosacea, which is an acute or chronic condition, which, depending on its progress, can cause redness , swelling and capillary dilation.
Doxycycline Side Effects
This medication can lead to unwanted side effects, which can affect a specific organ , in which case the use of doxycycline should be discontinued and your doctor or pharmacist informed if you have:
- Vomiting and nausea.
- Hives and sensitivity to sunlight.
- Rash.
- Abdominal pain and headache.
Doxycycline contraindications
Finally, this medicine is contraindicated for a certain number of patients , it is advised not to use it without a prescription, especially for people with the following conditions:
- Hypersensitivity to the active principle.
- Pregnancy or lactation.
- Renal insufficiency.
- Children under 8 years.
Key Conclusions
- Doxycycline is an essential Antibiotic Medicine to fight infections caused by bacteria.
- It is used for skin conditions , eye infections, and gastrointestinal tract infections.
- Doxycycline can cause side effects such as rashes and some mild cramping.
- Doxycycline is not recommended for use in pregnant women and patients with renal insufficiency .
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.