Doxycycline is an antibiotic drug that is 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 tablet and capsule form.
Doxycycline can treat various diseases caused by bacterial infections, ranging from bacterial infections in the lungs, gastrointestinal tract, urinary tract, eyes, skin, to sexually transmitted infections, such as syphilis. This drug can also be an option to treat and prevent anthrax.
Doxycyline 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.
doxycycline trademark: Dohixat, Dotur, Doxicor, Doxycycline hyclate, Dumoxin, Interdoxin, Pushrob, Siclidon, Viadoxin.
What is Doxycycline?
| group | Tetracycline class antibiotics |
| Category | Prescription drugs |
| Benefit | Overcoming bacterial infections and preventing malaria |
| Consumed by | Adults and children (over 8 years old) |
| Doxycycline for pregnant and lactating women | Category D:There is positive evidence of risks to the human fetus, but the benefits may outweigh the risks, eg to treat life-threatening situations. 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 |
Warnings Before Taking Doxycycline
- Do not use doxycycline if you are allergic to this drug or to tetracycline antibiotics.
- Tell your doctor if you have obesity, asthma, oral or vaginal yeast infections, esophagitis, liver disorders, 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 ever 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 taking birth control pills, because doxycycline can decrease the effectiveness of birth control.
- Tell your doctor if you will be vaccinating against typhoid while taking doxycycline, because this drug can block the vaccine's performance.
- If you have an allergic reaction or overdose after taking doxycycline, contact your doctor immediately.
Doxycycline Dosage and Rules
The dose of doxycycline will be adjusted according to the condition being treated. Here's the explanation:
- Bacterial infection
Children weighing <45kg: 2.2–4.4 mg/kg per day.
- Malaria prevention
Children: 2 mg/kg body weight per day. The duration (duration) of drug use is the same as for adults.
- Sexually transmitted diseaseAdults: 100–300 mg per day, for 7–10 days.
- PimpleAdults: 40–50 mg per day, for 6–12 weeks.
- Prevention of leptospirosisAdult: 200 mg, once weekly, while in an endemic area, followed by 200 mg on the last day in the area.
How to Use Doxycycline Correctly
Take doxycycline according to the doctor's recommendations and the instructions for use listed on the drug packaging.
Doxycycline can be taken before or after meals. It is recommended to take the drug after eating if you feel 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, continue to take your medication as directed by your doctor. Stopping the drug sooner than necessary can cause the infection to not heal completely and may return at a later date.
Foods that contain calcium, such as milk and cheese, can reduce the absorption of doxycycline. Therefore, give a gap of at least 1 hour between the consumption of the drug and the food.
Doxycycline consumption can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight. Therefore, use sunscreen or closed clothing when out of the house, during treatment.
For patients who forget to take doxycycline, it is recommended to do so immediately if the interval with the next consumption schedule is not too close. If it is close, ignore it and do not double the dose.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature and out of direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.
Doxycline and Other Drug Interactions
There are several interactions that may occur if you use doxycycline together with other drugs, namely:
- Decreases the effectiveness of penicillin antibiotics in eradicating bacteria
- Increases the risk of side effects of blood-thinning medications, such as warfarin
- Increases risk of increased intracranial pressure when used with isotretinoin and acitrecin
- Decreases the effectiveness of doxycycline when used with antacids and anticonvulsant drugs, such as carbamazepine, phenobarbital, and phenytoin
Doxycycline Side Effects and Dangers
Doxycycline may cause some of the following side effects:
- Temporary tooth discoloration
- Decreased appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stomach ache
- Diarrhea
- Sensitive to sunlight
- Vaginal itching
If these side effects are more severe or do not go away, consult a doctor immediately. You are also advised to go to the doctor immediately if you experience an allergic drug reaction or serious side effects, such as:
- Headache
- dry mouth
- There is less urine that comes out when urinating
- Blurred vision
- Chest pain
- Fever
- Excessive vaginal discharge or abnormal vaginal discharge color