Doxycycline is one of the common medications that helps to fight against bacterial infections. It is also among the popular medications that are mentioned in the World Health Organization’s list of essential medicines. Additionally, it was patented in 1957 and commercialized in 1967 as a generic medication, and by 2020, Doxycycline had become the 79th most commonly prescribed medicine in the United States.
Till now, it has proven its potential in treating various health issues, from inflammation to malaria. And so we have provided here all the information about doxycycline, from uncovering its benefits to side effects.
Doxycycline For Pneumonia: How It Works?
Doxycycline is an antibiotic of the Tetracycline class that is used to combat infections caused by bacteria or other parasites. This medication is used to inhibit bacterial growth, which is responsible for acne, chlamydia infection, and Lyme diseases, through its anti-inflammatory effects. Additionally, tetracycline antibiotics are also used to treat urinary tract infections, respiratory infections, eye and gum infections, and even to prevent diseases like malaria.
Doxycycline treats pneumonia by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis. It binds to bacterial ribosomes, preventing protein production, and halting bacterial growth. This action helps the immune system eliminate the infection, but the choice of antibiotic depends on the pneumonia’s cause, requiring a healthcare professional’s assessment for accurate treatment.
Benefits Of Doxycycline
Doxycycline is available in a generic form and even sold as a brand name, which you can find on the market. This medicine is used to fight against bacterial infection and promotes several benefits that we have discussed below.
- The medications are used to treat a wide variety of gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial infections.
- Doxycycline is also effective in treating Rickettsial diseases like Roxy Mountain spotted fever.
- Further, you can use this tetracycline antibiotic to tackle ophthalmic infections like inclusion conjunctivitis.
- The medicine is also used to suppress the growth of bacteria.
Uses Of Doxycycline
Other than these benefits, you can also take tetracycline antibiotics when your stomach is upset. The doctors may recommend you take it with Mike or any specific food to mitigate the gastroesophageal problem.
In addition to this, the medicine is also used for chest or dental infections that can potentially cause yellowish teeth. Some people also use it to mitigate the symptoms of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). At the same time, the medicine is not available and is prescribed only by doctors, as we have discussed in the sections below.
Precautions Of Taking Doxycycline
Doxycycline is a highly interactive medicine that can cause various health effects, which may also include tetracycline antibiotic allergies. Other than these side effects, the medicine is also not recommended for pregnant women and children. The medications are recommended to be taken under the doctor’s prescription while following specific precautions.
- You must take the medicine with a full glass of water to inhale it properly.
- It is also essential to drink plenty of water while taking Doxycycline.
- If you are suffering from an upset stomach, then it is recommended to do it with milk or specific food items as recommended by the doctor.
- It is always recommended to take the medicine at least 1 hour before the meal and 2 hours after eating your food.
- Don’t chew the medicine when having it with a glass of water.
Doxycycline is also available in the form of syrup, in which you must know the right measurements. Therefore, you must consider the doctor to have it in the correct amount. Additionally, If you have ever had any liver disease or kidney-related issues, kindly consult your doctors before you opt for the medicine.
Doses Of Doxycycline
Doxycycline is a tetracycline antibiotic that is available in tablets, capsules, and even syrup. If you are taking tablets or capsules, then it is recommended to take them on an empty stomach at least two times per day as per the doctor’s recommendation. The same applies to syrup as well, where you need to follow instructions as per your doctor’s instructions.
Doxycycline Side Effects After Stopping
Till now, it has not shown as a side effect until you have any allergic symptoms to the tetracycline antibiotic. If you have taken doxycycline and found some serious health issues like vomiting or nausea, then immediately consult a doctor.
Before you consume this medication, and if you don’t want to face to face any medical issues, then you must know its potential side effects. In this regard, we have mentioned some of the points that will give you an idea of how this medication can be harmful.
- You can experience stomach discomforts like diarrhea or body pain, which may include the back, leg, and stomach.
- In the case of women, itching in the vagina or genital area or may face extreme pain during sexual intercourse.
- In some cases, it has also been observed as a thick vaginal discharge with no odor.
- The doxycycline may also cause oral health issues like bleeding in the gums.
- The improper consumption of this medication can also cause blood in urine and stool and even blotting.
- Some individuals may also face conditions like coughing, difficulting in swelling, feelings of discomfort, and even fever.
So, if you are experiencing such types of symptoms, then you need to consult your doctors first to get a better treatment. They may prescribe you the right medication based on the seriousness of your condition.
Conclusion
Till now, you might have understood that doxycycline is an effective medicine that helps to treat various diseases. It is so efficient that it is listed in the World Health Organization’s essential medicine list. Although the medicine was commercialized in 1967, it is one of the most in-demand medications to treat bacterial infections.
At the same time, this tetracycline antibiotic can also cause various side effects if you have an allergic problem or are not used properly. Therefore, before taking this medicine, kindly consult your doctor and take better advice on usage.
FAQ
Q1.Who should not use doxycycline?
A person with allergic issues with tetracycline antibiotics or a pregnant woman is not allowed to use this medicine.
Q2. How soon after taking doxycycline do you feel better?
Doxycycline is a type of antibiotic course that may take at least 3 to 5 days to make you feel better.
Q3.What foods to avoid while taking doxycycline?
Dairy products or food that is rich in calcium are recommended to be avoided during tetracycline antibiotics.
Q4. How long do side effects last?
It may take a few days and even weeks to get rid of the side effects.
Q5. Is doxycycline safe to take?
It is safe to take until you don’t have a tetracycline antibiotic allergy or you are pregnant.
References
- Doxycycline Hyclate National Library of Medicine: Doxycycline Hyclate. Reema S. Patel; Mayur Parmar. [Accessed May 23, 2022]
- Doxycycline: MedlinePlus Drug Information[Accessed June 15,2022]
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Dr. David G Kiely is a distinguished Medical Reviewer and former General Medicine Consultant with a wealth of experience in the field. Dr. Kiely’s notable career as a General Medicine Consultant highlights his significant contributions to the medical field.