|
GENERIC
NAME: doxycycline
BRAND NAME:
Vibramycin
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM:
Doxycycline is a synthetic broad-spectrum
antibiotic derived from tetracycline. It is
effective against a wide variety of bacteria,
such as Hemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus
pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydia
psittaci, Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria
gonorrhoea, and many others.
PRESCRIPTION:
yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE:
yes
PREPARATIONS: Capsules:
50mg, 100mg; Tablets: 100mg; Suspension: 25
mg/teaspoon; Syrup: 50
mg/teaspoon.
STORAGE: Capsules should be
kept below 30°C (86°F). The suspension should be
refrigerated and shaken prior to each
use.
PRESCRIBED FOR: Doxycycline
is used for many different types of infections,
including respiratory tract infections due to
Hemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae,
or Mycoplasma pneumoniae. It also is used for
the treatment of nongonococcal urethritis (due
to Ureaplasma), Rocky mountain spotted fever,
typhus, chancroid, cholera, brucellosis,
anthrax, syphilis, and acne.
DOSING: The absorption of
doxycycline is not markedly affected by food,
and therefore, it can be taken with meals. For
most infections, doxycycline is taken once or
twice daily for 7 to 14 days. Sometimes, the
first dose is given as a "double dose," that is,
twice as large as the remainder of the
doses.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: It is
recommended that doxycycline not be taken at the
same time as aluminum-, magnesium-, or calcium-
based antacids, such as Mylanta, Maalox, Tums,
or Rolaids because, like food, these medications
bind doxycycline in the intestine. Similarly,
doxycycline should not be taken with minerals
(such as calcium or iron), with bismuth
subsalicylate (Pepto Bismol).
Doxycycline
may enhance the activity of warfarin (Coumadin)
and cause excessive "thinning" of the blood,
necessitating a reduction in the dose of
warfarin. Phenytoin (Dilantin), carbamazepine
(Tegretol), and barbiturates (such as
phenobarbital) may enhance the metabolism
(destruction) of doxycycline thus making it less
effective.
PREGNANCY: Tetracycline
antibiotics, such as doxycycline, can have toxic
effects on development of bone in the fetus.
Therefore, tetracyclines are not recommended
during pregnancy unless there is no other
appropriate antibiotic.
NURSING MOTHERS:
Doxycycline is secreted into breast milk. Since
tetracyclines can cause decreased bone, the use
of tetracyclines in nursing mothers is of
concern. The physician must decide whether to
recommend that a nursing mother discontinue
nursing during treatment with tetracyclines or
to choose a different
antibiotic.
SIDE EFFECTS: Doxycycline
is generally well-tolerated. The most common
side effects are diarrhea or loose stools,
nausea, abdominal pain, and vomiting.
Tetracyclines, such as doxycycline, may cause
tooth discoloration if used in persons below 8
years of age. Exaggerated sunburn can occur with
tetracyclines; therefore, sunlight should be
minimized during
treatment. |
