Doxycycline

WHAT IS IT?

Doxycycline is an antibiotic that belongs to a class of medications called tetracyclines. These medications inhibit translation.

WHEN DO WE USE IT?

Lyme disease (Borrelia burgdorferi), Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, pulmonary anthrax (Bacillus anthraces), Pasteurella multocida, syphilis (Treponema pallidumRickettsial diseases and vector-borne illness, acne

Prophylaxis for Leptospira interrogans

WHEN DO WE AVOID USING IT?

Pregnancy (this medication is contraindicated)

Children younger then 8 years: it is believed that this medication causes the staining of permanent teeth in this age group.

When patient is taking divalent ions concurrently PO: milk (Ca2+), antacids (Ca2+ or Mg2+), or iron-containing preparations should be avoided when taking this medication because divalent cations inhibit drugs’ absorption in the gut.

HOW IS IT ADMINISTERED?

Oral administration or IV infusion

Source
Source
WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS/TOXICITY?

GI distress, discoloration of teeth, inhibition of bone growth in children, photosensitivity.

Fanconi syndrome can be caused with expired drugs

ANYTHING ELSE TO KEEP IN MIND?

This drug’s ability to accumulate intracellularly makes it very effective against Rickettsia and Chlamydia.

Drug resistance can occur when bacteria acquire plasmids that decrease the uptake or increase to efflux of this medication.

FURTHER READING

DynaMed

UpToDate

Page Updated: 06.10.2016