Doxycycline
Tetracycline antibiotic (Vibramycin). Lyme, malaria prevention, acne, chlamydia, atypical pneumonia. 100 mg standard.
WHAT IS DOXYCYCLINE?
Detailed overview
Doxycycline is a long-acting tetracycline (Pfizer Vibramycin, FDA 1967). Inhibits bacterial 30S ribosomal subunit (aminoacyl-tRNA binding block). Spectrum: atypicals (Mycoplasma, Chlamydia, Rickettsia, Borrelia, Treponema), some Gram-positive (susceptible Staphylococcus), H. pylori (second-line). Key indications: early-stage Lyme disease, atypical pneumonia, chlamydia STD, malaria prevention (travel), severe acne (low-dose chronic). Side effect profile generally well-tolerated, photosensitivity and GI most common.
Data console
Lab data
Safety
Side effects, stop signs, contraindications
Side effects · 8
- Phototoxic reaction: heightened sun sensitivity, severe sunburn-like erythema after brief UV exposure; sun protection and covering clothing are mandatory.
- Esophageal irritation and ulceration: if taken with little water or lying down, the tablet can lodge in the esophagus; take upright with a full glass of water and not immediately before lying down.
- Gastrointestinal upset: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, abdominal discomfort; can be reduced by taking with food.
- Candida superinfection: the antibiotic disrupts normal flora, leading to vaginal or oral fungal infection (thrush).
- Intracranial hypertension (pseudotumor cerebri): rare but serious, with headache, visual disturbance and papilledema; risk of permanent vision loss, requires immediate discontinuation.
- Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea and pseudomembranous colitis: severe, potentially life-threatening diarrhea can occur during or even after treatment.
- Hepatotoxicity: rare liver function abnormalities, more severe at high doses or in pre-existing liver disease; jaundice or dark urine warrant medical attention.
- Hypersensitivity and skin reactions: rash, urticaria, rarely severe reactions (DRESS, Stevens-Johnson syndrome), and fixed drug eruptions typical of tetracyclines.
Contraindications · 2
- Tetracycline hypersensitivity
- Pregnancy (tooth and bone development damage), child < 8 yr
Related Pharmaceuticals
Same therapeutic category
Studies
Related research and clinical findings
Treatment of Lyme disease: 2020 IDSA guideline
Lantos PM, Rumbaugh J, Bockenstedt LK et al.
Doxycycline for malaria prophylaxis
Tan KR, Magill AJ, Parise ME et al.
Doxycycline in atypical community-acquired pneumonia
Bartlett JG, Mundy LM.
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Educational drug info from official sources (PubMed, FDA, EMA). Does NOT replace medical consultation or the SmPC. Talk to your doctor!
The information here is for educational and scientific purposes only. Medication use requires medical consultation and a prescription. The indications, dose ranges, and side effects listed here do NOT replace the official Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) or consultation with a physician. Do not start or stop any medication on your own. In an emergency, call your local emergency number.