Doxycycline for Sinus Infection – Side Effects, Dosage, Interactions

Basics of Doxycycline for Sinus Infection

According to a clinical trial published in the National Library of Medicine, doxycycline was far more effective than ampicillin in curing sinusitis in affected patients. 90% of the patients responded to the drug while only 35% responded to ampicillin. It was inferred that this is effective as it fights against the organisms as well as can penetrate the sinuses which act as a reservoir for the infections. 

Doxycycline is an antibiotic that cures a wide variety of infections caused by different bacteria. Apart from sinusitis, it can also cure other bacterial infections including urinary tract infections, respiratory infections, eye infections, gonorrhea, syphilis, etc. 

In addition to these infections, medicine is very effective in treating skin blemishes or acne. Moreover, it is believed that taking this drug also reduces the risk of malaria.

Price of Doxycycline for Sinus Infection

The average price of 1 strip of Doxycycline tablets ranges from Rs. 77 to Rs 85. In the Indian market. 

Composition of Doxycycline for Sinus Infection

The medicine is sold under various brand names such as Oracea, Doryx, Monodox, Periosta and Vibramycin. The main ingredient of Doxycycline 100 mg Tablet is doxycycline Hyclate which belongs to the tetracycline class of drugs. This is derived from oxytetracycline. It can work against a wide variety of drugs hence, it is a broad-spectrum antibiotic. 

Working of Doxycycline for Sinus Infection

The drug works by inhibiting the growth of bacteria and prevent it from spreading. 

Dosage of Doxycycline for Sinus Infection

The medicine of Doxycycline is available in the following forms-

• Tablets 
• Capsules
• Liquid form 
• Intravenous solution 

Doctors prescribe to take this medicine in the form of pills for people suffering from sinusitis. There are various strengths of Doxycycline for sinus infection- 50, 75, 100, and 150 mg. In order to take the medicine, there’s no need to crush or break it. Take one tablet whole while drinking one full glass of water with each dose.

For adults-

Unless prescribed otherwise by doctors, usually the normal dose of oral form of doxycycline is 200 mg on the first day of the course. Followed by, changing the dosage to two 100 mg doses 12 hours apart. After this, maintaining a dose of 100 mg regularly for 7-10 days. 

Although in rare cases, when the infection is severe, doctors can recommend higher doses such as 300 mg daily for 10 days. 

For children- 

Children over 8 years of age can take doxycycline for sinus infection. The dosage of the medicine depends on the child’s weight. 

Make sure that the course of the medicine is completed. Also, don’t stop the medicine abruptly without proper consultation with the doctor. 

Overdose/Skipping a dose of Doxycycline 100 mg Tablet

If you have missed a dose of Doxycycline 100 mg Tablet, if there’s enough time between the skipped dose and the next dose, then take it. Otherwise, if the next dose is near, skip the missed down and stick to your regular schedule. 

Side effects of Doxycycline for Sinus Infection

Generally, there are only some minor side effects after taking Doxycycline for sinus infection. Common side effects that can occur after taking doxycycline are-

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Upset stomach
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhea
• Skin rash
• Itching
• Darkened skin color
• Vaginal itching
• Vaginal discharge 

Severe side effects that are likely to occur include-

• Severe pain the stomach
• Diarrhea that is watery or bloody
• Irritation in the throat
• Difficulty swallowing
• Pain in the chest
• Irregular heartbeat
• Difficulty breathing
• Little to almost no urination
• Lower count of white blood cells (signs of fever, swollen glands, body aches, weakness, chills, paleness of skin, bleeding)
• Ringing of the ears
• Dizziness
• Problems with sight
• Severe headaches
• Jaundice
• Pain around the eyes 

Interactions of Doxycycline for Sinus Infection

Certain drugs or foods can interfere with the effectiveness of Doxycycline medicines. This is known as interaction. Sometimes taking the medicine with Doxycycline can worsen the side effects. 

Here are some medicines that can interact with Doxycycline 100mg Tablet and can cause moderate or severe side effects-

• Advil
• Fish oil
• Ibuprofen 
• Tylenol 
• Vitamins such as Vitamin B12, Vitamin C, Vitamin D3
• Warfarin
• Zantac
• Penicillin 
• Iron supplements and laxatives
• Oral birth control pills 

People who are in the habit of drinking alcohol are more likely to side effects of Doxycycline tablets, especially stomach upset.  Moreover, when medicine is taken with milk or food it can reduce the absorption of medicine by the body. 

The medicine also enhances the sensitivity of the skin to sunlight. Hence, when stepping out of the house, make sure you are properly covered and wearing sunglasses and sunscreen. 

Substitutes of Doxycycline for Sinus Infection

In cases where the affected individual is unable to get any Doxycycline, there are other options to opt from. Some other medicines that can treat the sinus infection successfully are-

• Augmentin
• Amoxicillin
• Azithromycin dose pack
• Prednisone
• Antihistamines such as Cetrizines, Clemastine, Loratadine, etc. 
• Decongestants such as Nasarel, Zetonna, Rhinocort, etc. 

Read More: Antibiotics for Sinus infection

Warnings of Doxycycline for Sinus Infection

Some precautions for special conditions before taking Doxycycline Tablet-

• Pregnancy

Pregnant women should not use this medicine unless it is absolutely necessary. The risks and benefits of the medicine should be properly discussed with the doctor. 

• Breast-feeding 

Unless absolutely necessary, this medicine is not recommended for lactating women. The tetracyclines can pass into the breast milk and therefore to the baby.  If breastfeeding mothers take this medicine, then the baby should be monitored for any side effects. 

• Diarrhea

Antibiotic therapy leads to bacterial growth that can lead to diarrhea. This can be due to overdosage hence, adjust the appropriate dosage and find a suitable alternative. 

• Drug Toxicity

Taking this medicine without any symptoms of bacterial infection is not at all recommended. If you take Doxycycline Tablet irrationally, it might lead to toxicity. 

• Resistance to drug

The antibiotic can kill the bacteria after which resistance germs can grow. These germs can make the surviving bacteria resistant to the drug. Moreover, it can also affect the normal balance of bacteria in the body by killing the beneficial bacteria present in the gut. 

• Driving or operating heavy machinery

This medicine can cause extreme drowsiness or dizziness in patients. Immediately after taking Doxycycline Tablet or its substitutes, do not drive or operate any heavy machinery. 

In addition to the above precautions, make sure that you let the doctor if you are-

• Allergic to drugs such as clarithromycin, erythromycin
• Having issues in the kidneys, muscles, liver or heart
• Having a low level of potassium or magnesium
• Willing to conceive in the future 

Read More:

• Azee 500 mg Tablet- Uses, Side effects and Dosage
• Solvin Cold Tablet-Uses, Side effects and Dosage

References

• “A Comparative Trial of Doxycycline and Ampicillin in the Treatment of Acute Sinusitis”, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1098875/, accessed on 2nd June 2020.