Doxycycline Tablet- Uses, Side Effects & Dosage Guide

Doxycycline is a prescription medicine to treat bacterial infections in different parts of the body. These bacterial infections include urinary tract infections, intestinal infections, respiratory infections, eye infections, gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis and periodontitis (gum infection). It is also used to treat pimples and blemishes, usually on the face, that are caused by rosacea, also known as adult acne.

Doxycycline belongs to the class of medicines called tetracycline antibiotics. It kills the bacteria and further prevents their growth. However, this medicine is not effective in case of colds, flu, or other virus infections. 

Uses

The doctors prescribe it for various bacterial infections such as:

• Urinary tract infection (UTI)
• Lung infection
• Nose and throat infection
• Sexually transmitted infection

Doctor also prescribe Doxycycline in the following conditions:

• Anthrax, cholera and fever
• As a preventative measure for people traveling to area of high-risk malaria
• Bacteria Propionibacterium acnes cause acne and pimples, Doxycycline can be used to treat acne.
  (Also read: Home Remedies to Get Rid of Pimples)

Composition

Each capsule contains a 100mg doxycycline base as doxycycline hyclate.

Price of Doxycycline in India

The price of Doxycycline in India is INR 20.00 for 8 tablets. (100 mg tablet each)

Dosage

It is a prescription medicine only. Thus, it is advisable to take this tablet as and when prescribed by the doctor. 

If you miss a dose of the medicine during your treatment course, take it when you remember. But do not double the dose to make up for the missed dose. 

In case of overdose, contact your doctor immediately or visit your nearest clinic. 

How does it work?

It gets absorbed by oral administration. This medicine works by restricting the formation of bacterial protein. This happens by binding certain units of the protein. This stops the protein from growing and treats the infection.

Note: Keep the medicine at room temperature in a cool and dry place. Keep it away from the reach of children. 

Side-effects of Doxycycline 

Here are some common side-effects of this medication which can be seen in a patient:

• Difficulty In Breathing
• Fever
• Swelling Of Eyelids, Face, Lips
• Diarrhea
• Hepatitis (Viral Infection Of Liver)
• Jaundice
• Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (Sjs)
• Headache
• Anxiety

Precautions and warning

Be careful in below situations or mention them to your doctor: 

• Do not consume alcohol during the course of this medicine. 
• If you are allergic or hypersensitive to Doxycycline or any of the other ingredients of this medicine, talk to your doctor. 
• Mention if you have any kidney problems or liver problems before you take this medicine.
• If you have myasthenia gravis (a disease which causes unusual tiredness and weakness of certain muscles, particularly in the eyelid).
• In case of porphyria (a rare disease of blood pigments), talk to the doctor. 
• Have (or have ever had) systemic lupus erythematosus (an allergic condition that causes joint pain, skin rashes and fever)
• Are suspected of syphilis
• Suffer from problems related to stomach or intestines. 
• Avoid excessive sun exposure or artificial ultraviolet light while taking doxycycline
• The medicine is not for pregnant or lactating women.
• People with hypertension or blood pressure must avoid it. 

Interactions

Before you take Doxycycline, inform the doctor if you take any medicine such as vitamin, supplements or any other over-the-counter medications. It is always good to be aware of possible drug interactions. 

Interaction with these medicines can give side-effects

• Warfarin
• Ethinyl Estradiol
• Cholera Vaccine
• Digoxin
• Calcium gluconate

This medicine also interacts with a disease known as Colitis. Do not continue taking this medicine if you experience severe diarrhea, abdominal pain, and blood in stools after taking Doxycycline tablet. Consult the doctor if you are suffering from any gastrointestinal diseases. Drink enough water to prevent dehydration.

Doxycycline Tablet: Uses, Price, and Composition Table

Take Away

If you think that Doxycycline is not helping you even after completing the course of treatment, you must consult a doctor. If none of the treatments mentioned above seems to be working in your favor, you can seek medical help from the best doctors at Pristyn Care. We have experienced doctors who deliver customized solutions to treat your health problems effectively. You can also send your query and we will get back to you as soon as possible.