Drug allergy - Doxycycline

Doxycycline is a member of tetracyclines, a group of very potent antibiotics. The drug is prescribed for treatment of many infections caused by various strains of bacteria. UTIs, acne, gonorrhea, chlamydia, periodontitis and many more are conditions that can be successfully treated with doxycycline.

The drug is supposed to be prescribed by a doctor and patients should never take doxycycline prior to consulting their health care provider. This especially refers to pregnant women as well as people suffering from certain illnesses.

Prior to Taking Doxycycline

The first contraindication is allergy to doxycycline and other members of tetracycline antibiotics.

Furthermore, before opting for doxycycline the doctor must look into patient's medical history and check all the conditions the person is currently suffering from.

Patients are due to report if they are suffering from liver disease, kidney disease, asthma or are allergic to sulfites.

Also, in case the drug is going to be prescribed for treatment of gonorrhea, patients are first tested for other sexually transmitted diseases and then the doctor chooses the most convenient treatment.

Women who are taking birth control pills are at risk to get pregnant during therapy with doxycycline. This is why they should additionally opt for a condom, diaphragm or spermicide in order to prevent undesirable pregnancy.

The drug belongs to FDA pregnancy category D which makes is strictly forbidden for pregnant women. What is more, the antibiotic passes into breast milk and may affect tooth and bone development as well as cause tooth discoloration. So, similarly to other tetracyclines, doxycycline is never prescribed to children and young individuals until they are 12 years old (it can cause irreversible yellow/grayish discoloration of teeth).Additional Information regarding Doxycycline

The drug is never supposed to be taken with any of dairy products because it will not be properly absorbed. The antibiotic should be taken in a form that has been manufactured. So, do not crush, break or even open the capsule. This may cause inactivation of the drug and it cannot fulfill its purpose.

Also, the drug must be taken in appropriate dose and according to prescribed schedule. One should never skip the dose and if this accidentally happens, he/she should never take double dose in order to compensate for the mistake. Instead, take the prescribed dose and then continue taking the drug according to the new schedule adapted to the last dose. Finish the entire course of antibiotics even though you may feel better even after two doses. This is essential for complete eradication of the infection.