Doxycycline belongs to tetracycline group of antibiotics. It is highly efficient in treatment of numerous bacterial infections. This medication is used in the treatment of the following conditions: pneumonia, infections caused by Chlamydia, plague, cholera, Lyme disease, anthrax, gonorrhea and in some cases of urinary tract infections (depending on the bacteria which lead to the infection). Additionally it is used in prevention of malaria. Even the skin problems such as acne or even rosacea can be treated with this antibiotic. The disease of gum also known as periodontitis is successfully cured with Doxycycline. Only the children under the age of eight are forbidden to take this drug. Doxycyclin works as an inhibitor of bacteria's protein production. Therefore it stops their multiplication.
Since there is no perfect drug this antibiotic may produce certain side effects. So before taking the drug the patients need to consult his/ her doctor, pharmacist and to read all the given information about the medication which is provided together with the drug.
Usual Doxycycline Side Effects
During the therapy patient may not experience any of the side effects. However, if they occur they mainly include nausea, diarrhea, problems with digestion, hyperacidity, loss of appetite and photosensitivity (skin reaction to sun during the treatment). The last side effect can be simply avoided if one stays away from the sun until the treatment is over.
More Serious Doxycycline Side Effects
In case of the following symptoms the patient is advised to discontinue with the drug and to report the problems to the doctor. These potentially grave side effects include difficulties with swallowing and/ or strong pain in the throat, severe watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, and blood in feces. The person may suffer from atypical headaches and pain in joints and the vision may become blurred. Tiredness, high temperature as well as certain changes in skin may occur. These include signs of allergic reaction (inexplicable rash, hives, itching). The most severe possible signs of allergic reaction are wheezing while breathing, edema of the mouth and throat and severe breathing difficulties. Uncommon Doxycycline Side Effects
Only 1 % of all the people may experience these rare side effects. Since they do affect small amount of people these side effects have not been fully ascribed to the Doxycycline. These side effects include allergic reaction, damage to the liver, ulcers or irritation of esophagus, glossitis, and inflammation of the intestines (enterocolitis). The drug may lead to aggravation of symptoms in patients who suffer from the condition called Lupus Erythematosus. Apart from the previously mentioned side effects a patient may experience changes in vision and may end up with increased intracranial pressure. In the worst case the drug may lead to thrombocytopenia (reduction of platelets number) and hemolytic anemia (the condition of increased destruction of red blood cells). In women a yeast infection may occur.
In order to avoid certain side effects of this, the patients are due to inform the health provider about all the conditions they are suffering from (e.g. allergies, liver and kidney diseases, frequent yeast infection and so) or to report if they are pregnant or breast feeding (women). All the drugs that are regularly taken have to be reported as well. This way possible side affects may be avoided usually by prescribing another antibiotic.
Your thoughts on this
Loading...