Doxycycline Hydrochloride is indicated in the following infections caused by susceptible microorganisms:
- Respiratory tract infections: Pneumonia, influenza, sinusitis, bronchitis, tonsillitis, tracheitis.
- Gastrointestinal tract infections: Cholera, traveler's diarrhea, shigella dysentery, acute intestinal amebiasis.
- Chlamydial infections: Lympho-granuloma venereum, psittacosis, trachoma.
- Sexually transmitted diseases: Non gonococcal urethritis, acute pelvic inflammatory disease, uncomplicated urethral and endocervical or rectal infections, gonorrhoea, syphilis, pyelonephritis, cystitis.
- Other infections: Impetigo, furunculosis, inclusion conjunctivitis, brucellosis, tularemia, cellulitis, acne and Q-fever.
Dosage & Administration
Usual dose: 200 mg on first day, then 100 mg daily for 7-10 days.
Severe infections (including refractory urinary tract infections): 200 mg daily for 10 days.
Acne: 100 mg daily.
Uncomplicated genital chlamydia, non-gonococcal urethritis: 100 mg twice daily for 7-21 days (14-21 days in pelvic inflammatory disease).
Interaction
Absorption of tetracyclines is impaired by antacid containing aluminium, calcium or magnesium, and iron containing preparation. Absorption of tetracyclines is also impaired by bismuth salicylate. Barbiturates, carbamazepine and phenytoin decrease half-life of doxycycline. Concurrent use of tetracyclines may render oral contraceptive less effective. Patients who are on anticoagulant therapy may require downward adjustment of their anticoagulant dosages. It is advisable to avoid giving tetracyclines in conjunction with penicillin.
Contraindications
Doxycycline is contraindicated to the patients who have shown hypersensitivity to any of the tetracyclines. Doxycycline is contraindicated to the children under 8 years of age. It is also contraindicated to pregnant women and to the lactating mothers.
Side Effects
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, skin rashes, hemolytic anaemia, eosinophilia may be reported.
Precautions & Warnings
The use of drugs of the tetracycline class during tooth development (last half of pregnancy, infancy and childhood to the age of 8 years) may cause permanent discoloration of teeth. Tetracyclines drugs, therefore should not be used in this age group.
Therapeutic Class
Tetracycline group of drugs
Storage Conditions
Keep all medicines out of reach of children. Store in a cool and dry place, protected from light.