Doxycycline is most commonly known as an antibiotic that is used to treat a number of infections caused by bacteria. It is used for managing various conditions, which include but are not limited to the following:

• Chest and respiratory tract infections, such as pneumonia;
• Dental infections;
• Sexually transmitted infections;
• Infections of genitals and the urinary tract;
• Infections affecting eyes and skin, etc.

Generally speaking, Doxycycline is used for managing not only common and widespread health conditions but also rare ones that may affect not too many people, but still need to be combated. It is also commonly administered for prevention purposes against malaria, which would be useful for everyone who is going to travel overseas. In order to be treated by this drug, a prescription is necessary, so you will have to see a physician in order to make sure that your particular condition requires treatment with Doxycycline. In most cases, patients begin to feel much better only within a couple of days after they start taking this drug, but it is nevertheless important to go through the treatment process till the very end in order to guarantee positive outcomes and maximum effectiveness.

It is also worth noting that the intake of Doxycycline by children under 12 could lead to problems with growing teeth, and the drug should not be prescribed to young children together with pregnant women and those who are currently breastfeeding. Besides, every patient who was prescribed with this drug needs to be aware of its interactions with other substances. Thus, alcohol is absolutely out of bounds for everyone undergoing treatment with Doxycycline.

Precautions to be Considered and Possible Side Effects

It’s common knowledge that antibiotics of any type often cause undesirable side effects, and Doxycycline is no exception. The most widespread side effects of this drug include but are not limited to the following symptoms and signs:

• Headaches;
• Vomiting or feeling sick;
• Upset stomach and diarrhea;
• Absence of appetite;
• Problems swallowing;
• Dry mouth;
• Discoloration of skin, sensitivity to sunshine, etc.

Some of these adverse reactions could be severe and, therefore, require immediate medical attention. This is especially true for those cases when the above-mentioned symptoms are getting worse or do not seem to be vanishing over a long period of time. In all these cases, you need to tell your doctor about the side effects and let them know the details. Among others, Doxycycline can cause blurred vision or even loss of eyesight. For this reason, every patient needs to take their first dosage under the strict supervision of medical personnel or at least family members who can help them in case of an emergency. Chest pain or skin redness could also be regarded as some of the side effects caused by the intake of this drug, but these symptoms in most cases indicate that you experience an allergic reaction, which is why it is better to see a doctor for further directions. In the event of any of the above-mentioned symptoms, it is recommended to report to the medical institution which has prescribed this medication.

How to Use Doxycycline

Doxycycline is available in both liquid form and in the form of capsules or tablets. It is generally consumed once or twice a day. While taking each dose, a patient is recommended to drink enough water just as when taking any other antibiotic. If you experience an upset stomach or diarrhea after the intake of Doxycycline, it is better to take it together with food or a glass of milk. Nevertheless, such a method of consumption may prevent the drug from being fully absorbed from the stomach. Therefore, it is always better to consult a physician or pharmacist at the drugstore in order to find out what the best way of taking this medication is in your particular case.

It is advisable to carefully adhere to the prescriptions from your doctor and ask for professional help whenever you feel necessary or fail to understand something. Doxycycline is a serious antibiotic that is associated with many adverse reactions and should, therefore, be taken as directed by the doctor. It is not recommended to change the dosage of drugs as opposed to what is stated in your prescription. This could result in ineffective treatment or other undesirable outcomes.

Doxycycline needs to be taken whole, without splitting the tablet into several parts, crushing or chewing it. If for any reason you find it hard to swallow the entire tablet or capsule, it is advised to break it into several parts and sprinkle what’s inside the capsule on a spoon filled with applesauce, which needs to be either cold or warm, but not hot. You will have to eat the obtained mixture as it is and avoid chewing the contents in order to ensure the maximum absorption of the substance. If you cannot consume the broken tablet immediately, you should not leave it for later, but rather get rid of it right away.

In case you are using a suspension (liquid form of the drug), you need to shake it up well to distribute the medication in equal parts and only after that take it as prescribed by your physician. Do not stop taking the drug even if you have started to feel better. You need to undergo treatment till the very end, unless your physician makes other suggestions or tells you to do otherwise.

Storage Details

Doxycycline needs to be stored in the original container. It needs to be completely closed and kept out of reach of children. The drug can be stored at room temperature away from sunlight and too much heat or wet environment. Don’t forget that Doxycycline needs to be kept away from children as many of the present-day containers are not supposed to be protected from children, so younger kids can open them without any trouble. In order to ensure maximum protection, keep drugs under the safety caps and store them in a secure place, which will guarantee that they are out of children’s sight and reach.