Doxycycline

General

Doxycycline is one of the so-called broad-spectrum antibiotics and belongs to the subgroup of tetracyclines. It is used for bacterial infections with gram-positive, gram-negative and cell wallless bacteria.

The tetracyclines were originally produced by Streptomyces fungi. In the meantime, however, they can be produced by partially synthetic modification of the natural molecules.

Mode of action

Doxycycline inhibits the ribosomal Protein synthesis the bacteria. In this way, like all tetracycline antibiotics, it prevents the aminoacyl-RNA from attaching to the acceptor site of the ribosomes.

This stops the lengthening of the polypeptide chains in the bacteria and prevents the bacteria from multiplying. Thus, doxycycline has a bacteriostatic effect, which means that it can prevent the bacteria from multiplying, but is not fatal to pre-existing bacteria.

application

Doxycycline is mainly used for bacterial respiratory infectionse.g. in acute attacks of a chronic one bronchitis (Bronchitis) and pneumonia (lung infection) by Mycoplasma, Rickettsiae and Chlamydia. At Sinusitis and otitis media (Otitis media) Doxycycline can also be used in the ear, nose and throat area.

Another application is for infections of the Genitourinary tract how Urethritis (often caused by chlamydia) and Prostatitis (Inflammation of the prostate). With infections of the Gastrointestinal tract contributes to doxycycline cholera- pathogens, Yersinia and Campylobacter. Also in the dermatology Doxycycline is used and is used there at Acne vulgaris, Rosacea and the skin signs of the Lyme disease.

Side effects

If Doxycycline is taken, it can Irritation and Inflammation of the Mucous membrane of the mouth and throat. Sometimes also kick Pancreatitis (Pancreatitis), Vomit or other gastrointestinal complaints as a side effect.

In addition, in individual cases Hypersensitivity reactions observed on doxycycline, in connection with which it then becomes Facial edema, Tongue and throat swelling, Difficulty breathing and shock can come.

The group of tetracyclines, to which doxycycline belongs, shows cross-allergies.

Please also read our article on this Antibiotic side effects

Contraindications

Do not use Doxycycline in severe Liver dysfunction, at Hypersensitivity reactions or a well-known Renal failure.

Use in the pregnancy and Lactation, since doxycycline becomes irreversible in the fetus from the 4th month onwards Tooth discoloration, Enamel defects and one Delay in bone growth can lead. In addition, there is an increased risk of Liver damageif doxycycline is used during pregnancy.

Please also read: Medication during pregnancy

At Children should doxycycline first due to the risks described above after the age of 12 Find application.

Interactions

Doxycycline can interact with polyvalent metal ions. If it is bound to this, it becomes the Intestinal absorption of doxycycline decreased. Because of this, it should be used during doxycycline treatment no consumption of milk (strong calcium carrier), otherwise the effectiveness of the antibiotic would be strongly influenced. Observations have shown that there is already a break between taking doxycycline and consuming milk 2 hours sufficient to ensure good effectiveness of the drug.