Doxycycline is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. It can also be used as a way to prevent malaria, and to treat anthrax and infections caused by mites, ticks, or lice.
Doxycycline is a tetracycline antibiotic, which means it stops the growth of bacteria. It is known by many brand names such as Oracea, Vibramycin, Mondoxyne NL, and Avidoxy. Depending on the brand name of Doxycycline you are prescribed, there may be different instructions on how it should be taken. Most brands of Doxycycline can be taken with food, however Oracea must be taken on an empty stomach.
Doxycycline comes in many dosage forms, including capsule, tablet, liquid medicine, and delayed release capsules or tablets.
Begin taking Doxycycline 1 to 2 days before travel if taking the medication to prevent malaria. Take the medication daily during your trip as well, and at least four weeks after leaving the area traveled to.
Although symptoms of the infection being treated may improve while taking this medication, continue to use Doxycycline for the full duration of the prescribed length or time in order to be fully recovered from infection. Because Doxycycline is an antibiotic meant to treat bacterial infections, it is not meant to be used to treat viral infections such as a cold or the flu.
Common side effects of taking doxycycline include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, skin rash or itching, and vaginal itching or discharge. Should you experience symptoms such as vision changes, severe stomach pain or watery or bloody diarrhea, fever, body aches, or flu symptoms, skin rash, pale skin, tingling, numbness, chest pain, irregular heart beat, or shortness of breath, pressure inside the skull, or severe skin reaction, seek medical attention at once. Also seek medical attention if you experience signs of an allergic reactions such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, tongue, lips, or throat.
Before taking doxycycline, let your doctor know if you have a history of liver disease, kidney disease, asthma, history of increased skull pressure, or are taking isotretinoin or seizure medications or blood thinners. Do not take doxycycline if you are allergic to any tetracycline antibiotics.
Children under the age of 8 years old should only take doxycycline for severe or life threatening conditions such as anthrax or Rocky Mountain spotted fever, as it can affect tooth development in children, causing permanent yellowing or graying of the teeth. Doxycycline can also cause harm to fetuses during pregnancy, and could possibly affect tooth and bone development in the unborn child.
If on birth control while taking Doxycycline, note that antibiotics can cause birth control to be less effective.
Should you miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as possible when remembered. If it is close to the time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose.
Doxycycline can be purchased through several online Australian retailers, including edonlinestore.net, which does not require a prescription. It comes in a dosage form of 100 mg and can also be bought in quantities ranging from 30 pills to 270 pills.
Doxycycline should be stored at room temperature and away from moisture or heat. Any unused antibiotic should be thrown away once the expiration date has passed, as using expired doxycycline can damage the kidneys.
