Doxycycline is an antibiotic of the tetracycline family – it fights bacteria within the body. It works by This antibiotic is used to treat many different bacterial infections including (but not an exhaustive list) eye infections, acne, sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea and chlamydia, along with urinary tract infections, intestinal problems and gum disease (periodontitis). It is also used to treat the blemishes, acne like lesions and bumps which occur in rosacea, although it is not a treatment for the redness associated with that condition. It is prescribed also for pneumonia and is indeed a broad spectrum antibiotic. In different forms, doxycycline can also be used to treat anthrax (although very rare), prevent malaria and to treat Lyme disease and other infections caused by ticks and mites. It is available in a wide variety of forms, dosages and brands and a doctor will select different combinations depending what you require treatment for, It is important that you are therefore specific in what you require treatment for. Brand names in Australia include Vibramycin, Monodox, Microdox, Doryx, Vibrox, Adoxa, Doxyhexal, Periostat, Vibra-Tabs, Oracea, Doxylin, Atridox (the latter being a topical dental application). The drug in on the World Health Organisation’s List of Essential Medicines, which are those important medicines essential for a basic health system.
Doxycycline was invented and clinically developed in the early 1960s by Pfizer Inc. and originally marketed under the brand name Vibramycin already referred to. The drug is now generically available and has no production difficulties or shortages nor has it had over a very long period. Its price however has remained quite stable although affordable in comparison to other treatments. Doxycycline has proved effected in a number of much rarer conditions also such as bubonic plague and Rocky Mountain Fever. It is under constant review and subject to continual experimentation to explore new uses given its wide ranging scope. Recent developments include proven effectiveness in improving the lung function in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who are otherwise stable.In other research, doxycycline has been proven to reduce the in vitro growth of human breast and prostate cancer cells, a vital and much sought after area for future progress. In another study,this drug doxycycline has been used successfully to treatment one patient with lymphangioleiomyomatosis, which has been an otherwise progressive and terminal condition.
Side effects
Potential side effects are no more severe than other related classes of antibiotic and this is also a useful alternative medicine where penicillin is contra-indicated. It is not generally prescribed for children under the age of eight other than for conditions where few other alternatives exist such as anthrax. It has been shown to cause graying of teeth in some cases. Whilst it was previously believed that this class of anti-biotic lessened the effects of oral contraceptives , recent research has contradicted this and shown little impact on their effectiveness. It is best to take doses of doxycycline sitting or standing up and with plenty of water. This is an easy and effective way to prevent the tablets or capsules causing any irritation. There are also soluble forms which should be stirred into sufficient water. The drug is easy to store and use and should not cause any undue difficulties in those areas. Doxycycline is incredibly useful with very limited downsides.
