What Is Doxycycline Used To Treat And How Does It Work

Antibiotics have been a cornerstone of modern medicine since they were first accidentally created in a lab. The antibiotic in the spotlight today is going to be called Doxycycline, a tetracycline antibiotic. Chances are you have taken this before, or a version of the active ingredient and not even known it. But what is Doxycycline, and what does it do for us that makes it so amazing. And that is exactly what we are discussing below.

What is Doxycycline

As stated before this is a tetracycline antibiotic that we are dealing with today. Doxycycline therefore falls into the bacteria antibiotic category which works to fight bacteria within the body and keep it from growing. This can range from the most common to the less likely infections you may end up coming across in your day to day life. Things like acne, urinary tract infections, intestinal infections, respiratory infections, eye infections are treated using this antibiotic. But on the same note people are also prescribed this to treat gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, periodontitis, and many others. It really does come off as a miracle drug when you hear about all of it’s application and goes to show why antibiotics in generally have revolutionized modern medicine as we know it.

As a side note for those wondering, while yes this can be used to treat the bumps, blemishes, and acne lesions that are caused by the condition rosacea, it will not in and of itself cure the redness that you experience by the infection. 

Allergies worth noting

When you talk with your doctor he will ask you the same question or perform the same test that they must always do when you are first thinking about getting put on something new. Are you allergic to tetracycline. Obviously, a reaction to this type of medicine is not going to make anything better, so if you end up being allergic to it an alternate route must be taken. No if’s, and’s, or buts. While we are on the topic of reasons you should not be taking this type of medicine let us go ahead and list what we know. If you happen to be pregnant at the time you need to be taking Doxycycline you will most likely be declined coverage. This type of antibiotic has been known to harm the unborn baby, and oddly enough has a strange side effect that has been known to cause permanent tooth discoloration as the child begins to grow up.

Don’t mix medications  

You will also be asked or tested to make sure that you are not suffering from and kind of liver or kidney disease. This is pretty normal considering they are basically our filtration system and messing with that could severely impact how well you are able to handle it. Be careful as well if you suffer from asthma or a sulfite allergy, have been known to have increased pressure inside your head, or take other medications that may interact harmfully with tetracycline.

 What are the potential side effects  

Interesting tidbit but Doxycycline also has another strange side effect. If you are not trying to actively become pregnant and are on the pill to prevent it, make sure you are aware that studies show this medicine makes birth control less effective. If you HAVE a child be careful when breast feeding, remember how we talked about this affecting unborn children if you take it while you are pregnant? Well like most medicines, Doxycycline has a way of getting into the body and can actually be passed on to a growing child through the breast milk. This will actually cause the same issues to happen to the child that would have taken place had the mother been taking it before they were born.

Along with permanent tooth discoloration, it can also stunt bone and tooth development in general.

How to get Doxycycline

Doxycycline, if you are approved to take it, also has side effects not much more uncommon that most prescriptions but be aware that you may also develop a type of skin rash, a fever, your glands may become swollen, you may experience flu like symptoms, have muscle aches, severe weakness, unusual bruising, or even yellowing of the skin or eyes. It can even take weeks for these issues to show up so do not be alarmed. 

A final note about this antibiotic

All these warnings aside, this is an antibiotic, and if you are clear to take it you should. There types of medicine may have odd interactions with your body but they are still developed with your health and well being in mind. If you do experience other issues that may be considered severe contact your doctor right away, otherwise good luck on the quick road to health.