Drug: Doxycycline

Doxycycline Pill
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Doxycycline is a man-made or synthetic antibiotic mainly derived from tetracycline. This antibiotic works by treating bacterial infections - interrupting the growth and spread of bacteria. Some of the bacterial infections where doxycycline is used include urinary tract infections, gonorrhoea, periodontitis or gum disease, acne, chlamydia, anthrax or inhalation exposure and others.

Taking Malaria The Right Way With The Proper Dosage

Doxycycline is available in different forms such as tablet, capsule, syrup or suspension. Normally, this is taken once or twice daily. In most cases, doxycycline users take food or milk along, especially when the stomach becomes upset. However, the taking food or milk alongside doxycycline may decrease the amount of the medication that can be absorbed by your stomach. It is best to consult your doctor regarding the best way to take doxycycline when your stomach becomes upset.

Doxycycline also works as a prevention of malaria, and is best taken 1 to 2 days before being exposed to a place where malaria is widespread. Then continue the doxycycline medication for 4 weeks after leaving the area. However, taking doxycycline for prevention of malaria must not be taken for more than 4 months.

If ever you have missed a dose, take it as soon as you remember. And if it’s almost at the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your schedule. It is not recommended to double a dose to make up for the missed one.

Some Precautions Before Taking Doxycycline

- If you are allergic to doxycycline or other similar drugs like minocycline, tetracycline or sulfites - it is best to hear advise from your doctor.l

- Doxycycline has decreased effects when taken alongside some types of oral contraceptives, so it is recommended to take another form of contraceptives instead.

- You must know that laxatives, iron products, calcium supplements and antacids which contain magnesium interfere with doxycycline, lessening its effectiveness. It is recommended to take such drugs an hour or two before taking doxycycline. Then for vitamin products or supplements containing iron, take doxcycline 2 to 3 hours before.

- Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and wear sunglasses, suncsreen and protective clothing if you are taking doxycycline, as the medication may make your skin sensitive to sunlight.

- For pregnant or planning to be pregnant women, or breast-feeding mothers - doxycycline use is not recommended as it may have some harmful effects on the foetus, or the baby.

Possible Side Effects Of Doxycycline

Get medical attention as soon as you see some allergic reaction signs such as difficulty breathing, hives or swelling of tongue, lips, face or throat. If the below serious side effects occur however, stop using doxycycline immediately and call your doctor right away:

- unusual weakness, easy bleeding or bruising

- jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin) or loss of appetite

- severe pain in the upper stomach up to your back, fast heart rate, nausea and vomiting

- flu symptoms, body aches, chills, fever

- blurred vision, body aches and severe headache

- urinating less than the normal or not at all

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