What is doxycycline?
Doxycycline is a broad spectrum antibiotic from the group of tetracyclines. It is used to treat numerous bacterial infections, including chlamydia, mycoplasma infections, acne, borreliosis and malaria prophylaxis.
In chlamydia infections, doxycycline is an equivalent alternative to aziithromycin. Treatment takes place over 7 days, which can provide higher reliability, but requires more discipline in taking.
Doxycycline is distinguished by good tissue permeability and a broad spectrum of action.
Active Ingredients & Mechanism of Action
Active ingredient: Doxycyclin
Doxycycline acts bacteriostatically by inhibiting protein synthesis:
Active mechanism: The antibiotic binds to the 30S subunit of the bacterial ribosomes and prevents the addition of aminoacyl-tRNA. As a result, protein biosynthesis is blocked and the bacteria can no longer multiply.
Special features of Doxycycline:
- Good intracellular penetration
- Effective against many gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria
- Also effective against atypical pathogens (chlamydia, mykoplasms, Rickettsien)
- Long half-life (12-25 hours) – only take 1-2 times a day
Additive effect: Doxycycline also has anti-inflammatory properties, which is why it is used in acne and rosacea.
Who is it suitable for?
Doxycycline is suitable for:
- Chlamydia infection (7-day therapy)
- Urethritis
- Epididymitis (nebenhodenitis)
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (abdominal inflammation)
- Lymphogranuloma venereum
- Acne and Rosacea
- Lyme disease
- Malariaprophylaxis
Advantages over aziithromycin:
- Possibly higher healing rate with consistent intake
- Better effectiveness in mycoplasms
- Lower resistance rates
Not suitable for:
- Pregnancy (from 2. Trimester)
- Children under 8 years
- Heavy liver failure
Available Dosages
Clamydia/STI:
- 100 mg twice a day for 7 days
- Or 200 mg once a day for 7 days
For acne:
- 50-100 mg daily over several weeks/months
For malariaprophylaxis:
- 100 mg daily (start 1-2 days before travel)
Available starches:
- 50 mg tablets/capsules
- 100 mg tablets
- 200 mg tablets (single dose per day)
How to Take
Current receipt:
- Take a full glass of water
- Keep up – do not lie directly (protection of the esophagus)
- To or after a meal (better compatibility)
- Not combined with milk products, antazida or iron preparations (2 hours distance)
Clamydia:
- 100 mg morning and evening for 7 days
- Complete the entire cure
Important:
- Sun protection during treatment (photosensitising)
- 7 days after treatment no unprotected sex
- Partners
Contraindications
**Doxycycline must not be taken at:* *
- hypersensitivity to tetracycline
- Pregnancy (2 and 3rd Trimester) – danger for child teeth and bones
- Children under 8 years
- Heavy liver failure
Preview at:
- 1. Trimester of pregnancy
- Still time
- Myasthenia gravis
- Systemic Lupus erythematodes
- Restricted kidney function
Special warning: Tetracyclines can cause permanent tooth discolorations and tooth enamel defects in children.
Possible Side Effects
Acid (1-10%):
- nausea
- diarrhea
- stomach pain
- photosensitivity (sunburning tendency)
- Vaginal yeast
** Occasionally (0,1-1%):* *
- Headaches
- Squeeze
- Skin rash
- Itching
- esophagitis (seed tube inflammation)
Selten, but seriously:
- Heavy allergic reactions
- Intracranial pressure increase (pseudotumor cerebri)
- liver damage
- Heavy skin reactions
Photosensitive: The increased sunlight sensitivity is an important side effect. Sun protection (LSF 30+) and the avoidance of intense sun are important during treatment.
Interactions
Reduction reduced by:
- Milk products (calcium)
- Antazida (aluminum, magnesium)
- Iron preparations
- Minerals with divalent cations
Reactions with:
- Warfarin – increased bleeding
- Retinoide (isotretinoin) – increased brain pressure
- Barbiturate, Carbamazepine – accelerated doxycycline degradation
- Ciclosporin – increased toxicity
Hormonal contraception: In case of short-term use, probably no relevant influence on the pill, but caution in case of vomiting or diarrhea.
Similar Medications
Is doxycycline right for you?
A licensed doctor will review your information and issue a prescription if suitable. Discreet and secure.
Important Notice
This information does not replace medical advice. If you have questions about your health or the suitability of this medication, please consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Important Safety Information
This service operates under German pharmaceutical law (HWG). For risks and side effects, read the package leaflet and consult your doctor or pharmacist. All medications are dispensed from a licensed pharmacy in Germany.