Doxycycline is an antibiotic medicine which belongs to the family of tetracycline drugs. It is commonly used to treat a variety of bacterial infections, particularly known to be effective for moderate to severe acne. It is not an on-the-go treatment for an occasional breakout of acne but recommended for severe, red pimples.
Doxycycline is known to be effective for patients who do not respond to topical treatments or who suffer from pimples over larger sections of the body including the chest and the back. The drug may take about two to three months to completely heal your acne.
Being a tetracycline drug, Doxycycline works by reducing the levels of acne-causing bacteria. Bacteria require protein to grow and multiply. Doxycycline prevents protein synthesis inside the bacteria bodies. As a result, they die over a period of time. Additionally, the drug also has an anti-inflammatory effect as it blocks the recruitment of inflammatory enzymes and blood cells.
You must take the dosage as recommended by your doctor. Doses may vary from 40mg taken once a day to 100mg taken twice a day. The medicine is usually given or about six to eight weeks. Your doctor may also recommend other topical treatments and medications for you along with Doxycycline.
Take Doxycycline with a glass full of water. Swallow the tablets, do not chew, crush or break them. It is important that you take the medicine at least an hour or two before your meals. Also, take the medicine atleast 30 minutes before you rest or lie down in order to prevent any heartburn.
You must not use Doxycycline if:
Some common side effects of the drug include:
If you experience these side effects, consult your doctor for the recommended course of action.
Keep in mind the following precautions when you take Doxycycline:
Antibiotics pose a higher risk of diarrhoea, and this can be a symptom of a new infection. In that case, do not start anti-diarrhoea medicines without consulting your doctor. If you are passing water of bloody diarrhoea, call your doctor immediately.
Like any antibiotic, Doxycycline has interactions with other medications. It is best to avoid taking any other antibiotic while taking the medicine. Some of these include:
You can safely purchase Doxycycline online at MedsNow, an online pharmacy in the UK. Firstly, you will have an online consultation with a pharmacist-independent prescriber. Post consultation, once the prescriber ensures that Doxycycline is the right medicine for you, your order will be supplied.
You may drink alcohol 48 hours after stopping the medicine.
Yes, Doxycycline belongs to the class of drugs known as tetracyclines which are powerful antibiotics.
Doxycycline may cause throat irritation or heartburn since it is a very powerful antibiotic. Hence, it is best avoided to not lie down immediately for at least 30 minutes after taking the drug.
Do not take iron and calcium supplements, antacids, or multivitamins along with the drug.
Doxycycline is known to cure acne within two to three months of usage typically.
Tetracycline drugs are highly acidic in nature. Hence, it is recommended that you do not take acidic foods and beverages such as coffee while on the drug as it may further increase the risk of heartburn.
Yes, it is a very rare, but possible side effect of the medicine.
Doxycycline, like any antibiotic, destroys all the bacteria present in the body, including the gut bacteria which are responsible for controlling weight. As a result, you may experience a temporary increase in weight. But that should subside after your dose has been completed.
It is best to take the medicine on an empty stomach at least one or two hours prior to taking the drug.
Refer Question No:3
You can eat after one or two hours of taking the drug.
There are no known interactions between Vitamin D and Doxycycline.
It is possible that the drug may not suit you or the drug may not be fully effective when you vomit it out. Hence, consult your doctor for the best course of action.