What Does Doxycycline Treat?
Doxycycline is an antibiotic used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections. It is most commonly used to treat bacterial infections in the urinary tract, sinuses, skin, lungs, and other parts of the body. It can also be used to treat some certain sexually transmitted diseases.
What Are the Different Types of Bacterial Infections That Doxycycline Treats?
Doxycycline is used to treat infections caused by a variety of bacteria, including the following:
• Acne: Doxycycline is an effective treatment for severe forms of acne vulgaris, a severe form of acne that can cause permanent scarring.
• Urinary tract infections: Doxycycline can be used to treat UTIs caused by Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus saprophyticus, and Klebsiella pneumoniae.
• Sinus infections: Doxycycline is sometimes used to treat sinus infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis.
• Skin infections: Doxycycline is an effective treatment for various skin infections caused by bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes.
• respiratory infections: Doxycycline can be used to treat lung infections caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Legionella pneumophila.
• Gonorrhea: Doxycycline is an effective treatment for gonorrhea caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
•Lyme disease: Doxycycline is used to treat Lyme disease, a bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi.
Who Should Not Take Doxycycline?
Doxycycline is generally safe and well-tolerated. However, it is not suitable for everyone. Anyone who is allergic to doxycycline, tetracyclines, or any of the ingredients should not take it. People who have had signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as hives, swelling of the tongue or lips, or difficulty breathing should also not take doxycycline.
Doxycycline may cause serious or even life-threatening side effects, such as superinfection. Pregnant women should not take doxycycline because it may cause serious harm to a fetus. Breast-feeding women should also not take doxycycline, as it can pass through breast milk and cause harm to an infant.
How Is Doxycycline Taken and How Long Should You Take It For?
Doxycycline is usually taken twice a day, in the morning and evening, with or without food. Most people start to feel relief from symptoms in about two to three days after starting doxycycline. However, you should complete the entire course of doxycycline prescribed by your doctor, even if you feel better. Taking less than the full course may allow bacteria to become resistant to the antibiotic and make it less effective in treating infections.
Conclusion
Doxycycline is an effective antibiotic used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections, including urinary tract infections, sinus infections, skin infections, and respiratory infections. It is generally safe and well-tolerated, however it is not suitable for everyone and can cause serious side effects. It should be taken twice a day and you should complete the entire course of treatment prescribed by your doctor.