Doxycycline belongs to the tetracycline group of antibiotics, and it’s been in use clinically for over 40 years. The drug is well-tolerated and acts by inhibiting bacterial ribosomes. In general, 100 mg is administered twice a day or once a day. Due to concerns about discoloration of developing teeth and potential effects on growing bones, this drug is generally contra-indicated in pregnancy and childhood. Concomitant use of methotrexate and oral contraceptives can result in drug interactions, and the absorption of the drug may be reduced if it is co-administered with antacids and iron supplements. This antibiotic is active against a wide variety of bacteria, including Gram-positives, Gram-negatives, and atypicals.
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.4137/CMT.S2035
Side effects of doxycycline
It is estimated that 1 in 10 people experience the following side effects after taking doxycycline.
- Headaches
- Nausea
- vomiting
- Skin being sensitive to sunlight
Consult a doctor or pharmacist if you cannot cope with the side effects and the side effects persist.
Serious side effects
Approximately one in 1,000 people suffer from serious side effects.
- Blood problems can cause bruises, bleeding, sore throats, high temperatures, and feeling tired or unwell.
- diarrhea
- Ear ringing or buzzing
- There are some signs of liver disease, including pale poo and dark pee, and yellowing eyes or skin
- Pain in joints or muscles after starting doxycycline
- There are a number of symptoms associated with intracranial hypertension, including severe headaches, vomiting, and difficulty seeing.
- Photo-onycholysis is a reaction to sunlight that causes a fingernail to come away from its base
- a sore mouth, lips or tongue
- Pancreatitis is characterized by severe stomach pain, bloody diarrhea, nausea and vomiting
- Inflammation of the food pipe or esophageal ulcers may manifest as difficulty swallowing, sore throat, acid reflux, a smaller appetite, or chest pains that worsen with eating
- anxiety and depression
https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/doxycycline/side-effects-of-doxycycline/
Doxycycline ruined my life! Is it really dangerous?
Doxycycline ruined my life is a popular search term, so let’s examine what can happen after taking the antibiotic. Is it possible for it to cause permanent discoloration? Suicidal thoughts are caused by it? Do you find it difficult to go outside in the sun when you have it? Doxycycline side effects include all of these. There may have been other issues as well. A dangerous and even deadly side effect of doxycycline is skin discoloration.
Case Studies
Suicidal thoughts
One study published by the National library of medicine explained doxycycline effects. The article presents three cases involving young individuals treated with doxycycline for skin conditions that developed suicidal ideation and died by suicide in two of them. The doxycycline had previously led to severe anxiety in his siblings. After discontinuing doxycycline, another had previously experienced mood disorders. The third individual has been able to resolve symptoms without any psychotropic medication after discontinuing doxycycline.
Additionally These reported adverse events are consistent with those submitted to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A change in mental state has been reported in 317 adverse reports in the US FDA database. In spite of the fact that only 16 of the 317 FDA reports are suicide attempts, it is important to keep in mind all of the other symptoms that might lead to suicidality, including agitation, anxiety, depression, abnormal thinking, and self-injurious behavior.
Phototoxicity
Patients should wear protective clothing during and after treatment with doxycycline. Sunscreen with a minimum SPF 30 should be applied if patients are outdoors. Sun exposure should be avoided from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., during peak UV hours.
However, few publications have specifically examined the effects of doxycycline on photosensitivity. We reviewed published studies to determine the frequency and severity of phototoxicity caused by doxycycline and what steps to take to prevent sunburn. The evidence base for advising travelers who are taking doxycycline for malaria to protect themselves from the sun needs to be improved through a systematic review.
Doxycycline-related sunburn has been reported in 51 PubMed articles. We excluded the majority of these articles from further analysis because they were not full-text articles. The sensitivity to sunlight can be increased by a variety of medications in addition to antibiotics. Antidepressants, diuretics, and pain relievers can also increase your sunburn risk.
Doxycycline alternatives: what are they?
Many patients are afraid of this statement “doxycycline ruined my life” and looking for alternative options. It may be considered but always consult with healthcare professionals to ensure rational use of antibiotics.
- Minocycline: The side effects and effectiveness of this antibiotic are similar to those of tetracycline antibiotics.
- Amoxicillin: An antibiotic of the penicillin family that is effective against respiratory infections, skin infections, and urinary tract infections.
- Azithromycin: A macrolide antibiotic effective against a wide range of bacteria.
- Ciprofloxacin: This is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic having similar indications.
Among the many alternatives to doxycycline, these are just a few. Your doctor can determine the best option for you based on your medical history, symptoms, and other factors
Conclusion:
Doxycycline has various side effects including headaches, discomfort, anxiety which may lead to depression as of few case reports and research studies. However, more research is needed to reach a definitive conclusion. You should always speak with your health care professional before prescribing an antibiotic appropriate for you. Rational use of drugs involves many factors including patient history, antibiotic resistance report, concomitant diseases, and drug interactions. Always consult your doctor or clinical pharmacist to make the right Antibiotic choice. If you experience any side effects, you should consult your health care provider immediately.
FAQs
Are teeth stained by Doxycycline?
It can stain teeth if doxycycline sticks to calcium in growing bones and teeth. Young children, pregnant women, and breast-feeding mothers shouldn’t take it because it only happens in growing bones and teeth.
When taking doxycycline, why should you avoid the sun?
You may experience increased sensitivity to sunlight while taking Doxycycline. Even short-term exposure to sunlight can cause skin rashes, itching, redness, or severe sunburns.
Is doxycycline safe to take with milk?
The recommended time interval between taking doxycycline and eating dairy products is two hours. In the two hours following taking doxycycline, you should avoid dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt.
