Doxycycline is an antibiotic in the tetracycline family that works by inhibiting bacterial growth in the body 3. Doctors prescribe doxycycline to fight bacterial infections, such as pneumonia, respiratory or urinary tract infections, Chlamydia, gonorrhea and other serious infections 3. Low dosage doxycycline is used to treat acne and periodontal disease 3. According to DrugWatch.com, before taking doxycycline, patients should tell their doctors about any pre-existing medical conditions 13. If patients experience side effects or something just does not feel right while using doxycycline, they should contact their doctors immediately so the problem can be diagnosed 123.
Pregnancy and Nursing
Women who are pregnant or nursing should not use doxycycline because it might harm an unborn baby or cause eventual permanent tooth discoloration 3. As a tetracycline drug, doxycycline may have toxic effects on fetal bone development 123. According to SideEffects.org, doxycycline is secreted into breast milk, but the extent of absorption by the breastfed infant is not known 23. Since doxycycline may cause toxic effects on bones, the use of tetracycline drugs in nursing mothers is of concern 123. Women trying not to get pregnant should know that doxycycline might make birth control pills less effective, warns Drugs.com 3.
Gastrointestinal
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Some common side effects caused by doxycycline are gastrointestinal and include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, indigestion and appetite reduction 123. Some patients may experience severe upper stomach pain that spreads to their back. If a patient has watery or bloody diarrhea, she should contact her doctor immediately and not take another medication to control diarrhea until advised by her physician.
- Some common side effects caused by doxycycline are gastrointestinal and include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, indigestion and appetite reduction 1.
- If a patient has watery or bloody diarrhea, she should contact her doctor immediately and not take another medication to control diarrhea until advised by her physician.
Flu Symptoms, Headache, Dizziness
Patients taking doxycycline may experience fever, chills, body aches, joint pain and other flu symptoms 3. Other side effects may include weakness, severe headaches, dizziness or blurred vision.
Genital or Urinary
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Side effects from doxycycline may involve rectal and genital sores or swelling, vaginal discharge and itching, reduced urination or dark-colored urine 123.
Mouth and Throat Symptoms
Someone taking doxycycline may notice a swollen tongue, or sores and white patches in the mouth or on the lips 3. Difficulty swallowing and severe throat pain are rare but serious side effects and those affected should report these side effects to their doctors immediately.
Sunlight Sensitivity
Doxycycline may make skin more sensitive to sunlight and sunburn, so people should avoid exposure to the sun or UV rays from sunlamps or tanning beds 3. If patients taking doxycycline must spend time outdoors, they should use sunscreen and wear a hat 3.
Bruising or Skin Changes
Skin blistering, peeling or red skin rash may occur when someone takes doxycycline 3. Bruising or bleeding, or jaundice symptoms with yellowing skin or eyes might be other side effects.
Dairy Products
Dairy products can make it harder for the body to absorb doxycycline, so patients should not take this medication with milk or other dairy products, unless their doctor has instructed them to do so 3.
Side Effects in Children
Children younger than 8 years old should not be given doxycycline 3. It can cause permanent yellowing or graying of their teeth, and because tetracycline may negatively affect bones, a child's growth could be impacted.
Allergy-related Side Effects
Expired Prescriptions
Unused and expired doxycycline tablets or capsules should be thrown away, and patients should never take doxycycline after the bottle’s expiration date 3. According to MedLibrary.org, expired doxycycline can cause a dangerous syndrome resulting in damage to the kidneys 234.
Related Articles
References
- Drugwatch.com: Doxycycline Side Effects
- Side-Effects.org: Doxycycline Side Effects
- Drugs.com: Doxycycline
- MedLibrary.org: Information on Doxycycline and How to Use It, Precautions and Other Medications to Avoid While Taking
- Del rosso JQ. Oral Doxycycline in the Management of Acne Vulgaris: Current Perspectives on Clinical Use and Recent Findings with a New Double-scored Small Tablet Formulation. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2015;8(5):19-26.
- Cross R, Ling C, Day NP, Mcgready R, Paris DH. Revisiting doxycycline in pregnancy and early childhood--time to rebuild its reputation? Expert Opin Drug Saf. 2016;15(3):367-82. doi:10.1517/14740338.2016.1133584
- Velušček M, Bajrović FF, Strle F, Stupica D. Doxycycline-induced photosensitivity in patients treated for erythema migrans. BMC Infect Dis. 2018;18(1):365. doi:10.1186/s12879-018-3270-y
- Del Rosso JQ. "Oral Doxycycline in the Management of Acne Vulgaris: Current Perspectives on Clinical Use and Recent Findings with a New Double-scored Small Tablet Formulation." Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology. 2015 May; 8(5): 19–26.
- Eichenfield LF, Krakowski AC, Piggott C, et al. "Evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric acne." Pediatrics. 2013;131(Suppl 3): S163–186.
- Titus S, Hodge J. “Diagnosis and Treatment of Acne.” American Family Physician. 2012 Oct 15;86(8):734-740.
- Zaenglein AL, Pathy AL, Schlosser BJ, Alikhan A, Baldwin HE, Berson DS, et. al. "Guidelines of Care for the Management of Acne Vulgaris." Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2016 May;74(5):945-73.e33.
Writer Bio
Maura Wolf's published online articles focus on women, children, parenting, non-traditional families, companion animals and mental health. A licensed psychotherapist since 2000, Wolf counsels individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, body image, parenting, aging and LGBTQ issues. Wolf has two Master of Arts degrees: in English, from San Francisco State University and in clinical psychology, from New College.