What Is Doxycycline?

Possible Side Effects

Doxycycline, similar to other antibiotics, seems to have several possible side effects. It appears that the most common of them include diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Stomach aches and indigestion may also occur due to this antibiotic. Many individuals on this antibiotic may experience dry mouth, pain in their upper abdomen, toothaches, and headaches as well. Flu-like symptoms seem to develop too. Less common side effects may consist of flushing, gum pain, candida infections, and gastritis, among others. Rare effects appear to include colitis, bloody diarrhea, and constipation. Children on this medication seem to see discolored teeth often, though this may appear in adults too. This antibiotic may result in ulcers in the esophagus. The side effects of this can include swallowing problems and pain behind the breastbone. Patients should experience relief from this within one week of stopping this medication.

Of course, there may also be severe side effects of this medication. Patients should consider calling their doctor right away if they deal with joint pain, fainting, muscle pain, or flushing on this medication. They may also need to make this call for chest pain, dizziness, dark urine, and jaundice. Severe back and stomach pain seem to be effects that need immediate attention as well. They appear to be among several warning signs of pancreas or liver issues. An allergic reaction to this antibiotic seems to need emergency care too. Possible signs of this are facial swelling, breathing issues, lip and tongue swelling, and hives.

Uncover some precautions with this antibiotic next.

Precautions

This medication seems to be unsafe for individuals with allergies to any other tetracycline antibiotics. It may also be unsafe for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Other conditions appear to make it unsuitable as well. These conditions may include asthma, sulfite allergies, kidney disease, and liver disease. If patients have increased pressure inside their skull, they may need another prescription antibiotic.

Some brands of this antibiotic seem to require an empty stomach. However, patients may be able to drink a glass of water with these pills. They should also consider taking their dose one hour before a meal or two hours after one. If they have an upset stomach on this medication, patients may want to try drinking milk with it. This seems to need a discussion with their doctor first. Patients taking delayed-release tablets may need to swallow their medication whole. It appears to be unsafe to crush or chew them. However, it seems safe to open regular capsules and mix this antibiotic in one spoonful of applesauce. Patients who have issues swallowing may want to try this option. Expired tablets appear to put individuals at risk of kidney damage. Thus, they should be thrown away. Finally, this antibiotic seems to make patients more sensitive to the sun, so they may wish to wear sunscreen to protect themselves.

Learn about potential medication interactions next.