The name doxycycline is quite known in the world of medicine. People who have heard of the name know it is a drug, even if they have never used it. What is this drug and what is it used for? It is time for people to have a formal introduction with this prescription medication.
Doxycycline is a synthetic or man-made tetracycline antibiotic that functions by stopping the production of proteins of bacteria; as a result, it prevents the multiplication of particular infection-causing bacteria in the body. Tetracycline antibiotics is a class of antibiotics created by specific species of the fungus Streptomyces. Tetracycline drugs, also called broad-spectrum antibiotics, are recognized as effective treatment against different kinds of bacteria. Tetracycline was invented in 1952 by Lloyd H. Conover, who chemically modified a drug that was naturally-produced. In the case of this particular tetracycline antibiotic, it is effective against the following bacteria: Chlamydia psittaci, Chlamydia trachomatis, Hemophilus influenzae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Neisseria gonorrhoea and Streptococcus pneumoniae.
This prescription medication is considered as treatment for many kinds of infections and diseases; it also comes in many forms. The drug is often prescribed to those who suffer from infections in the ear, sinus, skin, bone, stomach, as well as the respiratory and urinary tracts. It is also effective in treating typhus, cholera, Rocky mountain spotted fever, Lyme disease and sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia and gonorrhea. Doctors also recommend the drug to prevent and/or treat malaria. In addition, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approves of this medication as treatment for anthrax exposure. Doxycycline is available as a capsule, tablet, syrup and suspension (liquid).
The drug is often well-tolerated, though it still has its own share of side effects. People taking the drug can expect diarrhea, abdominal pain and nausea. If kids below eight years old take this drug, tooth discoloration may occur. However, there are more serious side effects that may arise. These include vomiting, severe headache, itching of the vagina or rectum, yellowing of the eyes or skin, difficulty breathing or swallowing, and extreme weakness or fatigue. If the person taking the drug experiences any of the said symptoms, he or she should call the doctor as soon as possible.
Doxycycline is the generic name of the drug. Brand names include Adoxa, Atridox, Oracea, Vibramycin and Vibra-Tabs. The next time people see or hear these, they would now know what they are about.