Doxycycline – What are the indications and contraindications?
January 12, 2021 1:37 amDoxycycline is a tetracycline antibiotic, which inhibits protein synthesis and is effective in treating a wide range of bacterial and parasitic infections. Since tetracyclines are able to cross the blood-brain barrier, they can be used in treatment of CNS and prostate infections. Tetracyclines can cause discoloration of tooth enamel and are contraindicated prior to permanent tooth eruption.
Indications:
- Acne
- Rickettsia
- Rocky mountain spotted fever
- Lyme disease
- Respiratory tract infection
- Influenza
- Cholera
- Listeriosis
- Urinary tract infections
- Prostate infections
- Epididymitis
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea*
- Syphilis*
- Chancroid
- Eye infections
- CNS infections
- CSF infections
Contraindications:
- Systemic lupus erythematous
- Hepatic failure
- Pregnancy and lactation
- Children younger than 10
From a pharmacognosy perspective, Commiphora molmol, Echinacea spp., and Thymus vulgaris are broad spectrum antimicrobial herbs useful in treating various different infections. Rosmarinus officinalis, Salvia officinalis, Sambucus nigra, Sanguinaria canadensis, and Thymus vulgaris have an affinity for the respiratory tract and are beneficial in treating URTIs. Baptisia tinctoria, Eucalyptus globulus, Salvia officinalis, and Thuja occidentalis are also effective in treating pharyngitis and tonsillitis.
*Penicillin is the usual drug of choice in the treatment of gonorrhea and syphilis, however Doxycycline is used when penicillin is contraindicated.
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This post was written by Omar Rifai