Doxycycline is a member of the tetracycline antibiotics group and is commonly used to treat a variety of infections. Brand names include Monodox®, Periostat®, Vibramycin®, Vibra-Tabs®, Doryx®, Vibrox®, Adoxa®, and Atridox® (topical doxycycline hyclate for gum disease).

Indicated uses

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As well as the general indications for all members of the tetracycline antibiotics group, Doxycycline is frequently used to treat chronic prostatitis, sinusitis, syphilis, pelvic inflammatory disease, acne and rosacea. In addition it is used in the treatment and prophylaxis of Bacillus anthracis (anthrax) and malaria.

It is also effective against Yersinia pestis (the infectious agent of bubonic plague) and is prescribed for the treatment of Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

Elephantiasis is a disease caused by a nematode (worm) Wuchereria bancrofti. It causes swollen limbs and genitals (Filariasis) and affects over 120 million people in the world. Previous anti-nematode treatments have been limited by poor levels of effectiveness, drug side effects and high costs. Doxycycyline was shown in 2003 to kill the symbiotic Wolbachia bacteria upon which the nematodes are dependent. Field trials in 2005 showed that Doxycycline almost completely eliminates blood-borne filaria when given for an 8 week course.

For other uses see Tetracycline antibiotics and Oxytetracycline as uses are much the same for all Tetracyclines with only few exceptions.

Cautions and Side effects

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Are as for other members of the tetracycline antibiotics group. However the 10% risk of photosensitivity skin reactions is of particular importance for those intending long-term use for malaria prophylaxis.

Unlike some other members of the group, it may be used in those with renal impairment.

Experimental applications

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At subantimicrobial doses, doxycycline is an inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases, and has been used in various experimental systems for this purpose.

Incidentally, doxcycline has also been used to regulate transgene expression in mice using the Tet-on gene control system.

References and notes

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• British National Formulary 45 March 2003

External link

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• Atridox website - A novel topically applied form of doxycycline hyclate for treatment of periodontitis

Tetracycline antibiotics | Antimalarial agents

Doxycycline | Doxycyclin | ドキシサイクリン | Doksycyklina | Доксициклин | ด็อกซีซัยคลิน | Doksisiklin