Doxycycline – A Tetracycline Class – Antibiotic

Introduction

Doxycycline, available under brand names Vibramycin, Contimycin, Nordox and others. It is a broad-spectrum tetracycline-class antibiotic that is used to treat bacterial and parasitic diseases. Bacterial pneumonia, acne, chlamydia infections, Lyme disease, cholera, typhus, and syphilis are all treated with it. It’s also used in conjunction with quinine to prevent malaria.

Class of Medicine
Doxyycline belongs a a class of medicines called Tetracycline antibiotics,  It acts to cure infections by preventing germs from growing and spreading. It effectively treats acne by destroying bacteria that infect pores and reducing a natural greasy substance that causes acne. It combats rosacea by reducing the inflammation that causes the illness.

Mode of Action
In bacterial replication, a crucial contact for protein translation initiation occurs at the 3′ end of the 16S rRNA, which is present on the 30S subunit of the ribosome. The 30S subunit is the ribosome’s smallest subunit in prokaryotes, such as bacteria.
Tetracyclines, such as doxycycline, are hypothesised to prohibit tRNA from binding to the RNA-30S bacterial ribosomal subunit, which is required for the transport of amino acids for protein synthesis, by binding to the 16S rRNA part of the ribosome. The commencement of protein synthesis by polyribosome formation is prevented as a result of the preceding actions. Hence the replication of bacteria stops and produces a bacteriostatic effect

How should this medicine be used?
Doxycycline is available in the form of a capsule, a delayed-release capsule, a tablet, a delayed-release tablet, and a solution (liquid) for oral administration. Once or twice a day, doxycycline is commonly taken. With each pill, drink a full glass of water. If you have stomach problems while using doxycycline, take it with food or milk. If you take doxycycline with milk or food, the amount of medication absorbed from your stomach may be reduced.

Common Side Effects

Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Loss of appetite
Itching of the rectum or vagina
Sore or irritated throat
Swollen tongue
Dry mouth
Anxiety
Back pain
Changes in color of skin, scars, nails, eyes, or mouth

Important Warning

This medicine has the potential to induce significant skin responses. Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, and medication reactions with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms are among them (DRESS). Blisters, peeling skin, and a rash of small purple patches are some of the symptoms.

Available Brands (list can be updated in future)
Vibramycin
Contimycin
Nordox