Doxycyclinum – composition, action, dosage, contraindications and side effects of the antibiotic

Proven content

Doxycyclinum is an antibacterial drug for systemic use. The active substance of the drug is doxycycline, which belongs to the tetracycline group. This preparation inhibits the growth of the bacteria that cause infections. What are the indications and contraindications for the use of this drug? Can the use of Doxycyclinum cause side effects in a patient? How to dose this drug? How much does a pack of Doxycyclinum cost?

Doxycyclinum – drug characteristics

Doxycyclinum is a prescription antibacterial medicine. The active substance of this preparation is doxycycline, the mechanism of action of which is to inhibit the synthesis of bacterial proteins. Doxycyclinum is an antibiotic intended for systemic use.

Doxycyclinum comes in the form of tablets for oral use. The package contains 10 dark green capsules in 2 blisters of 5 capsules in a cardboard box.

The entity responsible for the production and distribution of Doxycyclinum is Polfa Tarchomin, ie Tarchomińskie Zakłady Farmaceutyczne “Polfa” Spółka Akcyjna. Polfa Tarchomin is a Polish pharmaceutical company with its seat in Warsaw. The origins of this company date back to 1823. The Chemical Products Factory was established at that time, later transformed into Przemysłowo-Handlowe Zakłady Chemiczne “Ludwik Spiess i Syn. Polfa Tarchomin was one of the first insulin producers in the world, but also the only producer of penicillin. The company is one of the largest producers of generic drugs in Poland. It produces, among others anti-infective drugs, insulins, psychotropic drugs and dermatological preparations.

In addition, under the name Doxycyclinum, you can buy drugs whose manufacturer and distributor is Polfarmex SA Polfarmex is a Polish pharmaceutical company based in Kutno. The company was founded in 1989 under the name “Polfa – Farmex”. Initially, the concern traded in medicines and imported raw materials. Currently, Polfarmex is a producer of prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, dietary supplements and cosmetics.

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Doxycyclinum – composition and action of the drug

Doxycyclinum is an antibiotic whose main ingredient is responsible for its healing properties doxycycline. One hard capsule contains 100 mg of doxycycline.

Doxycycline is an antibiotic that belongs to the group of tetracyclines. Doxycycline inhibits protein biosynthesis in bacterial cells by binding and blocking the 30S ribosomal subunit. Doxycycline is bacteriostatic antibioticbecause it does not kill bacteria and inhibits cell growth. This drug has a broad spectrum of activity, which means that it is active against many species of bacteria.

Oral doxycycline is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. However, absorption may be less in the presence of dairy foods or preparations containing metal ions. Peak plasma concentrations are reached approximately 2 hours after administration. The biological half-life is approximately 20 hours. Approx. 40% of the drug substance is excreted in the urine unchanged, the remainder, mainly as metabolites, is excreted in the faeces.

The other ingredients of Doxycyclinum are alginic acid, magnesium stearate, sodium laurilsulfate, corn starch, lactose monohydrate (100 mg), indigo dye, titanium dioxide, yellow iron oxide and gelatin.

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Doxycyclinum – indications for the use of the drug

Doxycyclinum is an antibiotic with antibacterial activity. The indications for the use of this preparation are:

1. upper and lower respiratory tract infections such as tonsillitis, pharyngitis, otitis media, sinusitis, bronchitis, pneumonia;
2. urinary tract infections such as pyelonephritis, cystitis, urethritis;
3. sexually transmitted diseases, i.e. infections caused by chlamydia, syphilis, soft ulcer, inguinal granuloma, gonorrhea;
4. some soft tissue infections;
5. gastrointestinal infections;
6. ophthalmic infections due to infections caused by staphylococci and gonorrhea, Haemophilus influenzae, chronic conjunctivitis called trachoma;
7. other infections such as parrot, brucellosis (in combination with streptomycin), plague, tularemia;
8. Lyme disease.

Doxycyclinum can also be used as a preventive measure against malaria.

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Doxycyclinum – contraindications to the use of the drug

The drug Doxycyclinum, despite its effectiveness in the treatment of bacterial infections, cannot be used by every patient struggling with this type of ailments.

Contraindications to the use of the drug Doxycyclinum are:

1. hypersensitivity to doxycycline, other tetracyclines or to any of the excipients;
2. severe liver failure;
3. tooth growth due to the possibility of permanent discoloration of the teeth;
4. the period of pregnancy and breastfeeding;
5. age of the patient – the drug should not be used in children under 12 years of age.

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Doxycyclinum – precautions

Before and during the use of Doxycyclinum, follow the precautions contained in the package leaflet.

Particular care should be taken in the following cases:

1. Patients with a history of hypersensitivity reactions to antibiotics or other allergens should inform their doctor before taking Doxycyclin TZF;
2. doxycycline should not be used during the development of teeth (second half of pregnancy, neonatal period, infancy, children under 8 years of age), as it may cause permanent tooth discoloration (yellow-gray-brown) or impede the proper growth of the teeth;
3. doxycycline may cause photosensitivity. During treatment, sun exposure or artificial UV radiation (e.g. solarium) should be avoided due to the possibility of skin diseases caused by light (photodermatoses), manifested by e.g. reddening of the skin, swelling, blisters;
4. during the use of doxycycline, an excessive development of antibiotic-insensitive microorganisms may occur. If you develop symptoms that suggest that you are developing another infection, for example, ringworm, you should contact your doctor;
5. doxycycline may cause pseudomembranous enteritis. Disruption of the normal intestinal flora allows the bacterium to multiply Clostridium difficile, the toxins of which cause clinical symptoms of pseudomembranous enteritis. If pseudomembranous enteritis is diagnosed, treatment must be discontinued immediately and appropriate treatment instituted;
6. in patients with venereal diseases and suspected co-infection with syphilis, the doctor should perform appropriate tests before, during and after treatment to confirm the possible infection and cure;
7. patients with liver failure should inform their doctor about this condition;
8. Patients with myasthenia gravis, systemic lupus erythematosus or porphyria should inform their doctor about the disease before taking the drug, because doxycycline may worsen the symptoms of the disease;
9. in patients with severe renal insufficiency, the renal excretion of doxycycline may be reduced;
10. the use of tetracycline antibiotics may sometimes result in convex fontanel glands in infants and mild intracranial hypertension in children and adults.

It should also be remembered that the drug must not be used after the expiry date which is stated on the box. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. The drug should also not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. It’s best to ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines you no longer use.

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Doxycyclinum – dosage and method of use

Always use Doxycyclinum exactly as described in the package leaflet or as directed by your doctor or pharmacist.

For adults weighing less than 70 kilograms and children 12 to 18 years of age the initial dose on the first day of dosing is 2 capsules in a single dose or in two divided doses every 12 hours. Then, a maintenance dose is used, i.e. 1 capsule a day. In the case of severe infections, the patient is given 2 capsules a day throughout the treatment period.

Patients weighing more than 70 kg should take 2 tablets for the entire treatment period.

The dosage of the drug also depends on the disease being treated:

1. uncomplicated gonorrhea – 1 capsule (100 mg of doxycycline) 2 times a day (every 12 hours) for at least 7 days. The results of the treatment of gonococcal infections should be confirmed by a follow-up culture 3 to 4 days after the end of treatment;
2. sexually transmitted diseases caused by Chlamydia trachomatis or Ureaplasma urealyticum: 1 capsule (100 mg doxycycline) 2 times a day (every 12 hours) for 7 to 10 days;
3. primary and secondary syphilis (in patients allergic to penicillin): 2 capsules to 3 capsules (200 mg to 300 mg doxycycline) daily in divided doses for 2 weeks;
4. Lyme borreliosis: 1 capsule (100 mg doxycycline) twice a day (every 12 hours) for 14 to 28 days, in the early stage of the disease from 14 to 21 days.

For the prevention of malaria, one capsule of Doxycyclinum is used daily. Prophylactic use of the drug should begin 1 to 1 days before a planned trip to areas where malaria is present and is a threat. Doxycycline should be administered during the entire stay in the affected area and for 2 weeks after the end of the stay in the areas at risk of malaria.

In children between 8 and 12 years of age, doxycycline should only be given to treat severe infections. Children weighing 45 kg or less may take a starting dose of 4,4 mg / kg body weight. Then, from the second day of treatment, the proposed dose is 2,2 mg / kg body weight. For the treatment of more severe infections, administration of up to 4,4 mg / kg body weight throughout the treatment period.

Doxycyclinum capsules should be swallowed whole with a glass of water. To prevent possible irritation of the throat or intestines, the capsules should be taken while sitting or standing at least 30 minutes before going to bed.

If you take too much of this medicine, symptoms such as fever, flushing, dizziness, and sometimes collapse may occur.

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Doxycyclinum – side effects

Doxycyclinum, like any other drug, may cause side effects in patients. It is important to report any suspected adverse reactions after authorization of the medicinal product so that the benefit / risk balance of the medicinal product can be monitored.

The frequency classification of adverse body reactions (ADRs) is based on the following principles: very common (≥1 / 10), common (≥1 / 100 to <1/10), uncommon (≥1 / 1 to <000/1), rare (≥ 100 / 1 to <10 / 000), very rare (<1 / 1), not known (cannot be estimated from the available data).

Side effects that may occur after the use of Doxycyclinum may be moderate or severe. Serious side effects may occur with varying frequency.

Very rare serious side effect (affects 1 to 10 out of 10 people) is primarily an increase in intracranial pressure, which is manifested by headache and visual disturbances (scotomas, double vision).

Serious side effects with a frequency unknown (frequency cannot be estimated from the available data) are allergic reactions such as:

1. rashes;
2. sudden breathlessness and tightness in the chest;
3. swelling of the eyelids, face or lips;
4. severe skin rashes which may be associated with erosion of the mouth, eyes, genitals and skin, bursting giant blisters, peeling large patches of skin, weakness, fever and joint pain;
5. increased heart rate;
6. anaphylactic shock presenting as confusion, pale skin, drop in blood pressure, sweating, production of a small amount of urine, rapid breathing, weakness and fainting;
7. skin allergy to UV radiation (sun, solariums).

Diarrhea may also be a serious side effect that is prolonged or has blood in it, with stomach pain or a fever. This could be a symptom of severe inflammation of the small or large intestine.

The moderately severe side effects include those that occur rarely, very rarely or with an unknown frequency:

1. rare side effects (occurs in less than 1 in 10 people) – disorders of haem synthesis (porphyria);
2. very rare side effects (affects 1 to 10 in 10 people) – bulging of the fontanel in infants and mild intracranial hypertension have been reported in children and adults at therapeutic doses. Symptoms of high blood pressure include visual disturbances (e.g. scotomas, double vision). Permanent blindness has been reported;
3. side effects for which the frequency is unknown (frequency cannot be estimated from the available data) – inflammation of the genital area and anus, inflammation of the mouth and tongue epithelium, vaginitis, brown-black discoloration of the thyroid gland without affecting its function, headache, dizziness, flushing face, tinnitus, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, glossitis, difficulty swallowing, inflammation and ulceration of the esophagus, inflammation of the intestine, inflammation of the perianal area, tooth discoloration and lack of tooth growth, transient, slight elevation of liver enzymes , liver dysfunction, joint pain, muscle pain, tooth development abnormal, enamel discoloration, increased blood urea, malaise.

During the use of Doxycyclinum, side effects may also occur with which you should contact your doctor immediately. These include:

1. inflammation of the pancreas;
2. hepatitis, jaundice,
3. anemia due to breakdown of red blood cells, increase or decrease in some types of white or red blood cells, and platelets, symptoms may be tiredness, bleeding, bruising and infection;
4. Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction, which causes fever, chills, headache, muscle aches and skin rash that usually disappears on its own. Occurs soon after starting doxycycline treatment, spirochete infections such as Lyme disease;
5. separation of the nail plate from the placenta due to light.

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Doxycyclinum – interactions with other drugs

Before starting treatment with Doxycyclinum, please inform your doctor or pharmacist about all the medicines you are taking or have taken recently. You should also inform what medications the patient plans to take in the near future.

Medicines that may interact with Doxycyclinum include:

1. antacids containing multivalent aluminum, calcium, magnesium ions, as well as preparations containing iron, zinc or bismuth ions reduce the absorption of doxycycline. These types of medications and foods should be taken at least 2 hours apart from taking doxycycline;
2. methoxyflurane – a drug used for general anesthesia;
3. coumarin anticoagulants. When these drugs are used together with doxycycline, the physician should monitor the parameters of the coagulation system;
4. oral sulfonylurea antidiabetic drugs. When these drugs are used with doxycycline, your doctor should monitor your serum glucose levels;
5. cyclosporine – a drug that weakens the immune system, used, inter alia, after organ transplant or in psoriasis;
6. penicillin and other antibiotics with a bactericidal effect;
7. hormonal contraceptives – doxycycline reduces their effectiveness;
8. barbiturates (e.g., phenobarbital), carbamazepine, diphenylhydantoin, phenytoin, primidone, rifampicin, may reduce the effect of doxycycline;
9. Theophylline may increase the incidence of gastrointestinal adverse reactions. 

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Doxycyclinum and pregnancy and breastfeeding

The use of any medications or dietary supplements during pregnancy requires consultation with the attending physician. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking Doxycyclinum.

Doxycyclinum should not be used during pregnancy. Doxycycline passes into breast milk, therefore breast-feeding should be discontinued during treatment with doxycycline.

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Doxycyclinum — cena

Cena leku Doxycycline may differ depending on the city in which the antibiotic will be purchased or the pharmacy chosen by the patient. The price of the product also depends on the manufacturer responsible for the distribution of the drug.

For 10 capsules of Doxycyclinum TZF you have to pay about 10 zlotys. After reimbursement, the drug costs about 5-6 zlotys.

Doxycyclinum Polfarmex costs about PLN 8-9 for 10 capsules. After the refund, the package of the drug should be paid about PLN 4.

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Remember not to take any medications on your own, especially prescription ones. Consult your family doctor before administering the drug. You can arrange an online visit via the halodoctor.pl portal.