Antimicrobials
Doxycycline

Doxycycline

Low
Excellent

Spectrum of Activity

Dosing

General Information

Skin and soft tissue infection, Methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus infections, community acquired pneumonia, Malaria prophylaxis, Zoonoses

Pregnancy:

  • Doxycycline itself is unlikely associated with an increased risk of congenital malformations, reduced fetal bone growth or teeth staining with in utero exposure, however, is usually avoided during pregnancy because of the associations of these adverse events with other tetracyclines (particularly in the second and third trimester).
  • Tetracyclines might induce hepatic necrosis in some pregnant women; however, this is a rare syndrome most commonly associated with intravenous dosing of tetracyclines.

Breastfeeding:

  • Doxycycline can be used during breastfeeding for short courses (ie. up to 3 weeks) as this has not been associated with infant dental staining.
  • Longer courses (ie. greater than 3 weeks) or repeat courses should be avoided as a precaution.

GI upset and erosive esophagitis

Photosensitivity rash

Teeth staining

Divalent cations - decreased absorption

Some anticonvulsants can decrease doxycycline levels

Increased digoxin levels

Increased INR with warfarin

Di- & Trivalent cations including Al, Ca, Fe, Mg (anatacids, dairy products, iron supplements, some enteral feeds) - decreased absorption

May exacerbate muscle weakness in persons with myasthenia gravis. Contraindicated.

Antimicrobial class: Tetracycline

Average serum half life: 18.0

Biliary penetration: Therapeutic

CSF penetration: Poor

Lung penetration: Therapeutic

Urine penetration: Therapeutic