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Doxycycline
Doxycycline is a common antibiotic often used for the treatment of various infections, such as bacterial infections, anthrax, malaria, and acne. The medication is part of a class of drugs called tetracyclines, and works by decreasing bacteria's ability to make protein (which it needs to live). Doxycycline is available in several forms, and is usually taken once or twice a day.
Doxycycline is a prescription antibiotic that is licensed to treat a number of common bacterial infections.
Common uses for the drug include the following:
- Treatment of bacterial infections, such as:
- Pneumonia
- Chlamydia
- Plague
- Cholera
- Certain types of urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Gonorrhea
- Lyme disease.
- An alternative for malaria prevention
- Treatment of anthrax infections (including cutaneous anthrax, gastrointestinal anthrax, and inhalational anthrax)
- Treatment of rosacea
- Treatment of periodontitis (gum disease).
Doxycycline has not been approved for use in children under the age of eight.
(Click Doxycycline Uses for more information on each specific use.)
Doxycycline is part of a class of drugs called tetracyclines. It decreases bacteria's ability to make protein, which bacteria need to live. This activity does not directly kill the bacteria, but it does inhibit their growth and multiplication, which gives the immune system a chance to fight the infection. For treating gum disease, doxycycline actually works to inhibit an enzyme in the saliva known as collagenase.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD