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Doxycycline is an antibiotic that is commonly used in treating a number of bacterial infections. It belongs to a class of medications known as tetracycline antibiotics and works be preventing the spread and growth of bacteria within the body. Doctors often prescribe doxycycline as a means of preventing malaria or treating chlamydia.

Doxycycline works by keeping bacteria from growing or spreading. It reduces the ability of the bacteria to make protein, which is needs to live. While this does not immediately kill the bacterial infection, it does prevent it from multiplying and spreading. This makes it possible for the body's immune system to fight off the infection. When used to prevent malaria, doxycycline prevents parasites from developing in the blood.

When prescribed to prevent a malaria infection, doxycycline is typically administered one to two days prior to travelling to an area where the disease is present, while in the area, and for four weeks after returning home. The typical dosages is 100mg daily for adults. When used in treating sexually transmitted diseases like chlamydia, doxycycline is typically prescribed in a dosage of 100mg twice each day for seven days. The dosage may vary when treating other types of infections.

The length of treatment for a course of doxycycline varies depending upon why is has been prescribed. For existing infections like chlamydia, treatment typically lasts seven days. When used in preventing malaria, the length of the course of treatment depends upon how long the patient will be in area where malaria is prevalent. Treatment beings shortly before the patient goes to the area and continues throughout the trip and for an additional four weeks after returning home.

Doxycycline is considered to be very effective in preventing malaria and treating chlamydia. In fact, it is one of the most reliable treatments with a cure rate that exceeds 90%. Doxycycline is also very effective in preventing malaria when taken as prescribed. While some medications are no longer effective against malaria in certain parts of the world, doxycycline is still classed as a highly effective antimalarial.

In most cases, side effects associated with doxycycline are not severe. They tend to be mild and go away within a short period of time. The most common side effects include nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting, and sensitivity to sunlight. Doxycycline may also reduce the effectiveness of some forms of birth control. In rare cares, severe allergic reactions, severe headache, stomach pain, or vaginal irritation may occur.

Doxycycline can make birth control pills less effective. In addition, it should not be taken by patients who are allergic to other tetracycline antibiotics. Cholesterol-reducing medications, Accutane, antacids, certain minerals, products containing bismuth subsalicylate, and blood thinners may interact with doxycycline.

Doxycycline should not be taken by children under the age of nine. It also should not be taken by women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning on becoming pregnant.

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