Adoxa Tablets 100Mg (1 Strip = 10 Tablets)

Requires Prescription (YES/NO)

Yes

Generics

Doxycycline (as Hyclate)

Used For

Bacterial Infection

How it works

The main mechanism of action of doxycycline is on protein synthesis. Doxycycline passes directly through the lipid bilayer of the bacterial cell wall and an energy dependent active transport system pumps the drug through the inner cytoplasmic membrane. Once inside the cell doxycycline inhibits protein synthesis by binding to 30S ribosomes and prevents the addition of amino acids to the growing peptide chain. Doxycycline will impair protein synthesis in mammalian cells at very high concentrations but these cells lack the active transport system found in bacteria.

Dosage

Doxycycline (as Hyclate)

Side Effects

• Sensitivity to sunlight - you may get a skin rash, itching, redness or severe sunburn when out in sunlight or after using a sun bed (Photosensitivity reaction) • Increased pressure in the skull (severe headaches, blurred and/or double vision, blind spots, permanent loss of vision) (Peripheral oedema) • Headache • Low blood pressure (Hypotension) • Nausea/vomiting • Rashes (consisting of flat or raised red, brown or pink lesions) • Inflammation of small blood vessels (Henoch-Schonlein purpura) • Hives (Urticaria) • Increased heart rate (Tachycardia) • Shortness of breath or breathlessness (Dyspnoea) • Blood disorders (symptoms may include tiredness, weakness, easy bruising or susceptibility to infection) • The Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction which causes fever, chills, headache, muscle pain and skin rash that is usually self-limiting. This occurs shortly after starting doxycycline treatment for infections with spirochete such as Lyme disease. • Porphyria (sensitivity of the skin to sunlight, inflammation of nerves and stomach pains) • Discolouration of thyroid tissue (does not affect thyroid function) • Decreased appetite • Bulging fontanelles (soft spot on head) of infants • Anxiety • Flushing • Pancreatitis (manifested by severe upper abdominal pain).

Drug Interactions

Penicillin antibiotics , Rifampicin , warfarin , Quinapril , Oral contraceptives , Phenobarbital , Carbamazepine, phenytoin, primidone , Ciclosporin , Methoxyflurane , Methotrexate , antacids (indigestion tablets or liquids) containing aluminium, calcium, magnesium or other medicines containing iron, bismuth or zinc salts , Retinoids .

Indication

It is used to treat a wide range of infections caused by bacteria, these include: • Chest, lung or nasal infections e.g. bronchitis, pneumonia, sinusitis • Infections of the kidneys and bladder e.g. cystitis, urethritis • Infections of the skin such as acne • Eye infections • Sexually transmitted diseases e.g. gonorrhoea, syphilis, chlamydia • Rickettsial infections such as Q fever or fevers associated with louse or tick bites • Malaria, when chloroquine is not effective • Other infections such as cholera, brucellosis, leptospirosis and psittacosis

When not to Use

Hypersensitive to any of the ingredients in the list.

Precaution

If you are are taking oral retinoids as there is a higher risk of suffering from increased pressure in your skull (severe headache with change in vision) when taken with Doxycycline .

Warning 1

Talk to your doctor before taking Doxycycline if you are likely to be exposed to strong sunlight or ultraviolet light (e.g. on a sunbed).

Warning 2

Talk to your doctor before taking Doxycycline if you have myasthenia gravis (a disease which causes unusual tiredness and weakness of certain muscles, particularly in the eyelid, difficulty chewing and swallowing and slurred speech).

Warning 3

Talk to your doctor before taking Doxycycline if you have systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) a condition characterised by a rash (especially on the face), hair loss, fever, malaise and joint pain. This condition may be worsened by taking Doxycycline.

Pregnancy category

Always consult your physician before using any medicine.

Storage (YES/NO)

Store this medicine at room temperature, away from direct light and heat.