Sometimes you may have seen some people's faces, especially the nose, cheeks, and forehead, become red and have small pimple-like blisters. This is not a normal acne condition. We medically call this rosacea . Some people even get depressed because of this condition. So, a special medicine that doctors often prescribe to treat this rosacea condition is called doxycycline . Today, in this article, we will talk about how to use this medicine exactly and what things to be careful about.
What is Doxycycline ?
Simply put, doxycycline is an antibiotic that belongs to the tetracycline family. But you might be wondering, 'If rosacea isn't a bacterial infection, why give an antibiotic?' The reason is that this medication is used in low doses when treating rosacea. The low dose works to reduce inflammation in the skin rather than killing bacteria. That means controlling redness, swelling, and blistering of the skin. This medication is available in the market under names like `(Oracea)`.
The most important things to tell your doctor before taking medication
Before your doctor prescribes this medication, it is very important that you give them a complete description of your health condition. Be sure to tell them about any of the following, especially if you have any of the following:
- Kidney or liver disease: If you have any kidney or liver disease.
- Digestive system problems: If you have recently had stomach surgery, or if you have intestinal diseases such as colitis.
- Sun exposure: If you are someone who is constantly in the sun due to your job or for any other reason.
- Vision problems: If you have any problems with your eyesight.
- Fungal infections: If you have frequent yeast or fungal infections in the mouth or vagina.
- Pregnancy: It is important to tell your doctor if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, as this medicine is not suitable for use in these situations.
- Allergies: If you have previously had an allergy to doxycycline, other tetracycline-type medications, or any other medicine or food.
The more details you give your doctor about your health history, the more it will help him or her provide you with the most appropriate and safest treatment.
The medicine should be used in the right way.
To get the most out of this medication, it is very important to take it exactly as prescribed.
1. How to take: Take this capsule with a glass of water . Do not break, crush, or chew the tablet. Swallow it whole.
2. Time of taking: This should be taken on an empty stomach . That means at least one hour before a meal, or at least two hours after a meal . Try to take it at the same time every day.
3. Stopping: Do not stop taking the medication until your doctor tells you to. It is important to complete the prescribed course of treatment, even if you feel a little better.
4. Taking with other things: Antacids, iron tablets, calcium tablets, and zinc-containing vitamins should not be taken at the same time as this medicine. These can interfere with the absorption of doxycycline. Therefore, if you are taking any of these, you should take them a few hours before or after taking doxycycline. Talk to your doctor about the exact timing.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at the same time.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you accidentally take too much medicine, do not panic and immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Things to be especially careful about when taking medication
- Sun sensitivity: This is something that many people should be aware of. Your skin may become very sensitive to the sun (photosensitivity) while taking this medication. This means that even after a short period of exposure to the sun, your skin may quickly burn, turn red, and blister. Therefore, stay out of the sun as much as possible. If you do go out, wear protective clothing and use a good sunscreen . Avoid using sun lamps or tanning beds.
- Sore throat: Do not take this pill right before going to bed. This is because when you lie down, it may not dissolve properly and get stuck in your throat, causing pain or burning. To avoid this, drink plenty of water after taking the pill, and do not lie down immediately after taking the pill.
- Diarrhea: Some people may experience diarrhea from this medication. However, if you have severe diarrhea that lasts more than two days and is watery, do not take the medication from the pharmacy and talk to your doctor.
- Birth control pills: If you are taking birth control pills, their effectiveness may be reduced while taking this medication. Therefore, talk to your doctor about using an additional form of birth control (e.g., condoms) to prevent pregnancy.
What are the side effects?
Like any medication, doxycycline can cause some side effects. While most of these are not serious, there are some that you should be aware of.
| Doxycycline ( Doxycycline ) side effects | |
|---|---|
| Side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Increased pressure around the brain | Severe headache, vision changes, blurred vision, nausea, vomiting. |
| Severe skin reactions | Redness, blistering, and peeling of the skin, including inside the mouth. |
| Other serious symptoms | Severe, watery diarrhea with fever, pain when swallowing medicine, joint pain, unusual vaginal discharge, itching, or odor. |
| Usually not serious (but tell your doctor if it persists) | |
| Minor side effects | Headache, heartburn, nausea, mild stomach upset, tooth discoloration (especially in children). |
Take-Home Message
- Doxycycline is a very effective treatment for rosacea, but it must be used exactly as your doctor tells you.
- You should take this medicine on an empty stomach and drink plenty of water.
- Avoid going out in the sun as much as possible. If you do go out, be sure to wear sunscreen and cover up.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications you take (including vitamins, iron pills, calcium).
- If you experience severe headaches, vision changes, or severe skin rashes, seek medical advice immediately.
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