Do your gums bleed? Do you feel pain when brushing your teeth? Or are your gums swollen and red? If you have these symptoms, your doctor may have prescribed a medication called ` ` Doxycycline '' to treat a bacterial infection in your gums, a condition we medically call ``Periodontitis''. This is a very commonly prescribed medication. So, today we will talk about how to use this medication exactly, and what we need to be especially careful about.
What exactly is doxycycline ?
Simply put, doxycycline is an antibiotic. That is, a medicine that is given to control and eliminate bacterial infections. It belongs to a group of drugs called tetracycline antibiotics. If you have been prescribed this for a bacterial infection of the gums (periodontitis), this medicine will help stop the growth of the bacteria that cause it.
The most important thing is that this is a medicine that only works against bacteria. Therefore, it will not cure any illnesses caused by viruses, such as the common cold and flu.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this medication
It is very important to tell your doctor about your complete health history before starting any medication. Even something that may seem minor can have a big impact on your treatment. So, if you have any of the following conditions, be sure to tell your doctor.
- If you have kidney disease .
- If you have any liver problems (liver disease).
- If you are someone who spends a lot of time in the sun due to your job or other reasons.
- If you have recently had abdominal surgery .
- If you have digestive system problems such as colitis.
- If you have any vision impairment .
- If you have frequent yeast or fungal infections in the mouth or vagina.
- If you have an allergy to doxycycline, tetracycline, or any other medicine or food .
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant .
- If you are a mother who is breastfeeding .
The correct way to use the medicine
To get the most out of a medication, it is very important to take it exactly as prescribed.
- You should take this pill with a full glass of water .
- For maximum effectiveness, it is best to take this medicine on an empty stomach . That is, one hour before or two hours after a meal .
- Get into the habit of taking your medicine at the same time every day.
- Even if you feel better, finish all the medication your doctor prescribed. Otherwise, the infection may come back.
- If you are taking antacids (liquids/tablets used for gastritis), or vitamins containing aluminum, calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc, do not take them at the same time as this medicine. Wait two to three hours after taking doxycycline before taking other medicines. Ask your doctor for specific advice.
- If you take too much medicine: If you suddenly think you have taken too much medicine, do not panic and immediately call the National Poison Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What to do if you miss a dose of medicine?
Sometimes we forget to take our medicine. If that happens, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose (for example, it is two or three hours away), skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once (double up) just because you forgot.
Other things that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)
Other medications, vitamins, or certain foods you take may interact with doxycycline. Therefore, tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking. Doxycycline may interact especially with the following:
| Drug/substance type | Possible impact |
|---|---|
| Antacids, things that contain iron, calcium, zinc, magnesium | Reduces the absorption of doxycycline into the body. |
| Birth control pills | The effectiveness of birth control pills may be reduced. |
| Warfarin (a blood thinner) | The risk of bleeding may increase. |
| Phenytoin, Carbamazepine (medicines for epilepsy/seizures) | May reduce the effects of doxycycline. |
| Oral retinoids (e.g. Isotretinoin - a medication used for acne) | There is a risk of increased pressure in the skull. |
Things you should be careful about while taking the medicine
- Diarrhea: It is normal to experience mild diarrhea while taking medication. However, if you have diarrhea for more than two days, or if it is very watery and severe , do not take medication from a pharmacy and call your doctor immediately.
- Sun sensitivity: Your skin may become very sensitive to the sun (photosensitive) while taking this medicine. This means that even a short time in the sun can cause your skin to burn and turn red. So avoid direct sunlight as much as possible. If you do go outside, wear clothing that covers your body well and use sunscreen.
- Difficulty swallowing: Do not take this medicine before going to bed. If you lie down, the tablet may not dissolve properly and may get stuck in your throat or esophagus , causing pain. Therefore, it is best not to lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking the medicine.
- Birth control: If you are a woman using birth control pills, the effectiveness of those pills may be reduced while you are taking this medication. Therefore, talk to your doctor about using an additional form of birth control, such as condoms, during this time.
What are the possible side effects?
Like most medications, doxycycline can cause side effects. Some are serious, while others are common.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Increased pressure in the skull | Severe headache, vision changes, blurred vision, nausea, vomiting. |
| Severe skin reactions | Redness of the skin, including the mouth, blistering, and peeling of the skin. |
| Other | Joint pain, pain when swallowing, severe diarrhea with fever, unusual vaginal discharge or itching. |
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor if they persist or are bothersome | |
| Digestive system | Nausea, heartburn, mild diarrhea. |
| Other | Headache, tooth discoloration (especially in children). |
Take-Home Message
- Doxycycline is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections of the gums. Take it exactly as your doctor tells you to, for the full duration of your treatment.
- Drink plenty of water while taking the medicine. It is best to take it on an empty stomach.
- Do not take antacids, iron, or calcium with this medicine. Leave a gap of several hours between taking this medicine.
- Be very careful when going out in the sun while taking this medication. Use sunscreen.
- If you experience any serious side effects, such as severe diarrhea, skin rash, or severe headache, contact your doctor without delay.
- If you have any further questions about this medication, don't hesitate to talk to your doctor about it.
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