Doxycycline is a tetracycline antibiotic that fights bacteria in the body. It works by killing bacteria or preventing their growth.
Doxycycline is used to treat many bacterial infections such as eye infections, respiratory infections, intestinal infections, urinary tract infections, acne, gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, periodontitis (gum disease) and others.
It is also used to treat pimples and abscesses (usually on the face) that are caused by rosacea, also known as acne rosacea or adult acne.
Some forms of doxycycline can be used to prevent Malaria, to treat anthrax and to treat infections caused by mites, lice or ticks.
Using doxycycline during pregnancy could harm the unborn baby or cause permanent tooth discoloration later in the baby’s life. Some side effects include loss of appetite, diarrhea, rash, nausea and vomiting, hives and sensitivity to sun. Serious effects include antibiotic-associated diarrhea, high blood pressure inside the skull, irritation of esophagus, anemia, pancreatitis and serious skin reactions.