Doxycycline - Vibramycine - Doxylag - Doxy - Oracea - Doryx Analysis

Doxycycline is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections of the respiratory, urinary, genital, digestive, skin and ophthalmic tracts. It is also used to prevent malaria and treat specific infections such as Q fever and Lyme disease.

Consuming medicines ordered from dubious or illegal sites presents a health risk. It is essential to check that the online pharmacy is reputable and fully licensed.

If you have any doubts about the origin of the drug, you should carry out an analysis to certify the presence of the active ingredient and check that its dosage is in line with the indicated content.

Analysis

Doxycycline is analyzed by liquid chromatography coupled with UV-Visible spectrophotometric detection (HPLC-UV Visible).

Chemical name

• Chemical name: (4S,4aR,5S,5aR,6R,12aS)-4-dimethylamino-1,4,4a,5,5a,6,11,12a-octahydro-3,10,12,12a-tetrahydroxy-6-methyl-1,11-dioxo-2-naphthacenecarboxamide
• Gross formula: C22H24N2O8
• CAS number: 564-25-0

Therapeutic class

Doxycycline belongs to the tetracycline class, a family of broad-spectrum antibiotics. It is indicated for the treatment of the following bacterial infections:

• Respiratory infections: pneumonia, bronchitis, sinusitis.
• Genital and urinary infections: chlamydia, urethritis, cystitis.
• Skin infections: inflammatory acne, rosacea, staphylococcal infections.
• Tick-borne infections: Lyme disease, Q fever, rickettsial diseases.
• Malaria prevention: recommended as prophylaxis for travellers in endemic areas.

Description of therapeutic effects

Doxycycline inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by blocking the 30S subunit of ribosomes. This prevents bacteria from multiplying and enables the immune system to eliminate them.

Its main advantages are :

• Broad antibacterial spectrum (Gram-positive and Gram-negative).
• Good oral absorption, even in the presence of food.
• Long half-life, allowing once-daily dosing.

Trade names

• Vibramycine
• Doxylag
• Doxy
• Oracea (used to treat rosacea)
• Doryx

Main manufacturers

• Pfizer
• Teva Pharmaceuticals
• Mylan
• Sandoz
• Sanofi

Precautions and side effects

Precautions for use

• Do not use on children under 8 (risk of permanent tooth discoloration).
• Avoid exposure to sunlight (high risk of photosensitivity).
• To be taken with a large glass of water and in a sitting or standing position to avoid esophageal irritation.
• Not recommended for pregnant or breast-feeding women (risk to foetal bone development).
• May interact with antacids, dairy products and iron, which reduce its absorption.

Possible side effects

• Digestive disorders: nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea.
• Photosensitivity: increased risk of severe sunburn.
• Esophageal irritation: burning sensation, esophageal ulcers if taken incorrectly.
• Tooth discoloration in case of prolonged use by children or pregnant women.
• Rarely: allergic reactions, hepatotoxicity, benign intracranial hypertension.

⚠️ Drug interactions

• Antacids, calcium and iron reduce absorption, so take at least 2 hours apart.
• May increase the effect of oral anticoagulants, requiring dosage adjustment.
• Decreases efficacy of oral contraceptives, additional precautions recommended.