Doxycycline
Doxycycline (INN) is a member of the tetracycline antibiotics group and is commonly used to treat a variety of infections. Brand names include Monodox®, Periostat®, Vibramycin®, Vibra-Tabs®, Doryx®, Vibrox®, Adoxa®, Doxyhexal® and Atridox® (topical doxycycline hyclate for gum disease).
Indicated uses
As well as the general indications for all members of the tetracycline antibiotics group, Doxycycline is frequently used to treat chronic prostatitis, sinusitis, syphilis, chlamydia, pelvic inflammatory disease, acne and rosacea. In addition it is used in the treatment and prophylaxis of Bacillus anthracis (anthrax) and malaria.
It is also effective against Yersinia pestis (the infectious agent of bubonic plague) and is prescribed for the treatment of Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
Elephantiasis is a disease caused by a nematode (worm) Wuchereria bancrofti. It causes swollen limbs and genitals (Filariasis) and affects over 120 million people in the world. Previous anti-nematode treatments have been limited by poor levels of effectiveness, drug side effects and high costs. Doxycycyline was shown in 2003 to kill the symbiotic Wolbachia bacteria upon which the nematodes are dependent. Field trials in 2005 showed that Doxycycline almost completely eliminates blood-borne filaria when given for an 8 week course.
Cautions and Side effects
Are as for other members of the tetracycline antibiotics group. However the 10% risk of photosensitivity skin reactions is of particular importance for those intending long-term use for malaria prophylaxis. Reports of GERD have been cited with the use of Doxycycline.
Unlike some other members of the group, it may be used in those with renal impairment.
Doxycycline impairs the effectiveness of many types of contraceptive pill and physicians recommend the use of barrier contraception for people taking the drug to prevent unwanted pregnancy. Contrary to popular belief, the drug does not cause patients to exhibit side-effects preventing other forms of sexual activity such as oral or anal sex.
It should be taken with a full glass of water to prevent irritation of the oesophagus or stomach.
Experimental applications
At subantimicrobial doses, doxycycline is an inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases, and has been used in various experimental systems for this purpose. Doxycycline has been used successfully in the treatment of one patient with lymphangioleiomyomatosis, an otherwise progressive and fatal disease.
Doxycycline has also been used to regulate transgene expression in mice using the Tet-on gene control system.
Source: wikipedia GFDL
