hi ! how long does it take doxycycline to work

3 ANSWERS

1. amomipais82
   

   Hi,
   In general, antibiotic medications are strictly antibacterial (not for viruses). Bacteria, in general, must synthesize proteins, which facilitates energy production, in order to survive. One kind of antibiotics are protein synthesis inhibitors, preventing its proteins from multiplying. These inhibit DNA, RNA and protein production. Yet some others kill bacteria by working on the outside of the bacteria, preventing synthesis or repair of the cell wall (cell wall inhibitors).
   
   Doxycycline is a part of the Tetracycline family, which are "bacteriostatic" so it inhibits protein synthesis inside the bacteria. If I remember correctly, the molecular formula is C22H24N2O8, HCL, ½ C2H6O, ½ H2O. Once it enters the bacterial cell membrane, it binds to the 30s ribosomes, preventing the binding of the tRNA amino acid (a form of "transportation," like a delivery truck) to the mRNA (the mailman). When the tRNA cannot bind (cannot deliver the messages for replication), the mailman has nothing to distribute. If there are no "orders" to distribute, the ENTIRE bacterial operation cannot continue mass production. Broad-spectrum, gram-positive and gram-negative pathogens are all susceptible to Tetracycline class of drugs.
   
   Besides working as bacteriostatic antimicrobials, it also works as an anti-inflammatory agent. So low doses of Doxycycline can also work for Rosacea or Acne. It targets clinical inflammatory signs of acne, including papules, pustpules, and nodules, as well as non-inflammatory lesions that are consisted of comedos or microcomedos (a thick secretion that plugs a skin duct). However, even in clinical studies, Doxycycline does not work on everybody. It depends on one's genetic disposition and sensitivity to the medication.
   
   Doxycycline hyclate is almost 100% absorbed from the stomach and upper duodenum on an empty stomach, so it causes less GI distress than Tetracycline Hydrochloride (HCl). And it penetrates normal and inflammatory tissues BETTER than Tetracycline. But it's not recommended for prolonged use, otherwise a bacterial resistance can result, making the bacteria no longer susceptible to the medication.
   
   There is no research data that supports the long-term safety of dosages of Doxycycline that exceed 20 mg twice daily. Therefore, patients taking higher doses also may be at risk for antibiotic and bacterial resistance. If it is Doxycycline Hyclate 20 mg, the recommended time frame is to be used for a maximum of 9-12 months.
   
   The most popular acne medication that comes to my mind is Oracea (Doxycycline, USP), which is used for pimples that are a result from a skin disorder called Rosacea.
   
   DRUG/DRUG or DRUG/FOOD INTERACTIONS
   1. Iron pills and products impair the absorption of Doxycycline, decreasing its efficacy.
   2. When used simultaneously with a bactericidal antibiotic, it may interfere with the bactericidal action.
   3. Taking Barbiturates, Carbamazepine, and/or Phenytoin decreases the half-life (the time required for the plasma concentration of a drug to decrease by 50% after stop taking it) of Doxycycline.
   4. Any Tetracycline used with Digoxin (a heart medication) may cause digoxin toxicity.
   5. Taking it together with Theophylline may increase GI distress.
   6. Together with anticoagulants (blood thinners such as Coumadin) decreases plasma prothrombin time, which may require a lower dose of anticoagulant.
   7. Taken together with oral contraceptives, it may decrease the efficacy of oral contraceptives.
   8. If Doxycycline Hyclate 20 mg is taken with a high fat or high protein diet, including dairy products, results in a decreased rate of absorption and delayed maximum concentration. So it's best to be taken at least 1 hour before a meal or 2 hours after a meal.
   
   
   CONTRAINDICATIONS
   ----Anybody with hypersensitivity or allergy to all Tetracycline medications cannot take Doxycycline, including Minocycline.
   ----Cannot be administered to children under the age of 8, nursing and pregnant women.
   ----May cause permenant discoloration of permenant teeth in children. Any time during the stage of tooth development, from the last half of pregnancy to infancy to childhood up 'til age 8, may result in teeth discoloration.
   ----Children taking ANY form of Tetracycline class medications definitely does result in a decrease in fibula (the outer, thinner of the 2 bones of the leg, extending from the knee to the ankle) growth rate in infants given oral Tetracycline in doses of 25 mg/kg every 6 hours.
   ----Like meds of the same Tetracycline family, taking Doxycycline may also increase one's sun sensitivity. So apply sunscreen and/or use proper precautions in during outdoor activities.
   ----If patients have renal impairment, taking Doxycycline may lead to excessive accumulation of the drug and possible liver toxicity.

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2. Guest3019
   

   Will doxycycline hyclate 100mg get rid of a sinus infection?

   
   

    

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3. Guest2622
   

   Doxycycline, works really fast on infections, but its advice able to complete the full course of Doxycycline, as instructed by your physician. Because if you stop the medicine, in midst of the treatment, symptoms of the infection, are likely to return back.

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