Doxycycline for Sinus Infection
Your sinuses are small cavities located behind your facial structure (in the eyebrow, cheekbone, forehead and nasal areas). Sinus infections (also commonly referred to as sinusitis) are often mistaken for a bad cold since many of the symptoms are similar: facial pain, nasal congestion, headache and runny nose. Sinus infections, however, are frequently the result of a bacterial infection which may require the use of an antibiotic like doxycycline to treat.
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Indications
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Doxycycline belongs to a group of antibiotics which has been in use for more than 40 years. It is a powerful tetracycline antibiotic which can be used to combat a wide range of bacterial infections. It works in your body by halting bacteria and preventing further replication. This slows bacteria from growing in your body, eradicating sinus infections.
Doxycycline also is effective in combating cholera, sexually transmitted diseases (like chlamydia or syphilis), bird flu, pelvic inflammatory disease, streptococcal throat infections, E. coli infections, bronchitis, prostatitis, Lyme disease, plague, brucellosis, typhus, Q fever, bartonellosis, urinary tract infections, eye infections and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
Contraindications
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Talk to your doctor about any history of allergic reactions that you may have. If you have had a reaction to medications like minocycline, tetracycline or demeclocycline you should not take this medication.
This medication could pose a risk of harming your unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Do not use this medication if you are breast feeding as it can pass into breast milk.
Doxycycline may inhibit the efficacy of birth control pills. Always use a backup form of birth control (like condoms) to prevent an unplanned pregnancy.
If you have a history of liver or kidney disease you may need special dosing instructions.
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Side Effects
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Side effects of doxycycline include difficulty swallowing, sores in the genital or rectal area, nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, swelling of the tongue, white patches inside the mouth, vaginal discharge/itching and sores on the lips.
Serious side effects include allergic reactions (characterized by hives, facial swelling, swelling of the throat, breathing problems and rash), fever, flu-like symptoms, chills, severe headache, blurry vision, diminished appetite, darkly colored urine, confusion, severe upper abdominal pain, rapid heart beat, weakness, easy bleeding or bruising, severe blistering of the skin, peeling skin, body aches and diminished frequency of urination. If you experience any of these side effects, call your health professional immediately.
How to Take Doxycycline
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Take this medication in accordance with your doctor's instructions (located on the label of your prescription). You should take the medicine with 8 oz. of water and avoid taking it with any dairy products which could inhibit your body's ability to absorb the medication.
Be sure to take this medication for the full length of time that your doctor has indicated. You may begin to feel better before your infection is completely eradicated.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. If it is nearly time for your next dosage, skip the one that you've missed and resume your normal schedule. Do not take any extra medication to compensate for the dose that you missed.
Drug Interactions
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Certain drugs may interact with doxycycline. Tell your doctor about all medications (including over the counter, herbal supplements and vitamins) that you are taking to avoid adverse reactions. Drugs that may affect doxycycline include tretinoin, isotretinoin, cholesterol medications, antacids, certain minerals (iron, magnesium, calcium, zinc and some vitamin blends), blood thinner and penicillin.
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