DOXIMAR CAPSULES
DOXYCYCLIN HCL
What it does
Doxycycline is an antibiotic that helps treat various infections by stopping the growth of bacteria.
Commonly used for: bacterial infections, acne, respiratory infections, urinary tract infections …
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Source: Pharmacy and Poisons Board · fetched 2026-01-28 20:03:52 · updated 2026-08-03 03:13:09
About this medicine
Doxycycline is an antibiotic that helps treat various infections by stopping the growth of bacteria.
What it treats
- bacterial infections
- acne
- respiratory infections
- urinary tract infections
- tick-borne diseases (like Lyme disease)
How it works
It works by preventing bacteria from producing proteins they need to grow and multiply.
Who it's for
Doxycycline is for adults and children who need treatment for certain bacterial infections.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: doxycyclin
BNF-referencedDoxycycline is a broad-spectrum tetracycline antibiotic used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. It works by inhibiting protein synthesis in bacteria, leading to their growth inhibition and eventual death. Doxycycline is effective against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, as well as atypical pathogens.
Indications
- Respiratory tract infections
- Skin infections
- Acne
- Sexually transmitted infections
- Urinary tract infections
- Periodontal disease
- Preventing malaria
- Anthrax
- Rickettsial infections
Dosage
Children: Refer to the BNF for Children for specific dosing guidance.
Adults: Refer to the BNF for specific dosing guidance.
Mechanism of action
Doxycycline exerts its antibacterial effects by binding to the 30S ribosomal subunit of bacterial ribosomes. This binding interferes with the attachment of aminoacyl-tRNA to the mRNA-ribosome complex, thereby inhibiting protein synthesis. This mechanism is effective against a wide range of microorganisms.
Pharmacodynamics
The pharmacodynamics of doxycycline include its bacteriostatic action, which inhibits the growth and reproduction of bacteria. Its activity is concentration-dependent, and it maintains efficacy against resistant strains through its unique mechanism of action. Doxycycline also has anti-inflammatory properties, which may be beneficial in treating certain conditions beyond infections.
Pharmacokinetics
Doxycycline is well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and reaches peak plasma concentrations within 2 to 4 hours post-administration. It is approximately 90-100% bioavailable when taken orally. The drug has a volume of distribution of about 0.7 L/kg and is highly protein-bound (approximately 90-93%). Doxycycline is metabolized in the liver and has a half-life of about 18-22 hours, allowing for once or twice daily dosing. It is excreted primarily in the urine, both as unchanged drug and metabolites.
Interactions
- fosphenytoin + doxycycline: Moderate (decreases concentration)
- rifampicin + doxycycline: Moderate (decreases exposure)
- doxycycline + ciclosporin: Unknown (increases concentration)
Pregnancy
Doxycycline is contraindicated during pregnancy due to the risk of permanent discoloration of teeth and potential effects on fetal bone development.
Breast-feeding
Doxycycline is excreted in breast milk and may affect the infant's teeth and bones; caution is advised.
Storage
Store at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Formulations
- Capsules
- Tablets
- Oral Solution
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.
Molecular reference: doxycyclin
PubChem CID 54671203Molecular formula: C22H24N2O8
Biological pathways
Source: PubChem (NCBI) · pathways from PathBank, Reactome, WikiPathways & PharmGKB.