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Doxycycline Treatment for Mycoplasma

Mycoplasma pneumoniae causes mycoplasma, a type of bacterial pneumonia. According to the National Institutes of Health, this form of pneumonia constitutes up to 50 percent of all pneumonia cases in adults and perhaps even more cases in school-aged children. Doxycycline is an antibiotic treatment used to combat mycoplasma pneumonia.

  1. Doxycycline Treatment

    • Doxycycline is also marketed as Vibramycin and is used to treat infections caused by mycoplasma. The drug works by inhibiting protein synthesis of the organism, destroying it and preventing its proliferation.

    Interactions and Contraindications

    • Drug interactions include increased toxicity when administered in conjunction with theophylline, warfarin and digoxin. When co-administered with cyclosporine, there is an increased incidence of nephrotoxicity (damage to the kidneys) and neurotoxicity (damage to the nervous system). The use of doxycycline is contraindicated with pimozide (marketed as Orap), an antipsychotic drug. In addition, antacids that contains aluminum and magnesium may decrease the antibiotic's effectiveness.

    Side Effects and Warnings

    • Side effects can include hypersensitivity and liver impairment. Other precautions include site reactions with intravenous administration, fungal and bacterial overgrowth with prolonged use of doxycycline, increased liver enzymes, and cholestatic jaundice.

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