The Side Effects of Doxycycline

Doxycycline is a tetracycline antibiotic prescribed to treat certain types of bacterial infections, including Rocky Mountain spotted fever, respiratory tract infections, typhus, cholera and severe acne. It can also be used to slow the progression of anthrax after someone how been exposed to it. Many doctors prescribe a course of doxycycline to be taken once or twice a day for one or two weeks, depending on the infection it is treating. Doxycycline works by slowing the growth on bacteria in the body, which then lets the immune system fight a bacterial infection.

Gastrointestinal Side Effects

• Some people taking doxycycline will notice their appetite decreases or they develop mild nausea and vomiting. These conditions are no cause for concern. But if you notice severe diarrhea, bloody stools or severe stomach pain or cramps while taking doxycycline, notify your doctor.

Neurological Symptoms

• Doxycycline can cause some people to become more sensitive to sunlight, but this is no cause for concern. If you begin experiencing chronic or persistent headaches, vision changes or unusual and unexplained fatigue, inform your doctor because these side effects could be a sign of a potential complication.

Illness Side Effects

• Some side effects of doxycycline mimic the symptoms of common illnesses such as a cold or the flu. If you have a fever or chills, or a persistent sore throat or irritation not related to illness, contact your doctor. These side effects could signify a problem that might require treatment.

Urine Changes

• Experiencing a marked decrease in urine production and output not related to fluid intake could be a sign of a problem. Similarly, if you notice your urine has become darker since starting a cycle of doxycycline, contact your doctor.

Other Serious Side Effects

• Other potential side effects of doxycycline that should be reported to your doctor include severe sunburn, difficulty swallowing, yellowing of the whites of the eyes or the skin, unexplained joint pain, bleeding or bruising, unusual vaginal discharge and chest pain.