- Class
- Tetracyclines
- Body system
- Anti-infectives
- Brand names
- Vibramycin, Doryx, Acticlate
What is Doxycycline used for?
- Respiratory infections
- Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever
- Acne
- Chlamydia
- Malaria prevention
How Doxycycline works
Tetracycline: binds the bacterial 30S ribosome and blocks protein synthesis.
Common side effects
- Nausea
- Photosensitivity
- Esophageal irritation and ulcers
- Tooth discoloration in young children
Report right away
- Painful swallowing or chest pain after a dose
- Severe sunburn
- Severe or watery diarrhea, even weeks after finishing (C. difficile infection)
- Severe headache or vision changes
Nursing considerations for Doxycycline
- Generally avoided in pregnancy and in children under 8, except for specific serious infections such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
- Separate from antacids, calcium, iron, magnesium and bismuth.
Patient teaching
- Take with a full glass of water and stay upright for at least 30 minutes; do not take it right before bed.
- Use sunscreen and protective clothing.
- It can be taken with food if it upsets the stomach.
This card does not list doses. Use the prescriber's order, the product label and a current drug reference for dosing, and follow your facility's policies.
Tetracyclines practice questions
NCLEX-style questions on the class Doxycycline belongs to.
3 questions. Choose an answer to see the rationale.
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Why is doxycycline generally avoided in children younger than 8?
Show answer
Answer A: It can permanently discolor developing teeth Tetracyclines bind calcium in developing teeth and bone. Exceptions exist for serious infections such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
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What instruction prevents esophageal injury from doxycycline?
Show answer
Answer D: Take it with a full glass of water and stay upright for 30 minutes Tablets that lodge in the esophagus can cause ulcers.
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Which teaching applies to most tetracyclines?
Show answer
Answer C: Avoid sun exposure and use sunscreen Tetracyclines cause photosensitivity; sun protection prevents severe sunburn.
Frequently asked questions
What is Doxycycline used for?
Respiratory infections; Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever; Acne; Chlamydia.
What drug class is Doxycycline?
Doxycycline belongs to the class tetracyclines. Tetracycline: binds the bacterial 30S ribosome and blocks protein synthesis.
What are the nursing considerations for Doxycycline?
Generally avoided in pregnancy and in children under 8, except for specific serious infections such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Separate from antacids, calcium, iron, magnesium and bismuth.
What should patients report while taking Doxycycline?
painful swallowing or chest pain after a dose; severe sunburn; severe or watery diarrhea, even weeks after finishing (C. difficile infection); severe headache or vision changes.