Doxycycline is a tetracycline antibiotic that fights infection-causing bacteria in the body. It is used for many different types of infections, including sinus infections, or sinusitis in severe cases. While taking doxycycline for a sinus infection may help clear the infection faster, the medication can cause side effects and might interact with other drugs and supplements.
In most countries, doxycycline requires a prescription from a doctor. When using doxycycline for a sinus infection, patients typically take 100 to 200 mg per day for seven to 10 days to help fight the infection. It’s important for patients to take every dose exactly as recommended, even if they feel better before taking the full course of the medication. This helps prevent the infection from recurring. Both children over the age of eight and adults can take doxycycline, though a child’s dose is typically lower than an adult’s and is based on weight.
While most sinus infections will clear on their own, people who have severe or chronic infections may need an antibiotic to get well. Doxycycline is typically only given to sinusitis patients who have been having symptoms for several days with worsening or no improvement in symptoms. Some people worry that the overuse of antibiotics will lead to medication-resistant bacteria and infections. This is a large part of the reason doxycycline requires a prescription from a doctor who has examine the patient and determined that an antibiotic is needed in many countries.
Like all medications, doxycycline can cause side effects in some people. The medication is safe for most people, and most side effects are not severe. Common side effects include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Severe side effects are rare and include severe headaches, difficulty swallowing, severe headaches, and vision changes. Patients experiencing these side effects should stop taking doxycycline and contact their healthcare providers to determine whether they should continue taking the medication.
Other medications and some vitamins and minerals may interact with antibiotics. Patients taking doxycycline for a sinus infection should tell their doctors about all supplements and medications they currently take to prevent a potentially dangerous interaction. Common drugs that may interact with doxycycline include blood thinners, penicillin or penicillin-based antibiotics, cholesterol medications, isotretinoin, and tretinoin.
Supplements that contain calcium or iron may make doxycycline less effective. Any antacids, vitamins, or supplements that contain calcium or iron should be taken several hours before taking doxycycline to prevent them from interfering with the medication. Laxatives that contain magnesium may also lower the effectiveness of doxycycline.
Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should not take doxycycline for a sinus infection, as it can cause harm to the fetus or baby. Doxycycline may make oral birth control pills less effective. Women who take oral contraceptives should abstain from sexual intercourse or use another method of birth control while taking doxycycline.
How Long Before Doxycycline Begins to Work on a Sinus Infection?
Doxycycline works by killing bacteria or preventing their growth. The sinus cavities are more challenging to reach. Even with a potent aid like Doxycycline, it can take up to three days before the patient starts to feel any relief.
Advantages of Using Doxycycline
The main advantages of using Doxycycline for a sinus infection are:
Broad-Spectrum Care of Infections
Doxycycline works for a variety of bacterial infections, including those affecting the sinuses, skin, urinary tract, and lungs.
Potent Enough To Treat Deadly Infections
Doxycycline is a very effective antibiotic. It works effortlessly in curing difficult-to-treat infections such as MRSA.
Convenient Forms For Consumption
Doxycycline comes in several forms based on what the practitioner recommends and the patient's preference. For instance, it comes in a capsule, liquid, or delayed-release tablet.
Disadvantages of Taking Doxycycline
Here are some of the most prominent disadvantages of Doxycycline use.
Constant Price Hikes
Even though Doxycycline is a generic drug, studies show it has been subject to price hikes. These hikes occur as a result of shortages in the active ingredient as well as other cost-driving forces in the market.
Too Many Risks to Unborn Children
Studies on pregnant animals have shown that Doxycycline can cause harm to a developing fetus. In fact, it causes transient suppression in bone growth in fetuses. Doxycycline is a category D drug, meaning there is positive evidence of adverse human fetal risk based on reaction data from investigational or marketing experience.
At the same time, pregnant mothers may still opt to use it to achieve even a little bit of relief from recurrent sinus infections. For this reason, physicians don't advise it for use in pregnant women or women who are breastfeeding.
Dairy Interactions Impact Doxycycline Effectiveness
Dairy products like yogurt, milk, and cheese can negatively affect doxycycline absorption. Antibiotics bind to the calcium, which creates a substance that cannot be absorbed. Therefore, taking Doxycycline 2 hours before or 4 hours after taking calcium-containing products.
Doxycycline Use And Sun Sensitivity
Doxycycline can cause photosensitivity (a heightened sensitivity to sunlight). Patients may experience sunburn more quickly, so using sunscreen and limiting exposure to direct sunlight while taking this medication is essential.
Doxycycline Can Onset Liver Damage
Doxycycline can cause liver damage. Patients with liver disease shouldn't use it. Liver enzymes need regular monitoring. Patients should stop taking Doxycycline and contact their healthcare provider immediately if they develop yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or abnormal liver function tests.
Doxycycline vs. Amoxicillin: Which is Better?
When it comes to antibiotics, there are a variety of options to choose from. However, two of the most common options are Doxycycline and Amoxicillin. So, which is better for a sinus infection?
Doxycycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that is effective against various bacteria, including those that cause sinus infections. Amoxicillin is also an effective antibiotic, but it is narrower in scope and may not be as effective against certain types of bacteria.
Another difference between these two antibiotics is Doxycycline can cause sun sensitivity while Amoxicillin does not. Additionally, Doxycycline may not be suitable for pregnant women or those who are breastfeeding, whereas Amoxicillin is considered safe for use in these populations.
What Happens if My Doctor Tells Me to Stop Taking Doxycycline?
If you have symptoms such as loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, difficulty swallowing, and even vision changes and your doctor tells you to stop taking your Doxycycline, follow their specific instructions.
These are all indicative of an allergic reaction. From here, your practitioner will work with you to find other treatment options that may work better for you.
What if I Get Recurring Sinus Infections and Doxycycline Works Best?
If you find that you are getting recurring sinus infections and Doxycycline works best for you, your doctor may prescribe a more extended stint of treatment or a higher dose to help prevent the infection from returning.
They may also advise other lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking and the use of a humidifier to help reduce the risk of recurrent sinus infections.
Keep in mind that Doxycycline can help manage and cure the infection. It doesn't treat the factors that cause the condition.
