Doxycycline is a tetracycline antibiotic prescribed to treat certain types of of bacterial infections, such as sexually-transmitted or respiratory tract infections. This medication works by destroying bacteria and preventing these pathogens from spreading through the body. If used inappropriately, doxycycline can increase a patient's risk of developing drug-resistant bacteria within the body. Patients should discuss doxycline therapy side effects with a pharmacist or physician prior to the onset of treatment.
Unusual Swelling
Treatment with this antibiotic can cause unusual swelling of the face, mouth or limbs, explains PDRHealth, a medical information website established by the publishers of the Physicians' Desktop Reference. This side effect, which is also referred to as angioedema, can contribute to sensations of pain within the chest or difficulty swallowing. Severe or persistent swelling should be reported to a doctor immediately to ensure affected patients receive appropriate treatment and care.
Stomach Upset
Stomach-related side effects can arise in certain patients during treatment with doxycycline. These stomach upset symptoms are typically mild and can include nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, explains Drugs.com, a peer-reviewed drug information website for consumers. Patients who develop unusual stomach pain, decreased appetite or flu-like symptoms, such as fever, should seek immediate medical care as these side effects can indicate a severe reaction to doxycycline.
Increased Sensitivity to Sunlight
Patients taking tetracyline medications, such as doxycycline, can develop increased sunlight sensitivity as a side effect of treatment, warn medical professionals at the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore. This side effect can increase a patient's risk of developing sunburn when unprotected skin is exposed to sunlight. While receiving treatment with this antibiotic, patients should protect their skin with sunscreen before spending time outdoors.
Tooth Discoloration
Certain patients--especially children receiving long-term treatment with doxycycline--can develop permanent tooth discoloration as a side effect of this medication, explains PDRHealth. Parents should discuss this potential side effect thoroughly with a doctor before giving a child this medication.
Yeast Infection
Genital or oral yeast infection symptoms may arise in certain patients following treatment with doxycycline. This antibiotics works by killing both pathogenic and naturally-occurring bacteria in the body and can disrupt the body's normal balance of microbes. As a result, the body can overproduce a particular type of fungus. If this occurs, affected patients can develop genital or oral yeast infection symptoms. These yeast infection side effects can include fuzzy, oral skin lesions; sore throat; intense genital itching; or thick, white genital discharge, reports Drugs.com. Patients who exhibit these side effects after taking doxycycline should seek further care from a medical professional. Additional antifungal medication may be required to resolve yeast infection symptoms in affected patients.
