Doryx Side Effects

Doryx Side Effects
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Doryx (doxycline) is a prescription tetracycline medication used to treat certain bacterial infections in the body. It can be used to protect against or treat anthrax-related infection. This medication is administered orally by either tablet or suspension, and should be taken with food and a full glass of water. Discuss potential Doryx side effects with your doctor before you begin taking this medication.

Nausea

Treatment with Doryx can cause you to experience nausea. Symptoms of nausea can be unpleasant and may become worse during motion activities such as riding in a car. You can also experience stomach discomfort or vomiting in conjunction with side effects of nausea while taking Doryx. Some patients can also develop a sore or irritated throat due to Doryx use. Speak with your primary care physician immediately if you develop difficulty swallowing or severe stomach pain while taking this medication.

Diarrhea

While taking Doryx, you can experience frequent, urgent bowel movements that produce watery or loose stools (diarrhea), according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Such side effects can also be accompanied by abdominal pain, bloating or cramping. Diarrhea increases the amount of fluid you excrete and can cause dehydration to occur in certain people. To avoid developing symptoms of dehydration, such as headache or dizziness, during use of this medication, be sure to drink at least 8 glasses of water or fluid throughout the day. If side effects of diarrhea or stomach cramping persist, contact your doctor for further evaluation and care.

Sunlight Sensitivity

During treatment with Doryx, your skin can become abnormally sensitive to sunlight. If this occurs, you may be at an increased risk of developing sunburn when exposed to sunlight. Symptoms of sunburn include red, irritated skin that develops a burning or painful sensation---especially when touched. Skin affected by sunburn can also become dry or flaky and can begin to peel. While using Doryx, limit your exposure to sunlight and be sure to apply sunscreen to your skin before spending time outdoors.

Liver Damage

Doryx treatment can cause liver damage in some patients, warns the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Contact your doctor immediately if you notice abnormal yellowing of your eyes or skin (jaundice) or experience persistent stomach pain while taking this medication.

Vaginal Yeast Infection

Women who take Doryx may be at an increased risk of developing a vaginal yeast infection as a side effect of this medication. Doryx is an antibiotic that can indiscriminately kill the bacteria that occur naturally within a woman's vagina. If this happens, a woman can develop symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection including vaginal itching or irritation or abnormal vaginal discharge. Seek additional care from your gynecologist or doctor if you develop vaginal side effects during Doryx treatment.

References

Article reviewed by Libby Swope Wiersema Last updated on: Mar 9, 2010

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