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NetWellness provides the highest quality health information and education services created and evaluated by faculty of our partner universities.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
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NetWellness provides the highest quality health information and education services created and evaluated by faculty of our partner universities.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
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Pharmacy and Medications |
Doxycycline for Ocular Rosacea08/03/2005 04:34PM |
My opthamologist put me on doxycycline for 6 weeks because I have ocular rosacea. He said I might need to take this medicine a few times a year to control the infection. Is it safe to take that much doxycline a year? Thank you.
Doxycycline is one of the most common and most effective treatments for symptoms associated with ocular rosacea. Tetracycline and minocycline are suitable alternatives. These medications may reduce the likelihood of rosasea-related infections but also reduce the other ocular symptoms associated with the disease. Some of the beneficial effect appears to be related to thinning glandular secretions in the eye and protecting the cornea from inflammation and perforation. Doses of doxycycline given to treat ocular rosacea are generally lower than doses given to treat infections. Physicians may choose to give doxycycline when symptoms occur and stop the drug when symptoms resolve or they may opt to continue the drug indefinitely at a lower dose to prevent relapse of symptoms.Doxycycline is a relatively safe drug. However, as with any medication side effects may occur. Possible side effects associated with short-term use include: upset stomach, diarrhea, allergic reaction/rash, and sensitivity to sunlight (photosensitivity).
Avoid excessive sun exposure and use appropriate sunscreens when you must be out in the sun. A pharmacist who knows you can advise you about appropriate sunscreen choices.
Long-term use of doxycycline may affect the bacteria that normally exist in the body. For instance, doxycycline may change the bacteria in the GI tract, producing diarrhea. In addition, it may change the normal vaginal bacteria and mouth bacteria, leading to a vaginal or oral yeast infection (thrush). Diarrhea, yeast infections, and oral thrush are common side effects associated with broad spectrum antibiotic therapy and are usually relatively easy to manage. If side effects become bothersome, talk to your physician about possible treatment alternatives. As always, it is important to discuss any concerns about medication therapy with your physician who can answer any questions you may have.
This response was prepared by Lauren Barton, a PharmD candidate at the University of Cincinnati College of Pharmacy
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Robert James Goetz, PharmD, DABAT Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice Drug and Poison Information Center Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center University of Cincinnati |
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