Taking doxycycline for sinus infection: What to expect

Doxycycline is an antibiotic in the tetracycline family used to treat acute bacterial sinus infections in people allergic to penicillin. It is also commonly used to treat acne, skin infections (such as cellulitis), and some sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

For people who are allergic to penicillin antibiotics, doxycycline is sometimes prescribed as an alternative to amoxicillin (another antibiotic used for sinus infections).

This article will discuss the role of doxycycline as an antibiotic in treating sinus infections, how it works, and what to expect when taking doxycycline to treat a sinus infection.

How does doxycycline treat sinus infections?

Doxycycline prevents the bacteria from producing proteins needed for replication, thereby preventing the bacteria from multiplying further. Doxycycline does not kill bacteria; it is considered bacteriostatic, meaning it inhibits the growth of bacteria.

However, doxycycline and other antibiotics are only suitable for bacterial sinus infections. They do not treat viral infections.

How to Take Doxycycline for Sinus Infection

Doxycycline to treat sinusitis is usually 100 milligrams (mg) taken twice daily for 5 to 7 days. Alternatively, take 200 mg daily.

Some formulations of doxycycline are best taken on an empty stomach, while other formulations can be taken with or without food. Ask your pharmacist about the specific formula you received at the pharmacy. If taking doxycycline causes stomach irritation, you can try taking it with food or milk to prevent this.

Be sure to swallow the capsule or tablet with plenty of water to ensure it does not remain in the esophagus, which may cause irritation.

How long does it take for doxycycline to work?

Three to five days after starting doxycycline, symptoms of acute sinusitis should begin to improve.

To clear the infection, take doxycycline for the entire prescribed time, usually five to seven days. Even if you start to feel better, it is important to continue taking your medication. Stopping antibiotic treatment early may lead to antibiotic resistance, and the infection may return.

What side effects should I expect?

Like other antibiotics, doxycycline can sometimes cause side effects. However, it is generally considered well tolerated by most people.

Side effects of doxycycline may include:

• Photosensitivity: Doxycycline can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. While taking this antibiotic, avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and cover your skin from the sun by applying sunscreen and protective clothing.
• diarrhea: Diarrhea is a common side effect of antibiotics and usually goes away after the antibiotics are used up. If diarrhea is severe, persistent, or bloody, call your health care provider.
• Other gastrointestinal-related problems, such as stomach upset and nausea/vomiting

Serious side effects of doxycycline may include:

• severe allergic skin reaction: Doxycycline can sometimes cause skin reactions that may be life-threatening in severe cases. If you notice a sudden allergic skin reaction, stop taking doxycycline and seek care from your healthcare provider immediately.
• Clostridium difficile diarrhea: Clostridium difficile Diarrhea may occur within two months of taking antibiotics. If you have diarrhea that is very watery or bloody, see a health care provider for evaluation.
• Intracranial hypertension (pseudotumor cerebri): Doxycycline has been associated with increased intracranial pressure. Symptoms include headache, blurred vision, double vision, or vision loss. If you develop visual disturbances while taking doxycycline, get an eye evaluation immediately.

Precautions

Doxycycline should not be taken during pregnancy because it can harm the fetus.

Because doxycycline can cause permanent tooth discoloration during developing teeth, it should not be used in children 8 years of age and younger unless the benefits outweigh the risks (eg, to treat anthrax, Rocky Mountain spotted fever).

Alternative Treatments for Sinus Infection

For people who are not allergic to penicillin, the first-line antibiotics typically chosen to treat bacterial sinus infections are amoxicillin (amoxicillin) or Augmentin (amoxicillin-clavulanic acid).

For people with a penicillin allergy, another antibiotic option besides doxycycline is a respiratory fluoroquinolone, such as levofloxacin or Avelox (moxifloxacin).

Over-the-counter (OTC) products can help relieve symptoms. These can include:

generalize

Doxycycline is a tetracycline antibiotic used to treat acute bacterial sinusitis. It is often the treatment of choice for people who cannot take penicillin. It usually takes five to seven days and is tolerated by most people with minimal side effects.

You should start to feel better within three to five days after starting doxycycline; if you feel sick or your symptoms worsen, this may mean that a virus or drug-resistant bacteria are causing your sinus infection. You should return to your health care provider for re-evaluation.