Doxycycline For Sinusitis

Doxycycline – Fast Relief For Bacterial Sinus Infections

How does doxycycline work for a sinus infection?

Doxycycline is an antibiotic from the tetracycline group of medicines. It treats bacterial sinus infections by stopping the bacteria responsible from producing the proteins they need to grow and multiply. Without these proteins, the bacteria die off, and your immune system can clear the infection.

Sinusitis is inflammation of the sinuses, the air-filled spaces behind your forehead, cheeks and nose. Most cases are caused by viruses and clear up on their own within 2 to 3 weeks. When a bacterial infection takes hold or symptoms last longer, an antibiotic like doxycycline can help clear the infection, reduce inflammation in the sinuses and ease symptoms such as facial pressure, blocked nose, thick discharge and headache.

Doxycycline doesn’t work on viral infections, so it isn’t suitable for sinusitis caused by a cold or flu virus.

When would I need doxycycline for a sinus infection?

Doxycycline 100mg capsules are used to treat acute sinusitis caused by bacteria in adults and adolescents aged 12 and over. Your prescriber may recommend it if your sinus infection is likely caused by bacteria, which is suggested by:

• Symptoms lasting more than 10 days without improving
• Symptoms that get better and then suddenly worsen
• Thick yellow or green nasal discharge
• Severe facial pain or pressure
• A high temperature

If symptoms are mild or have only just started, antibiotics usually aren’t needed. Self-care measures like steam inhalation, saline nasal sprays and over-the-counter painkillers may be enough to ease symptoms while the infection clears.

Other Uses for Doxycycline

Doxycycline treats a wide range of bacterial infections beyond sinusitis. We also stock it for:

• Acne for moderate to severe inflammatory acne
• Chlamydia as a first-line treatment for the infection
• Malaria prevention when travelling to malarial areas

Dosing and treatment length differ for each condition, so always follow the specific instructions you’ve been given.

Who can use doxycycline for sinus infections?

Doxycycline is suitable for most adults and adolescents aged 12 and over who have a bacterial sinus infection. It’s often prescribed to people with an allergy to penicillin or who can’t tolerate amoxicillin, which is usually the first-choice antibiotic for sinusitis.

However, doxycycline isn’t suitable for everyone. You shouldn’t take doxycycline if you:

• Are allergic to doxycycline, any other tetracycline antibiotic or any of the ingredients in the capsules
• Are pregnant or trying to become pregnant
• Are breastfeeding
• Are under 12 years old (doxycycline can affect tooth development in children)

Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking doxycycline if you:

• Have kidney or liver problems
• Have myasthenia gravis (a condition that causes muscle weakness)
• Have systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), an autoimmune condition
• Have porphyria (a rare blood disorder)
• Are likely to be exposed to strong sunlight or UV light
• Have problems with your stomach or intestines, or often get diarrhoea when taking antibiotics
• Are taking oral retinoids for acne
• Have inflammation of the oesophagus (gullet)

How to Take Doxycycline for Sinus Infections

A course of doxycycline for a bacterial sinus infection typically lasts five to seven days. The usual dose is 200mg (2 capsules) on the first day, then 100mg (1 capsule) once daily for the rest of your prescribed course. Always follow the dosage your prescriber has given you.

1. Swallow your capsule whole with a full glass of water, while sitting or standing upright.
2. Take your dose at roughly the same time each day.
3. Don’t lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking your capsule. This helps prevent irritation of your throat or oesophagus.

You can take doxycycline with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, taking it with food or milk may help.

Complete the full course even if you start to feel better before you finish. Stopping early can mean the infection isn’t fully cleared and may come back.

Avoid taking antacids containing calcium, aluminium or magnesium, iron supplements, zinc or bismuth at the same time as doxycycline, as these can stop the antibiotic working properly. Leave at least 2 hours between these products and your doxycycline capsule.

Alcohol can reduce the effectiveness of doxycycline, so it’s best avoided during treatment.

Side Effects of Doxycycline

Doxycycline is generally well tolerated, but, like all medicines, it can cause side effects, though not everyone experiences them. Most are mild and often settle as your body gets used to the medicine.

Common Side Effects

These may affect up to 1 in 10 people:

• Feeling or being sick
• Worsening of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
• Pericarditis (inflammation affecting the heart)

Uncommon Side Effects

These may affect up to 1 in 100 people:

• Heartburn
• Vaginal infections such as thrush

Rare Side Effects

These may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people:

• Anxiety
• Sore tongue or mouth, difficulty swallowing
• Skin flushing or darker patches on the skin
• Ringing in the ears
• Soreness or itching around the genital or rectal area
• Headache, sometimes with vision changes
• Liver inflammation, jaundice or abnormal liver function tests
• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)

Serious Side Effects

Stop taking doxycycline and see a doctor or go to A&E straight away if you experience:

• Sudden wheezing, difficulty breathing, chest pain, fever or swelling of the face, lips or eyelids (signs of a severe allergic reaction)
• Severe, persistent or bloody diarrhoea (this may occur up to 2 to 3 months after your last dose)
• Severe headache with blurred or double vision, or loss of vision
• Widespread blistering of the skin, mouth, eyes or genitals
• Yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes (jaundice)

Doxycycline can also make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Stop taking it and tell your doctor if you develop a rash, itching, redness or severe sunburn after sun exposure.

If you notice any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme.

Warnings and Precautions

• Avoid strong sunlight and sunbeds while taking doxycycline. Use a high-factor sunscreen and cover up if you’re going to be outside.
• Doxycycline may reduce the effectiveness of the contraceptive pill. Use additional contraception during treatment and for 7 days after finishing your course.
• Tell your doctor or pharmacist about any other medicines you’re taking, especially penicillin, blood thinners such as warfarin, epilepsy treatments (carbamazepine, phenytoin or barbiturates) or oral retinoids.
• Let your doctor or dentist know you’re taking doxycycline before any procedure that needs an anaesthetic, as your dose may need to be adjusted.
• Contact your doctor immediately if you develop severe, prolonged or bloody diarrhoea during or after treatment, as this can be a sign of bowel inflammation.
• Long-term use of doxycycline can occasionally lead to other infections that the antibiotic can’t treat. Speak to your doctor if you develop new symptoms during treatment.
• Doxycycline can affect the results of urine tests. Let your healthcare provider know you’re taking it if you need any tests done.