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Principais conclusões
- Doxycycline is a well-tolerated antibiotic that is commonly prescribed to treat acute bacterial sinusitis in persons with a penicillin allergy.
- Children under 8 and persons who are pregnant should avoid this medication, as it can interfere with the normal development of teeth and bones.
Doxycycline is an antibiotic in the tetracycline family used to treat acute bacterial sinus infections 0 in people allergic to penicillin. Although it is generally well-tolerated, it can cause side effects like upset stomach and photosensitivity.
How Does Doxycycline Work for a Sinus Infection?
Doxycycline blocks bacteria from producing proteins needed to replicate, thereby preventing bacteria from multiplying further. Doxycycline does not kill bacteria; it is considered bacteriostatic, meaning that it suppresses the growth of bacteria.
No entanto, a doxiciclina e outros antibióticos só funcionam para infecções bacterianas dos seios da face. Eles não tratarão infecções virais.
How to Take Doxycycline for a Sinus Infection
Doxycycline for sinusitis is usually prescribed as 100 milligrams (mg) twice daily for five to seven days. Alternatively, it can be taken at 200 milligrams once a day.
Some formulations of doxycycline are best taken on an empty stomach, while others can be taken with or without food. Ask your pharmacist about the specific formulation you are receiving at the pharmacy. If taking doxycycline irritates your stomach, you can try taking it with food or milk to prevent this.
Certifique-se de engolir a cápsula ou comprimido com bastante água para garantir que não permaneça no esôfago, onde pode causar irritação.
How Long Does Doxycycline Take to Work?
Symptoms of acute sinusitis should begin to improve three to five days after starting doxycycline.
To clear the infection, take doxycycline for the entire prescribed duration, usually five to seven days. It’s important to continue to take your medication even if you begin to feel better. Stopping your antibiotic regimen early can contribute to antibiotic resistance, and your infection could return.
What Side Effects Should I Expect?
Like other antibiotics, doxycycline can sometimes cause side effects. However, it is generally considered well tolerated among most people.
Side effects of doxycycline may include:
- Photosensitivity: Doxycycline can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, and wear sunscreen and protective clothing to cover your skin in the sun while taking this antibiotic.
- Diarréia: Diarrhea is a common side effect of antibiotics that usually clears once antibiotics are finished. Call your healthcare provider if the diarrhea is severe, does not stop, or is bloody.
- Other gastrointestinal-related issues, like stomach upset and nausea/vomiting
Serious side effects of doxycycline may include:
- Severe allergic skin reaction: Doxycycline can sometimes cause skin reactions that can progress to severe and life-threatening. If you notice a sudden allergic skin reaction, stop taking doxycycline and seek care from a healthcare provider immediately.
- C. diferençadiarréia: C. difficile diarrhea can occur up to two months after taking antibiotics. See a healthcare provider for evaluation if you experience large amounts of watery diarrhea or bloody diarrhea.
- Hipertensão intracraniana (pseudotumor cerebral): A doxiciclina tem sido associada a um aumento da pressão intracraniana. Os sintomas incluem dor de cabeça, visão turva, visão dupla ou perda de visão. Se ocorrer distúrbio visual durante o tratamento com doxiciclina, procure uma avaliação oftalmológica imediata.
Precauções
A doxiciclina não deve ser tomada durante a gravidez, pois pode prejudicar o feto.
Como a doxiciclina pode causar descoloração permanente dos dentes em desenvolvimento, ela não deve ser usada em crianças de 8 anos ou menos, a menos que os benefícios superem o risco (por exemplo, tratamento de antraz, febre maculosa das Montanhas Rochosas).
Tratamentos alternativos para uma infecção sinusal
O antibiótico de primeira linha usual escolhido para o tratamento de uma infecção bacteriana dos seios da face em pessoas que não são alérgicas à penicilina é Amoxil (amoxicilina) ou Augmentin (amoxicilina-clavulanato).
A outra opção antibiótica além da doxiciclina para pessoas alérgicas à penicilina é uma fluoroquinolona respiratória, como levofloxacina ou Avelox (moxifloxacina).
Produtos vendidos sem receita (OTC) podem ajudar no alívio sintomático. Isso pode incluir:
- Sprays descongestionantes nasais
- Descongestionantes orais, como Sudafed (pseudoefedrina)
- Irrigação salina nasal
- OTC pain relief medications like Advil (ibuprofen) or Tylenol (acetaminophen)
- Anti-histamínicos, como Benadryl (difenidramina)
