Indications
Vibramycin is an antibiotic medication used to treat bacterial infections that affect various parts of the body, including respiratory tract infections, skin and soft tissue infections, eye infections, and more. It contains the active ingredient doxycycline. Vibramycin belongs to a class of antibiotics called tetracyclines. It works by preventing bacteria from growing and spreading in the body, thereby stopping the infection.
Doxycycline is an antibiotic commonly prescribed for short-term acne treatment. Vibramycin is commonly used to treat infections of the respiratory tract, urinary tract, skin and soft tissue, eyes, and other parts of the body. It is synthetically derived from oxytetracycline and is used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections. In addition, Vibramycin can be used to prevent malaria.
Uses and Dosage
Vibramycin is taken orally as a capsule on an empty stomach, either 1-2 times daily or as directed by your healthcare provider. To avoid stomach upset, take Vibramycin with a full glass of water (8 ounces/240 milliliters), and wait for at least 10 minutes before lying down. Although taking Vibramycin with food or milk may help with stomach upset, it may reduce the effectiveness of the medication. Consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before taking Vibramycin this way.
The recommended dosage of Vibramycin (doxycycline) depends on the condition being treated.
- Adults and children (weight 45 kg or more): The typical dose is 100 mg by mouth 2 times (12 hours apart) on the first day, then 100 mg by mouth once or twice daily afterwards depending on how bad your infection is.
- Children (weight less than 45 kg) with severe or life-threatening infections: The typical dose is 2.2 mg/kg by mouth every 12 hours.
- Children 8 years and older (weight less than 45 kg) with less severe infections: The typical dose is 4.4 mg/kg by mouth split into two equal doses on day 1, then 2.2 mg/kg per day.
Side Effect
Common Side Effects of Vibramycin (Doxycycline Hyclate):
- Darkened skin color
- Loss of appetite
- Mild diarrhea
- Nausea
- Skin rash or itching
- Upset stomach
- Vaginal itching or discharge
- Vomiting
Serious Side Effects of Vibramycin (Doxycycline Hyclate):
- Drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms
- Exacerbation of systemic lupus erythematosus
- Hepatotoxicity
- Low platelet count (thrombocytopenia)
- Low white blood cell count (neutropenia)
- Intracranial hypertension
- Pericarditis
- Serum sickness
- Toxic epidermal necrolysis
- Respiratory tract infections
- Rocky mountain spotted fever
- Typhus fever and the typhus group
- Uncomplicated urethral
- Urinary tract infections
Form and Strength
Vibramycin (Doxycycline Hyclate) is available in the following forms and strength:
Doxycycline Hyclate: Capsule
- 50 mg
- 100 mg
Caution
- Doxycycline may increase the risk of sunburn and other skin reactions, avoid excessive sun exposure, and use sunscreen and protective clothing.
- Vibramycin may cause tooth discoloration if used in children under 8 years old or in pregnant women during the last half of pregnancy.
- Doxycycline may interact with other medications or supplements; inform your healthcare provider of all the drugs you are taking.
- Elderly patients may require caution and an adjustment in the dose of Vibramycin, as they are more likely to have kidney, liver, or heart problems.
- Doxycycline may cause stomach upset or diarrhea; in which case you should contact your healthcare provider.
- Doxycycline may increase the risk of sunburn and other skin reactions, avoid excessive sun exposure, and use sunscreen and protective clothing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What to avoid while taking Vibramycin?
Do not take iron supplements, multivitamins, calcium supplements, antacids, or laxatives within 2 hours before or after taking Vibramycin. Avoid taking any other antibiotics with Vibramycin unless your doctor has told you to. Vibramycin could make you sunburn more easily.
How long after taking Vibramycin can you lay down?
This will stop the medicine from irritating your food pipe or stomach. Avoid lying down for at least 30 minutes after taking doxycycline.
How many months can you take doxycycline?
Since bacteria can become resistant, a course of doxycycline should be no longer than 3-4 months.
How many hours does doxycycline work for?
Doxycycline has an average half-life of 18-19 hours. It will continue working while it is present in your body. It can take anywhere from 2-5 days before doxycycline is fully out of your system.
Resources
- https://www.empr.com/drug/vibramycin-suspension/
- https://www.everydayhealth.com/drugs/doxycycline
- https://www.ashp.org/drug-shortages/current-shortages/drug-shortage-detail.aspx?id=776&loginreturnUrl=SSOCheckOnly
- https://www.rxlist.com/vibramycin-drug.htm
- https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=d6f98d3c-5a20-4cbf-9a9c-abef10b9e465
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-9597/vibramycin-oral/details
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