From the FDA Drug Label
Doxycycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic synthetically derived from oxytetracycline, and is available as doxycycline hyclate (doxycycline hydrochloride hemiethanolate hemihydrate) for oral administration. Vibramycin is a brand name for the medication doxycycline, which is a type of antibiotic.
- It is used to treat various bacterial infections.
- The medication is classified as a tetracycline antibiotic. 1 1
From the Research
Vibramycin is a brand name for doxycycline, a broad-spectrum antibiotic belonging to the tetracycline class, commonly prescribed to treat various bacterial infections. It's used to treat respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, acne, skin infections, sexually transmitted infections, and certain tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease 2. The typical adult dose ranges from 100-200 mg daily, usually taken once or twice daily with food or milk to reduce stomach irritation. Treatment duration varies depending on the infection, typically lasting 7-14 days, though some conditions may require longer treatment. Vibramycin works by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis, preventing bacteria from growing and multiplying. It's effective against many bacteria because it binds to the bacterial ribosome, interfering with their ability to produce essential proteins.
Key Points to Consider
- The medication is effective against a wide range of bacterial infections, including respiratory tract infections, as shown in a study published in Chemotherapy 2.
- The use of antibiotics for upper respiratory tract infections is discretionary rather than prohibited or mandatory, at least for non-severe cases, according to a review of Cochrane reviews published in Respiratory Medicine 3.
- Strategies to reduce inappropriate prescribing of antibiotics include educational interventions, mass media campaigns, and the use of delayed prescriptions, as discussed in a narrative review published in the Irish Journal of Medical Science 4.
Important Considerations
- Side effects may include nausea, sun sensitivity, and discoloration of developing teeth in children, so it's generally not recommended for pregnant women, nursing mothers, or children under 8 years old.
- The medication should be used judiciously, taking into account the potential for antimicrobial resistance and the importance of responsible antibiotic use, as highlighted in the Irish Journal of Medical Science 4.