From the Research
Doxycycline can be used to treat olecranon bursitis caused by bacterial infection, with a recommended dosage of 100 mg taken orally twice daily for 7-10 days. The most recent and highest quality study 1 suggests that empiric antibiotic therapy without bursal aspiration is a reasonable initial approach to managing suspected septic olecranon bursitis, with 88% of patients achieving uncomplicated resolution. Key considerations when using doxycycline include:
- Avoiding direct sunlight due to increased photosensitivity
- Taking the medication with food to reduce stomach upset
- Avoiding dairy products, antacids, or iron supplements within 2 hours of taking the medication to prevent reduced absorption In addition to antibiotics, treatment should include:
- Rest
- Elevation of the affected elbow
- Possibly ice to reduce inflammation If the infection is severe or doesn't respond to oral antibiotics, medical evaluation is necessary as drainage of the bursa or intravenous antibiotics may be required. Doxycycline works by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis, preventing bacteria from growing and multiplying, which allows the body's immune system to clear the infection. It is effective against many common bacteria that cause skin and soft tissue infections, including Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus species, as noted in 2, 3, and 4. However, the most recent study 1 provides the strongest evidence for the use of doxycycline in treating olecranon bursitis, and its findings should be prioritized in clinical decision-making. It's also worth noting that 5 found that empirical management without aspiration was effective in treating uncomplicated septic olecranon bursitis, with no patients requiring bursectomy. Overall, doxycycline is a suitable option for treating olecranon bursitis caused by bacterial infection, and its use should be guided by the most recent and highest quality evidence.