Drug class · Respiratory
Tetracyclines
Also known as: tetracycline antibiotics
Tetracyclines are a group of antibiotics that stop bacteria from making the proteins they need to survive. Doxycycline is the member described here, and the NHS lists it for chest, dental and skin infections, rosacea and some sexually transmitted infections.
- Also called
- tetracycline antibiotics
Mechanism of action
The NHS explains that doxycycline, a tetracycline antibiotic, stops bacteria from making the proteins they need to survive. For rosacea, the NHS says it mainly reduces inflammation in the skin.
Members of the class
Members with a page on this site are linked.
Class effects
- Headaches, feeling sick and being sick are common side effects of doxycycline.
- Skin that is more sensitive to the sun, which can cause a rash, itching and redness.
Cautions
- Not usually used during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or in younger children, because doxycycline can affect how teeth and bones develop, according to the NHS.
- A hospital leaflet advises against taking indigestion remedies, or supplements containing iron, calcium, magnesium, aluminium or zinc, at the same time as doxycycline, because they can interfere with absorption.
- The NHS says alcohol is best avoided, as it can stop doxycycline working properly.
- The NHS says doxycycline can be taken by people allergic to penicillin, because the two are different types of antibiotic.
- Some people get thrush after antibiotics, and the NHS suggests asking a pharmacist or doctor if this happens.
Class interactions
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Connected pages in detail
What each linked page on Anatomy Nexus covers, in a line, for Tetracyclines.
Medications
- Doxycycline Doxycycline is a tetracycline antibiotic, available on prescription.
Educational content. A drug class page describes what a family of medicines has in common. Individual medicines differ in dose, licensing and interactions; treatment choices belong to a prescriber.