A bacterial infection occurs when there is an overgrowth of a harmful strain of bacteria in the body. Bacterial infections can occur anywhere in the body. They are often spread by contact with contaminated surfaces, contaminated water or food, contact with infected animals, and contact with people who are also infected with a bacterial infection.
There are different types of bacterial infections:
Latent infection – an infection which may not show symptoms right away but which will reactivate months or years later.
Chronic infection – an infection which lasts weeks, months, or even a lifetime.
Acute infection – an infection which is short lived.
How do you get rid of a bacterial infection?
Doxycycline is a prescription antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections and some infections caused by parasites. It is used for treatment of medical conditions including:
Bacterial pneumonia
Acne
Chlamydia
Cholera
Syphilis
Early lyme disease
It is also used to prevent malaria and in combination with quinine, it can be used to treat malaria.
Generic doxycycline is also known by the following brand names:
United States – Brand-name Vibramycin®
United States – Brand name DoxycyclineAustralia – Brand-name Doryx®
Australia – Brand-name Doxylin®
Generic Doxycycline is available in 100 mg tablets or capsules. We encourage you to compare prices between generic doxycycline and the brand name equivalents.
How does generic doxycycline work?
This prescription medication is a tetracycline antibiotic, which works by stopping the growth of bacteria in bacterial infections. It does not work for viral infections.
Taken on an empty stomach at least one hour before or two hours after eating a meal, once or twice a day as directed by your physician, this medication helps to stop the bacteria in your system from multiplying.
Do not lay down for at least 15 minutes after taking this medication.
Be sure to wait 2 to 3 hours to take this medication after you have taken any medication or supplements containing calcium, iron, zinc, and magnesium or bismuth subsalicylate. This includes antacids, quinapril, dairy products, juice enriched with calcium, any vitamin supplements.
Doxycycline may make you more sensitive to the sun and cause you to sunburn more easily. Avoid sunlight and tanning beds and wear protective clothing and sunscreen while taking doxycycline.
If you are taking doxycycline to prevent malaria, speak to your pharmacist about how best to take this medication. It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed, usually starting one or two days before traveling to a malarious area. Learn more about malaria?
The dosage of doxycycline depends on several factors including your particular medical condition and how you respond to treatment.
What are the side effects of generic doxycycline?
Some common side effects reported include:
Upset stomach
Diarrhea
Nausea
Vomiting
This is not a complete list of side effects. Speak to your pharmacist about other possible side effects and when to seek medical attention.
How can I prevent contracting a bacterial infection?
The main thing to remember when thinking about preventing bacterial infections is HYGIENE.
Wash your hands several times each day.
Cough into your elbow or sleeve.
Avoid touching your eyes, hands, and mouth.
Keep surfaces clean and avoid touching dirty surfaces.
Stay away from people who may be contagious.
Avoid touching the surfaces and door handles in washrooms after you’ve washed your hands.
Do not pick at wounds, scabs or pimples
Do not touch eating utensils, tissues, napkins used by other people.
Do not share drinking glasses with people who are unwell.
Keep any cuts, scrapes or wounds very clean.
