Infections in your ears can show up in several parts of the ear. Middle-ear infections are called otitis Media. They may occur at the rear side of your eardrum; this is one of the vulnerable points. Such infections may cause pains and a few allied discomforts. On the other hand, the infections at the outer ears are triggered by fungal or bacterial strands. Most forms of such infections go off with passage of time. However, a few would need medical treatment. In this light, can you use doxycycline for ear infections? It is helpful to know more on this.
Ear infections show up with a few characteristic signs; these include pains felt deep inside – closer to your ear drum, discharge of fluids and difficulties in hearing. In case of children, palpable signs include sleeping problems, difficulties in responding to ambient sounds, loss in sense of hearing, inability to keep their body balance, increase in body temperature, migraines and a marked drop in appetite levels.
Consult with a caregiver if these aforesaid signs persist for more than 24 hours. Also, if your child is less than 5 – 7 months of age, you need to rush to your doctor to know the underlying cause. Moreover, in case of acute spells of pains or discharge of fluids with traces of blood in it need clinical attention immediately.
What is doxycycline?
Doxycycline is a tetracycline antibiotic med. It is used to inhibit growth of infection-causing bacterial strands. Caregiving teams prescribe this med for conditions such as rosacea, acne, infections of gums, etc. Tetracycline antibiotics like doxycycline are also administered for conditions caused by mites, lice, mosquito, etc.
Doxycycline
How soluble doxycycline is determines if it is hyclate or 2- monohydrate. Of these two forms, hyclate is readily soluble in fluids like water while monohydrate is not easily dissolved. Dosage strength range from 100 mg onwards. In case of children, their body weight alters strength of dose(s).
Doxycycline for ear infection
Doxycycline is one of the meds used for treating ear infections. But such use is prescribed only when first-line meds fail to fetch needful remedial outcomes. Drugs belonging to first-line of treatment are Amoxicillin. Azithromycin, Cefdinir, etc. Doxycycline is a broad-spectrum med; how severe is your ear infection influences the strength is this med. Also, your age and overall wellbeing play a key role in deciding upon what strength of doxycycline suits your infectious condition.
How long to take doxycycline for ear infection?
It takes about a week – 10 days’ of doxycycline dosing to treat ear infections. Your medication plan however depends on severity of your infection. It is a key thing to adhere to your medication plan. All through the duration of treatment. Such adherence helps achieve high level drug efficacy, an also keeps drug-resistance of microbes at bay.
Doxycycline is likely to trigger a few adverse effects; these are vomiting along with nausea, discharge of loose tools, indigestion and dehydration. These are only temporary discomforts and are of a milder nature. But if you are experiencing them for more than 3 days’ time, talk to your doctor without much delay.
How Long Does it Take for Doxycycline To Work for Bacterial Infections? Doxycycline usually starts working within 1 to 2 days for bacterial infections. However, it may take 5 to 14 days to fully clear the infection, depending on its type and severity. It’s important to complete the full course, even if you feel better, to ensure the infection is gone and to prevent antibiotic resistance.
Also, inform your doctor of all current ailments as well as hypersensitivities / allergies. It is a safe thing to share inputs on drugs you are currently taking – be they over the counter meds or prescription drugs. It is equally helpful to share details of dietary aids, supplements or vitamin-fortified foods you are presently using.
In general, ear infections are caused by either viral or bacterial strands – especially at the middle part of your ears. Children are more vulnerable to ear infections because of the premature shape and size of their eustachian tube and also due to immature immunity cells. Being exposed to smoke, pollutants or passive smoking can increase risks of ear infections. In order to know more about doxycycline for ear infection, consult with an ear, nose and throat specialist.
Disclaimer
Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting intake of this drug as safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before consuming this med or any other drug.
Education: Master’s in Public Health (MPH) from the University of Michigan. Experience: Over 8 years of experience writing for health and wellness websites, including WebMD and Healthline, specializing in women’s health and nutrition.
