How long does it take for doxycycline to work for bacterial infections

Microbial infections – especially those caused by bacterial spread – can be managed by the intake of antibiotic drugs. However, consumption of such meds to treat viral or yeast-based infections may fetch limited / nil results. Also, needless use of antibiotics – when there is no infection to treat – can make microbes turn resistant to such meds. Doxycycline is one of the common meds used for the case management of infectious conditions like malaria (select forms), skin conditions including pimples, bumps and acne. But, how long does it take for doxycycline to work against bacterial infections? It is a good practice to have more information.

Drugs forming part of a genre called tetracycline antibiotics are known to be effective against inflammation triggered by skin conditions like rosacea, anthrax, etc. These meds can also get down to the pores of your skin and offer relief from discoloration as well as redness of skin. Doxycycline is also capable of managing spells of malaria, acne, topical-bumps on skin, etc. Of the skin conditions this drug treats, rosacea can be detected by flushes and red dots on your skin; in some people, pimples may show up especially on facial organs like cheeks, chin, etc.

How long does it take for doxycycline to work for bacterial infections?

You can expect doxycycline to start functioning within 48 hours – in case of microbial infection. In case of acne treatment, its remedial effects may kick-in in 6 to 7 days’ time. Regardless of the underlying medical problem, you may need to wait for at least a week or two for its entire effects to show up. In this milieu, stay aware of a few intricate infectious conditions; such problems may take as high as 2 to 3 months of medication plan to yield positive results.

If you are developing a stomach condition – say, upset or vomiting coupled with nausea, you are advised to take this tetracycline antibiotic med along with a meal. Also, a few meds may hinder efficacy of doxycycline; these drugs include calcium or magnesium supplements / fortified foods, blood thinning meds, etc. It is hence a good practice to tell your caregiving team of all meds you are presently taking.

Side effects of doxycycline users must know of

Antibiotic drugs – chiefly of the tetracycline sub-genre – may cause a few undesired reactions and side effects. Common among such discomforts are itchy skin, being dehydrated, dried up skin, parched lips, painful urination, etc. Upon detecting any of these aforesaid adverse effects, you are advised to talk to your treating physician immediately.

Also, people who have habits of taking alcoholic beverages regularly may need to exert added precautions. Drinking alcoholic beverages with while taking doxycycline can lead to adverse effects like acute episodes of headache and a few abdominal problems (in the form of pains in lower part of your stomach, vomiting and feeling nauseated). In some people – especially, those living with hypertension – an erratic heartbeat or pulse rate is observed. It is hence a safe thing to stop taking alcohol while you are consuming this tetracycline antibiotic drug.

Acute discomforts may occur – however, in some remote instances – while you are taking doxycycline. These include doubling or blurred eyesight, bleeding internally coupled with bruises, joint pains and stiffness, discoloration of adults’ teeth, swelling of oral like lips, tongue and throat.

On experiencing any of these severe discomforts while using doxycycline, dial 911 if you are in the US. If you are living in a Canadian province, rush to a local poison control cell or seek assistance from Health Canada.

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.