A current opinion on the safety and efficacy of doxycycline including parenteral administration – A review

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Doxycycline was introduced into medical practice over 40 years ago but because of increasing bacterial resistance its value has decreased. It remains, however, the treatment of choice for infections caused by atypical organisms such as chlamydia, rickettsia, brucella and the spirochete. Recent studies indicate other possible benefits. Aim The aim of this study was to present the pharmacological characteristic of doxycycline antibiotic focusing on parenteral administration. Material and methods The attempt was made to characterize thoroughly doxycycline antibiotic and its effect on human health. Using keywords “doxycycline,” “vibramycin,” “parenteral injection,” “atypical bacteria” we performed a review of relevant mainly English articles based on a Medline search before May 2013, focusing on last five years. Discussion Doxycycline is primarily used in the treatment of infections of the upper and lower respiratory tract, as well as with gastrointestinal and sexually transmitted diseases. Furthermore, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties of doxycycline were found, which enable this medication to be used in the treatment of serious diseases, often with an immunological background or prophylactically, as a protective agent against the development of excessive inflammation in the human body. Moreover an anticancer effect of doxycycline has been described. Conclusions Currently, doxycycline is rarely used, mainly because of the presence of a high percentage of drug-resistant strains of bacteria. However, there is a group of infections, in which the antibiotic has not lost its therapeutic value and is still the first choice. The additional advantage is the beneficial effect on the human immune system. Further studies are indicated, to confirm the effectiveness of doxycycline in the treatment of various cancers.