Patient was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking Doxycycline as follows:
- Maintain a close watch regarding any sudden diminishing vision and double vision. Any sudden vision changes and headaches, while taking Doxycycline, must be immediately reported to the physician.
- Observe compliance with any regular lab work ordered. As Doxycycline carries the risk for damage to the liver and kidneys, hepatic and renal function could be periodically monitored, to prevent risk for toxicity. Watch closely to report any symptoms of itching, jaundice with yellowing of skin and sclera, dark urine, altered metabolism with nausea and vomiting, pain in the right upper abdominal quadrant, and fatigue suggesting damage to the liver. Any symptoms of renal injury and altered kidney function, such as, altered levels of consciousness and reduced urine formation, should be closely watched for and reported to the physician.
- Discuss with your physician regarding your history of biliary stasis and obstruction, if any, as Doxycycline is partly eliminated in the bile. Biliary stasis could result in maintenance of the drug in the body for longer duration, thus leading to toxicity.
- Do not change the dose on Doxycycline without consulting your doctor.
- Complete the course of the antibiotic that it was prescribed for. Do not give up on the antibiotic, against your doctor’s recommendation, even if the symptoms of infection are controlled.
