Patient was educated on contraindications for using Doxycycline as follows:
- Doxycycline should be avoided in individuals with history of cardiac arrhythmias, as it has the potential to exacerbate any underlying arrhythmias. Such individuals upon taking Doxycycline could present with irregular heartbeats and life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias. Individuals with history of chronic disturbance in serum magnesium and potassium ions are at increased risk for arrhythmias. Also, individuals taking Lasix are at increased risk for losing potassium, thus setting the ground for life-threatening arrhythmias, upon taking Doxycycline.
- Peripheral neuropathy can sometimes get worse with use of Doxycycline. Patients with history of peripheral neuropathy are at increased risk for exacerbation of neuropathy with Doxycycline. Discuss with your doctor regarding safety with Doxycycline use.
- Doxycycline is minimally metabolized by the liver and long term Doxycycline intake can lead to hepatic injury. Individuals with history of compromised liver function cannot metabolize Doxycycline and this can lead to increased blood levels of Doxycycline for longer duration, leading to toxicity. Doxycycline should be avoided or used with extreme caution in such individuals.
- Doxycycline is significantly excreted unchanged in the bile and urine. Individuals with biliary obstructions and compromised renal functions tend to retain the drug in the circulation longer, thus resulting in toxicity. Doxycycline should be avoided or used with extreme caution in such individuals.
