I spent a night in a&e and two nights on the ward last week with a chest infection. In A&E they gave me a pack of Doxicycline and it says to take two every day for five days. On the ward they said only take one a day. Then the hospital pharmacist gave me another pack with no instructions on.
I've only realised today that I don't really know when to stop taking them.
I normally take Amoxicilin for two weeks and last time I saw him, my consultant said I should always be on two weeks of antibiotics so I guess I'll carry on for a fortnight.
Very confusing. I'm not sure who to ask about it. It won't be any good phoning the hospital as the right hand doesn't know what the left hand is doing and they won't have my notes on the ward now anyway. The local pharmacy, perhaps? Or d'you reckon it's ok to take two weeks of doxicycline?
Words of wisdom would be appreciated.
Thanks.
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MoyB
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Hi MoyB sorry to hear you were poorly. What does the leaflet that comes with the Doxy say? When Pete has them he takes one a day but perhaps you were told two for a reason. Any doubts then speak to your GP or pharmacist. Take care xxxxx
Doxycycline normally two first day then one a day for five or seven days whichever count how many you have and work out the days, good luck.
When I have used then it was 2 the first day together. Then 1 every day thereafter that until done...but I would ring your GP ask for a triage callback failing that call the pharmacy they should be able to advise...but there are different strengths xx
You're right, very confusing. I think the local pharmacy is a good first step. But I would also ring up your consultant's secretary, (they are normally very helpful) and ask her/him to ask the consultant what would be best and get back to you asap. I think it will depend on what type of infection you have, and also what your lung condition is. So if for instance its Bronchiectasis (which is what I have) you will probably have to take antibiotics for longer as the bugs hide away deep in the lungs and are hard to reach. Or at least that was what I was told. But it may be different for other things.
Hi, thanks for your helpful reply. I do have bronchiectasis as well as asthma and COPD and agree that the little blighters hang about in the lungs. I think the consultant's secretary would be a good person to try as the consultant will be able to access my records probably and may help. Good thinking! xxMoy
Thank you all for your helpful replies. I am going to carry on the med for a total of two weeks. Hopefully that should see off the chest infection. xx Moy
It's usually take two tablets on day one, then one a day. I usually take them for 10 days for my chest infections ( I have bronchiectasis). The doc says these are much better than amoxycilin and can be taken for much longer ( some people use them to treat acne ongoing). I've found these better than amoxycilin personally.
am last stage emphysema take doxicycline two to start with course lasts 14 days have reflex acid can take these with milk as most antibiotics up set me
Used to have these a lot (before put on nebulising colomycin). Was always 2 on 1st day then 1 daily for fortnight. Was always with 3 a day co-amoxi. Never had any problems with side effects (sunshine etc.).
I'm not sure what side effect of sunshine is - excessive burning? I did go out in the sun once and could feel my arms crisping up a bit but they might have done that anyway. That was a couple of years back so had forgotten about it. Glad to know not everyone experiences side effects. xx Moy
I was instructed to take 2 on 1st day and 1 till they finished. I've got to say they didn't clear it completely, I took strep tonsillitis a few weeks later & had to get a different type - thank goodness it's all gone.
I have just been diagnosed with yet another chest infection, (I have Bronchiectasis) and I have been given Doxycycline. I have to take 2x100mg capsules per day, one in the morning and one in the evening. So I'm on 200mg per day for 14 days. With that in mind I think you should carry on taking your Doxycycline until the end of the course you've been given. I know all people are different, but my specialist said that two weeks is the correct time period for antibiotics to be taken for chest infections.
Thank you! I have just finished two weeks as I decided to go with what the consultant told me when he diagnosed bronchiectasis. I still have some doxycycline left as they gave me so many! But I think two weeks should be enough!!
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