Cendox (doxycycline) is a tetracycline antibiotic used to prevent or treat a wide range of bacterial infections. In addition to being a potent antibiotic in its own right, it is often used when penicillin is unavailable or unsuitable.

In smaller doses, usually sold as Periostat, the medication is often used to promote gum health. In larger doses, such as those offered by Cendox, it is used to treat infection.

Cendox, or any medication containing doxycycline, should not be used in patients under 8 years old. The exceptions to this rule are when penicillin is unsuitable or when treating Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

Conditions Treated

Patients are strongly advised to have the infection diagnosed by a doctor if possible. This ensures Cendox will be effective; while it's a versatile medication, it is not effective against all types of bacteria. Additionally resistant bacteria are a concern in some places; Cendox may not be the best choice when these resistant bacteria are present.

Assuming the bacteria are susceptible, Cendox can be used to treat:

• Lyme disease and other tick fevers
• Rocky Mountain spotted fever
• Respiratory tract infections
• Urinary tract infections
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Typhus
• Cholera
• Q fever
• Brucellosis
• Trachoma
• Chancroid
• Granuloma
• Bubonic plague
• Acne
• Rosacea

And to prevent:

• Malaria
• Leptospirosis
• Anthrax

Treatment should always continue until finished, even if feeling fine. Ending treatment early can contribute to resistant bacteria, and may result in a resurgence of the infection now much harder to treat.

Treating Infections

Cendox comes in tablets, typically taken once or twice per day. Food is optional; food may help alleviate gastrointestinal side effects, but many types must be avoided. These include:

• Aluminum
• Zinc
• Magnesium
• Iron
• Calcium
• Bismuth subsalicylate

The above are commonly found in antacids and can interfere with absorption of Cendox. A 2-hour gap before or after taking Cendox before consuming the above should prevent any issues.

A treatment plan is best developed by a doctor, who can take into account numerous personal variables that may influence treatment. Patients taking other medications or who have other medical conditions present are strongly encouraged to consult a doctor before initiating treatment.

General guidelines for treating infection are:

• For mild infections, start with 200 mg on the first day (two 100 mg doses taken 12 hours apart), followed by 100 mg once per day, or 50 mg twice per day, for the next 7 to 14 days.
• For severe infections, take 200 mg per day (two 100 mg doses taken 12 hours apart) for 7 to 14 days, followed by 100 mg once per day for 7 to 14 days.

Improvements are sometimes noticed with the first dose, and most patients feel as though the infection is completely resolved several days before treatment ends. There may still be some lingering bacteria, however, and again it's important to complete treatment even if feeling fine.

Prevention guidelines are:

• To prevent malaria, take 100 mg once per day starting several days prior to exposure, continuing throughout exposure and for 4 weeks after exposure.
• To prevent leptospirosis, take 200 mg once per week, starting 1 or 2 days prior to exposure and continuing throughout exposure.
• If exposed to anthrax, take 100 mg per day for at least 60 days.

Regular doctor checkups are advisable if taking Cendox for more than 14 days. The medication can alter laboratory results, so doctors should be advised the medication is being taken if seen for something else.

Gum Health

At lower doses Cendox promotes gum health, promotes tooth attachment, and reduces periodontal pockets (also called gum pockets), as well as prevents infection after some dental procedures.

For these purposes doses higher than 40 mg (20 mg twice per day) are unusual, but some individuals are instructed to take up to 200 mg per day. If so instructed, pay particular attention to duration of treatment. 20-mg doses are often given for three months or longer, which, at higher doses, considerably increases risks of severe side effects.

Other Considerations

Patients taking this treatment want to get better quickly and safely. For the most part that will happen with Cendox, but there are some things to keep in mind while the medication is being taken:

• Cendox may reduce the effectiveness of hormonal birth control methods; alternative methods should be utilized throughout treatment and for several weeks after treatment ends.
• The medication may increase skin sensitivity to UV rays; protection should be used when exposed to sunlight.
• Doctors or dentists should be notified the medication is being taken before any tests are administered or procedures are performed.
• Though very rare, Cendox is associated with Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Consult a doctor right away if developing red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin, or sores in the mouth, throat, nose, or eyes.
• Cendox is known to cause birth defects if used while pregnant, and can disrupt bone and tooth development if used in children under 8 years of age.

If used properly side effects are typically mild and similar to those encountered with any antibiotic, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and other stomach upset. These symptoms are not cause for concern unless severe.