Doxycycline and alcohol can not be combined. Despite the relatively low toxicity of doxycycline, the drug, like the rest of the antibiotics tetracycline, may cause some side effects. One such side effect is liver toxicity - property characteristic and alcohol.

Hepatotoxic effects of antibiotics tetracycline and alcohol

Tetracycline is a natural antibiotic Antibiotics - whether they will help you in the foreseeable future? , Produced radiant fungus. In recent years, by enzymatic cleavage tetracycline Tetracycline - a natural broad-spectrum antibiotic   and improvement of its chemical structure created semisynthetic preparation of this group - doxycycline, which has the same mechanism of action, but it is more effective and less toxic.

All antibiotics tetracycline inhibit intracellular protein production in bacterial cell, whereby further development of suspended microorganisms (bacteriostatic effect). They also block the entry of pathogens into the cells of some trace elements belonging to the bacterial enzyme that slows their metabolism.

Thus all tetracyclines have several side effects, doxycycline is no exception, despite the fact that its toxicity is much lower than that of natural tetracyclines. One of the most dangerous side effects of doxycycline is a toxic effect on the liver cells (hepatotoxicity).

The recommended dose for the treatment of hepatotoxicity doxycycline practically not shown, but at higher dosages, long-term use and in combination with other hepatotoxic substances adverse effect on the liver of doxycycline may be significant.

The extent of the impact will depend on the dose received and strength of alcohol, and from individual to individual, including from his inheritance. Therefore, such a combination of one patient may not cause significant harm, and another cause severe complications in the form of toxic hepatitis Toxic hepatitis - the impact of harmful substances on the liver .

Doxycycline may cause side effects in other organs of digestion, as it irritates the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines. Side effects may appear as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, pain during bowel. The treatment with doxycycline Doxycycline - penetrates into the tissue cells   it is also possible ulceration of the esophagus (erosive esophagitis), stomach (erosive gastritis, acute gastric ulcer), colon (exacerbation of duodenal ulcer, ulcerative enterocolitis).

Alcohol, particularly strong, also has a negative effect on the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in all the side effects of doxycycline increase.

Exposure to doxycycline and alcohol on the central nervous system

The simultaneous use of doxycycline and alcohol can also have negative effects on the central nervous system.

Doxycycline has the side effects of the central nervous system as a benign intracranial hypertension (decreased appetite, vomiting, headache, blurred vision), a toxic effect on the central nervous system (dizziness or instability). In some cases, doctors do not recommend that patients while taking doxycycline to drive a car.

Alcohol also has a negative effect on the central nervous system in the form of toxic effects on brain cells. The combination of doxycycline and alcohol can cause severe drowsiness or agitation, slowness and blurred speech, disorientation to time and place of residence, confusion and impaired consciousness, shortness of breath or cessation of breathing, hallucinations, seizures, rigidity (stiffness) of muscle, heart rhythm disorder.

Why not combine with alcohol intake of doxycycline

Drinking alcohol accelerates the decay of tetracycline antibiotics (including doxycycline) and their more rapid excretion from the body, reducing the concentration of drug in blood plasma and, accordingly, the efficiency of its therapeutic effect.

Therefore, even if the combination of doxycycline alcohol does not cause severe complications in the liver, the gastrointestinal tract or the central nervous system, it is guaranteed to lead to a decrease in the effectiveness of treatment.

Acceptance of doxycycline is not combined with the admission of alcoholic drinks of any fortress.

Galina Romanenko

  Lyme disease - an infectious disease that carry ticks. You can become infected if you are bitten by a tick, which is the carrier of Lyme disease. Most people bitten by a tick, do not become ill. However, it is still important to see a doctor, especially if you can not remove the tick yourself.

Lyme disease is common in Europe, Asia and North America.

What causes Lyme disease?

Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium. Mites are contagious and can introduce bacteria into the human or animal body.

If you are bitten by a tick, remove it as soon as notice. Usually mite not have time to infect a person with Lyme disease, if it is removed within thirty six hours after the bite.

What are the symptoms?

One sign of Lyme disease is a red circular rash that spreads around the site of the tick bite. The area of ​​redness can be very large.

Often there are also flu-like symptoms. In the early stages of Lyme disease a person can feel fatigue, headache, pain in muscles and joints, and fever.

Symptoms may occur at any time from three days to three months after the tick bite. Some people in the early stages of Lyme disease generally have no symptoms. A person can not even remember that he was bitten by a tick.

If Lyme disease is left untreated, may develop more severe symptoms:

• Pain and swelling Prevention and treatment of edema - it is important to understand the root cause   joints (as in arthritis)
• Tingling and numbness in the hands, legs and back
• Constant fatigue
• Difficulty with concentration
• Poor memory
• Weakness or paralysis of the facial muscles

Like Lyme disease diagnosed?

The doctor first interrogate you, to find out the symptoms. The red rash may be a sign of Lyme disease. The doctor may also ask you, what did you do to find out when you are bitten by a tick. You may need a blood test - by the presence of certain antibodies in the blood Antibodies - "soldiers' immunity   Lyme disease can be determined.

How is it treated?

The main treatment of Lyme disease - antibiotics. Typically, a three-week course of antibiotics is enough to recover.

It is important to begin to treat Lyme disease as soon as possible. Contact your doctor if you are bitten by a tick, especially in an area where Lyme disease is common. Pay attention to early symptoms, such as a circular red rash or symptoms similar to the flu.

If left untreated Lyme disease, it can cause serious skin problems The most common skin problems and their solutions , Joints, nervous system and heart. These effects may occur weeks, months or even years after a bite. The disease usually takes place in the treatment of antibiotic Antibiotics - whether they will help you in the foreseeable future? But in rare cases it can stay until the end of his life.

How can I prevent Lyme disease?

The best way to prevent Lyme disease - to defend themselves from ticks. Cover as much of the body clothing when you are outdoors. Wear a hat, long-sleeved clothing, tuck pants into socks. Remember that it is easier to notice a tick on a light-colored clothing.

Use a spray against ticks. You can apply it on the skin or on clothing. Also inspect your pets for ticks. A dog or cat can not infect you with Lyme disease, but may bring infected ticks into the house, which, in turn, can bite you.