NYMC Faculty Publications
How Safe is Doxycycline for Young Children or for Pregnant or Breastfeeding Women?
DOI
10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2018.09.015
Journal Title
Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease
First Page
238
Last Page
242
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
3-1-2019
Department
Medicine
Abstract
Tetracycline antimicrobials entered into clinical usage in the late 1940s. Permanent dental staining from tetracyclines was first appreciated in 1956, eventually leading to avoidance of this class of antibiotics whenever possible in young children and pregnant or breastfeeding women. Doxycycline, introduced in 1967, binds calcium less avidly than prior tetracyclines and is regarded by some authorities as safe to prescribe for pregnant women and young children. Review of the available data, however, suggests that this interpretation may be incorrect or at least premature. In conclusion, until more definitive data are developed, doxycycline should continue to be only selectively prescribed for young children and pregnant or breastfeeding women for whom alternative, safer antibiotics are not available, and courses of treatment should be of as short a duration as possible.
Recommended Citation
Wormser, G., Wormser, R., Strle, F., Myers, R., & Cunha, B. (2019). How Safe is Doxycycline for Young Children or for Pregnant or Breastfeeding Women?. Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease, 93 (3), 238-242. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2018.09.015