Doxycycline Use in Children

Introduction to Doxycycline

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends doxycycline for various conditions, including acne vulgaris, with standard dosing protocols 1
Doxycycline is fully approved for use with standard dosing protocols, according to the American Academy of Dermatology 1

For children with plague, the CDC recommends doxycycline as first-line therapy, with dosing based on weight and age 2
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends doxycycline for acne vulgaris as an adjunctive treatment in severe cases 1
For plague treatment, children ≥8 years and >45 kg should receive 100 mg every 12 hours, while children ≥8 years and ≤45 kg should receive 2.2 mg/kg every 12 hours, according to the CDC 2

Common adverse effects of doxycycline include gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and esophageal irritation, as well as dermatological effects like photosensitivity reactions and rash, according to the American Academy of Dermatology 1
Neurological effects like headache and dizziness, and rare effects like bulging fontanels in infants, have been reported, according to the American Academy of Dermatology 1
Hypersensitivity reactions, including urticaria and anaphylaxis, are rare but possible, according to the American Academy of Dermatology 1

To reduce the risk of esophageal irritation, doxycycline should be administered with adequate fluids, and can be given with food or milk if gastric irritation occurs, according to the American Academy of Dermatology 1
For photosensitivity prevention, sunscreen use and avoiding direct sun exposure are recommended, according to Praxis Medical Insights 3

Doxycycline is not recommended for children <8 years of age with MRSA infections, according to Taiwan guidelines 4
Doxycycline is a Category D drug and should be avoided during pregnancy, according to the American Academy of Dermatology 1
Doxycycline is distributed in milk, and nursing should be discontinued or the drug should be avoided, according to the American Academy of Dermatology 1