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Peds Calc

Pediatric Reference

Doxycycline Side EffectsComprehensive Pediatric Safety Guide

Doxycycline side effects include GI upset, photosensitivity, and esophagitis.

3 Categories
5 Clinical Sources
Evidence-Based
Back to Doxycycline Overview

Essential Information

1

Give with water and keep upright after dosing.

2

Use sunscreen daily.

3

Call for severe headaches, vision changes, or persistent vomiting.

Clinical Overview

Most reactions are mild but sunburn and pill esophagitis are preventable with good counseling.

Side Effect Categories

3 Systems

Gastrointestinal

2 documented effects

Total Sources: 2

Nausea

Incidence: Common
Onset: Not specified
mild
1 sources
Duration

Not specified

Management

Give with small snack; avoid dairy near dosing time.

Monitoring Guidelines

Monitor for symptom escalation or new adverse effects.

1 clinical sources• PubMed • Clinical Guidelines • FDA

Esophagitis/esophageal irritation

Incidence: Uncommon
Onset: Not specified
moderate
1 sources
Duration

Not specified

Management

Ensure adequate water and upright posture; consider switching to suspension if severe.

Monitoring Guidelines

Monitor for symptom escalation or new adverse effects.

1 clinical sources• PubMed • Clinical Guidelines • FDA

Dermatologic

2 documented effects

Total Sources: 2

Photosensitivity

Incidence: Common
Onset: Not specified
moderate
1 sources
Duration

Not specified

Management

Use sunscreen, protective clothing, and limit sun exposure.

Monitoring Guidelines

Monitor for symptom escalation or new adverse effects.

1 clinical sources• PubMed • Clinical Guidelines • FDA

Rash

Incidence: Uncommon
Onset: Not specified
moderate
1 sources
Duration

Not specified

Management

Stop medication and notify clinician.

Monitoring Guidelines

Monitor for symptom escalation or new adverse effects.

1 clinical sources• PubMed • Clinical Guidelines • FDA

Neurologic

1 documented effect

Total Sources: 1

Benign intracranial hypertension (rare)

Incidence: Rare
Onset: Not specified
serious
1 sources
Duration

Not specified

Management

Stop drug; evaluate immediately for vision changes or severe headache.

Monitoring Guidelines

Monitor for symptom escalation or new adverse effects.

1 clinical sources• PubMed • Clinical Guidelines • FDA

Parent Communication Guide

Age-Appropriate Explanations

Infants (0-12 months)

For babies taking Doxycycline, watch for signs of side effects. This medication is generally well-tolerated in infants when used as directed.

Toddlers (1-3 years)

If your toddler is taking Doxycycline, they might feel different. This is usually temporary and normal.

Children (4-12 years)

Drink lots of water with this medicine and wear sunscreen when you go outside.

Adolescents (13+ years)

Take with water, stay upright, and plan doses away from calcium supplements.

Common Parent Concerns

Q: Upset stomach

A: Give with a small snack that does not contain dairy.

When to validate: Call if vomiting prevents dosing.

Q: Sunburn

A: Use sunscreen and protective clothing.

When to validate: Seek care for severe blistering sunburn or rash.

Clinical Decision Support

Severity Assessment Framework

Clinical assessment framework for Doxycycline adverse effects using standardized severity grading.

Mild
Indicators: Minimal symptoms, No functional impairment, Patient comfortable continuing
Action: Continue medication with supportive care and routine monitoring
Moderate
Indicators: Noticeable symptoms, Some functional impact, Patient/family concerned
Action: Consider dose adjustment, increase monitoring frequency, provide supportive care
Severe
Indicators: Significant symptoms, Functional impairment, Quality of life affected
Action: Consider discontinuation, evaluate alternatives, close clinical follow-up

Treatment Decision Guidelines

Immediate Discontinuation

  • Severe allergic reactions
  • Life-threatening adverse effects
  • Signs of toxicity

Consider Alternatives

  • Persistent moderate side effects
  • Inadequate therapeutic response
  • Patient/family preference

Dose Modification

  • Mild side effects with good efficacy
  • Age-related sensitivity
  • Drug interaction concerns

Clinical References

Doxycycline Capsules and TabletsDailyMed (2024)Label
DoxycyclineMedlinePlus (2024)Drug information

Frequently Asked Questions

Parent and clinician concerns about Doxycycline