Vibramycin

What is it?

A tetracycline antibiotic preparation available as green capsules containing 100mg of doxycycline (as hydrochloride), marked VBM 100 and Pfizer. Also, VIBRAMYCIN-D, off-white, dissolvable tablets containing 100mg of vibramycin marked Pfizer and D-9.

Medical Uses

Lower respiratory tract infections, pneumonia, soft tissue, urinary tract infections, sexually transmitted diseases, eye infections, miscellaneous infections including amoebiasis. Also, see manufacturer's literature. Prevention of malaria.

Dosage

Adults, most infections, 200mg with food or drink on first day then 100 to 200mg daily. Sexually transmitted diseases and miscellaneous infections, as advised in manufacturer's literature. Prevention of malaria, 100mg each day starting 1 or 2 days before travelling and continue to take for 1 month after leaving malarial area. Capsules should be swallowed with plenty of water while standing or sitting up and not taken near to bedtime. Special cure: patients with impaired liver function.

Avoid Use

Children, pregnancy, breast- feeding.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Earbamazepine, oral contraceptives, antacids, phenytoin, mineral supplements, alcohol, barbiturates, methoxyflurane, anticoagulants, penicillin.

Known Side Effects

Superinfections, rash, inflammation of oesophagus and ulceration, liver disorders, gastrointestinal upset, sensitivity to light, allergic responses, blood disorders. Withdraw if intracranial hypertension occurs.