TETRACYCLINES

Tetracyclines are broad-spectrum bacteriostatic agents with activity against many gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria as well as Mycoplasms, Chlamydia, Rickettsiae, and amebas. Doxycycline is the preferred tetracyline for most indications because it is well absorbed orally, has excellent tissue penetration, requires no dose adjustment in renal failure, and has a long-life, making twice-a-day dosing possible. Doxycycline is useful for the treatment of atypical pneumonias, sexually transmitted diseases, Lyme disease, traveler's diarrhea, and rickettsial. infections.