Doxycycline monohydrate is a type of medication used to treat a variety of skin, respiratory and bacterial infections. Unlike creatine, which is naturally occurring in the body, doxycycline monohydrate is a synthetic medicine that is generally only available as a prescription drug. Although there are no common interactions recorded for the two treatments, you should talk to your doctor before combining doxycycline and creatine.
Doxycycline Monohydrate
According to MedlinePlus, doxycycline belongs to a class of medications called tetracycline antibiotics, and is commonly used to prevent the growth and spread of bacteria. Doxycycline has been used historically to prevent or treat bacterial infections such as pneumonia and respiratory tract infections, as well as Lyme disease, acne, urinary infections and malaria. Like other types of antibiotics, doxycycline monohydrate is ineffective for colds, flu or other viral infections. Unlike creatine, which can be added to shakes and smoothies in powder form, doxycycline is available in tablet, syrup, coated capsule and liquid suspension form.
Creatine
Since its discovery in the 1800s, creatine has become a popular supplement used by up to 50 percent of professional football players, according to MayoClinic.com. Unlike doxycycline, creatine naturally occurs in the body and can be used to improve the mass, strength and endurance of muscles. Since patients with chronic heart failure tend to have lower levels of creatine, supplementation is sometimes used to improve strength and stamina of the cardiovascular system. Creatine is typically taken in dosages of 400 milligrams per kilogram of body weight, or up to 25 grams a day.
Interactions
There are no commonly known interactions for individuals taking doxycycline monohydrate and creatine, according to the Drugs.com website. However, both doxycycline and creatine interact with certain medications, including Xanax, Singulair, fish oil, vitamin D2 and vitamin D3. Since both doxycycline and creatine are known to interact with these treatments, it is possible that a currently unknown interaction may exist between the two therapies. For best results, talk to your doctor before combining doxycycline and creatine treatments.
Safety Concerns
Individuals taking creatine are recommended to drinker larger quantities of water than normal in order to prevent dehydration. The MedlinePlus website also lists a variety of side effects associated with doxycycline, including vaginal itching, diarrhea, sore mouth, blurred vision, severe headaches, hives, skin rashes, loss of appetite, stomach pain and vomiting. Talk to your doctor if you experience these or any other side effects while taking doxycycline monohydrate.
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