A Comprehensive Monograph on Doxycycline (DB00254): Pharmacological Profile, Clinical Applications, and Safety Considerations

Introduction and Drug Identification

Overview and Classification

Doxycycline is a potent, broad-spectrum antibiotic belonging to the tetracycline class of antimicrobial agents.[1] Classified as a small molecule, it represents a significant advancement as a second-generation tetracycline, synthetically derived from its predecessor, oxytetracycline.[1] This specific chemical heritage confers a more favorable toxicity profile compared to first-generation tetracyclines, a factor that has contributed substantially to its widespread and enduring clinical use.[1]

The drug is approved for both human and veterinary applications and is also categorized as an investigational agent, reflecting a robust and ongoing pipeline of research into novel therapeutic uses.[1] Its clinical utility is notably multifaceted, extending well beyond its primary function as a bacteriostatic agent. Doxycycline possesses well-documented antiparasitic and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a versatile therapeutic tool capable of addressing a diverse range of pathological processes, from infectious diseases to chronic inflammatory conditions.[1]

Chemical and Physical Properties

The definitive identification of doxycycline is established through several key chemical and physical descriptors. It is uniquely identified by the Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) Number 564-25-0 and the DrugBank Accession Number DB00254.[1]