Doxycycline should be avoided in which populations?

Prepare for the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry Oral Boards. Utilize flashcards and multiple-choice questions with hints and explanations to ace your exam!

Doxycycline is avoided in pregnancy and in young children because it can affect developing teeth and bones. It crosses the placenta and is incorporated into dentin and enamel as teeth form, leading to permanent tooth discoloration and enamel hypoplasia, and it can also influence fetal bone growth. Because these processes are still ongoing in the womb and in children under eight, the risks are irreversible and thus avoided. In nonpregnant adults and older children, doxycycline can be used when indicated, though it carries other considerations like photosensitivity and gastrointestinal upset. Liver or kidney disease aren’t the primary reasons for avoiding it, though severe liver disease may warrant caution due to metabolism.