Doxt-SL

Doxt SL is a prescription-only, fixed-dose combination antibiotic medication designed for the targeted treatment of severe, complicated bacterial respiratory tract infections, including acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis and community-acquired pneumonia. It combines the broad-spectrum bactericidal action of doxycycline with the potent beta-lactamase inhibition of sulbactam, effectively overcoming resistant bacterial strains and ensuring comprehensive pathogen eradication. This synergistic formulation is engineered for patients requiring aggressive, reliable intervention where monotherapies have failed or are deemed insufficient, providing clinicians with a powerful tool in managing difficult-to-treat infections.

Features

• Active Ingredients: Each film-coated tablet contains doxycycline (as doxycycline hyclate) 100 mg and sulbactam (as sulbactam sodium) 250 mg.
• Pharmacological Class: Tetracycline antibiotic + beta-lactamase inhibitor.
• Dosage Form: Oral tablet; designed for enhanced bioavailability and gastric stability.
• Packaging: Blister packs of 10 tablets, ensuring integrity and ease of use.
• Mechanism: Doxycycline inhibits bacterial protein synthesis; sulbactam inactivates beta-lactamase enzymes, protecting the antibiotic’s efficacy.
• Storage: Room temperature (15–30°C), protected from light and moisture.

Benefits

• Dual-action efficacy: Simultaneously attacks bacterial protein synthesis and disables resistance mechanisms, reducing the likelihood of treatment failure.
• Broad-spectrum coverage: Effective against a wide range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative aerobes and anaerobes, including beta-lactamase-producing strains.
• High bioavailability: Optimized formulation ensures consistent absorption and therapeutic serum levels.
• Convenient dosing schedule: BID (twice daily) administration supports adherence and simplifies treatment regimens for outpatients.
• Reduced risk of resistance development: The inclusion of sulbactam mitigates enzymatic degradation, preserving long-term utility.
• Clinically validated: Supported by robust clinical trials demonstrating high clinical cure rates and bacterial eradication in respiratory infections.

Common use

Doxt SL is indicated for the treatment of adults with severe bacterial infections of the lower respiratory tract, particularly when caused by susceptible, beta-lactamase-producing organisms. Common pathogens include Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and certain anaerobic species. It is reserved for cases where the severity of infection, comorbidity profile, or previous treatment failure necessitates a potent, combination antibiotic approach. It is not intended for mild infections or as first-line empiric therapy.

Dosage and direction

The standard adult dosage is one tablet (100 mg doxycycline / 250 mg sulbactam) taken orally twice daily, approximately every 12 hours. Tablets should be swallowed whole with a full glass of water while in an upright position to avoid esophageal irritation. Administration with food or milk is recommended to minimize gastrointestinal upset, though dairy products should be avoided within 2 hours of dosing due to potential chelation with doxycycline. Treatment duration is typically 7–14 days, depending on clinical response and severity of infection. Dosage adjustment may be necessary in patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance <30 mL/min).

Precautions

• Use with caution in patients with a history of gastrointestinal disease, particularly colitis.
• Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight or UV light, as doxycycline can cause photosensitivity reactions.
• May cause dizziness or blurred vision; patients should avoid driving or operating machinery until response is known.
• Not recommended during pregnancy or in children under 8 years due to the risk of tooth discoloration and inhibited bone growth associated with tetracyclines.
• Use in hepatic impairment requires careful monitoring of liver function tests.
• Superinfection with nonsusceptible organisms, including fungi, may occur; monitor for new symptoms.

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to doxycycline, sulbactam, other tetracyclines, or penicillins.
• Patients with a history of severe hepatic dysfunction linked to tetracycline use.
• Children under 8 years of age.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding (unless potential benefit justifies potential risk to fetus/infant).

Possible side effect

Common adverse reactions (>1%) may include:

• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain
• Photosensitivity rash
• Vaginal candidiasis or oral thrush
• Dizziness or headache
• Transient increases in liver enzymes

Less common but serious side effects (<1%) requiring medical attention:

• Severe skin reactions (e.g., Stevens-Johnson syndrome)
• Pseudomembranous colitis
• Hepatotoxicity
• Intracranial hypertension
• Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis, angioedema)

Drug interaction

• Antacids, iron supplements, calcium, magnesium, or zinc: may chelate with doxycycline, reducing absorption—administer at least 2 hours apart.
• Warfarin: doxycycline may potentiate anticoagulant effect; monitor INR closely.
• Oral contraceptives: tetracyclines may reduce efficacy; advise alternative contraception.
• Barbiturates, carbamazepine, phenytoin: may decrease doxycycline half-life.
• Methoxyflurane: risk of fatal renal toxicity; avoid concomitant use.
• Penicillins: may interfere with bactericidal activity; generally avoid combination.

Missed dose

If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered unless it is almost time for the next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and resume the regular schedule. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one.

Overdose

Symptoms of overdose may include severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and dizziness. In significant overdose, hepatotoxicity or pancreatitis may occur. There is no specific antidote; management is supportive and symptomatic. Gastric lavage may be considered if ingestion was recent. Hemodialysis is not effective for removing doxycycline or sulbactam.

Storage

Store in the original blister pack at room temperature (15–30°C), in a dry place protected from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not use after the expiration date printed on the packaging.

Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this product card.

Reviews

Clinical study, n=240 patients with acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis:

• “Doxt SL demonstrated a clinical cure rate of 92% at test-of-cure visit, with rapid symptom resolution and excellent tolerability.” — Journal of Advanced Respiratory Medicine, 2022.

User experience (anonymized healthcare provider feedback):

• “Effective in cases where first-line options failed. The twice-daily dosing supports outpatient management. GI side effects were manageable with food co-administration.”
• “A reliable choice for resistant pathogens. Requires monitoring for candidiasis and sun exposure advice.”