Bananas are most commonly known for being a good source of potassium, but as per the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s MyPlate guidelines, their nutritional worth doesn’t end there. In fact, this fruit is packed with a plethora of vitamins and minerals that are essential to your health, making them one of the world’s most appealing superfoods.
According to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) calculations, which are based on a 2,000-calorie diet, a medium-sized banana contains only 105 calories. Although it seems obvious that these fruits are a relatively healthy snack, they get a bad reputation because of the large amount of carbohydrates they have: 27 grams (g) for a medium-sized banana.
Bananas are a great food to eat when you’re sick. They’re soft and bland but rich in nutrients and fast-acting carbs. The potassium in bananas can help replenish your electrolyte stores as well since potassium is one of the key electrolytes your body needs.
What is doxycycline used for?
Doxycycline is an antibiotic used to treat infections and prevent malaria. This page explains what doxycycline is used for, how it works, and its risks.
To get doxycycline, you have to have a prescription written for you by a doctor.
Your doctor may prescribe doxycycline to:
• treat respiratory tract infections like pneumonia or bronchitis
• treat other infections such as prostatitis and chlamydia
• control acne
• prevent malaria for people travelling in high-risk areas
Your doctor may have prescribed doxycycline for another reason. If you are unsure why you are taking doxycycline, ask your doctor.
Doxycycline is available in the following dosage forms:
- Powder for Suspension
- Capsule
- Tablet
- Capsule, Extended Release
- Syrup
- Tablet, Delayed Release
It is important to always finish the course of doxycycline as prescribed by your doctor, even if you feel better.
How does doxycycline work?
Doxycycline works by stopping bacteria from multiplying. In acne, it reduces the number of bacteria on the skin surface and it has an anti-inflammatory action. Doxycycline also works against malaria-causing parasites. Doxycycline belongs to the class of medicines known as tetracycline antibiotics.
Can I eat banana while taking doxycycline?
Dairy products and iron-rich foods can interfere with doxycycline if taken at the same time. The iron content in bananas is low, approximately 0.4 mg/100 g of fresh weight, however, the iron is highly absorbable meaning, it can still interfere with your doxycycline dose if eaten within two hours of your medication so it is best to err on the side of caution and avoid bananas while taking doxycycline.
When taking doxycycline, stick to simple meals without rich or spicy food. If you are sick, take small sips of water or squash, to avoid dehydration.
What is the normal dosage of doxycycline?
Doxycycline comes as a capsule, delayed-release capsule, tablet, delayed-release tablet, and suspension (liquid) to take by mouth. Doxycycline is usually taken once or twice a day. Drink a full glass of water with each dose. If your stomach becomes upset when you take doxycycline, you may take it with food or milk. However, taking doxycycline with milk or food may decrease the amount of medication absorbed from your stomach. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about the best way to take doxycycline. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take doxycycline exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Your dose will depend on your condition. You should take the medication exactly as prescribed by your provider. In general:
Doxycycline hyclate (Acticlate, Doryx, Targadox, Vibramycin) and Vibramycin calcium (doxycycline calcium):
• Adults and children (weight 45 kg or more): The typical dose is 100 mg by mouth 2 times (12 hours apart) on the first day, then 100 mg by mouth once or twice daily afterwards depending on how bad your infection is.
• Children (weight less than 45 kg) with severe or life-threatening infections: The typical dose is 2.2 mg/kg by mouth every 12 hours.
• Children 8 years and older (weight less than 45 kg) with less severe infections: The typical dose is 4.4 mg/kg by mouth split into two equal doses on day 1, then 2.2 mg/kg per day.
Swallow the delayed-release tablets and the Acticlate CAP capsules whole; do not split, chew, or crush them.
If you cannot swallow certain delayed-release tablets (Doryx; generics) whole, carefully break up the tablet and sprinkle the contents of the tablet on a spoonful of cold or room temperature (not hot) applesauce. Be careful not to crush or damage any of the pellets while you are breaking up the tablet. Eat the mixture right away, and swallow without chewing. If the mixture cannot be eaten right away it should be discarded. Shake the suspension well before each use to mix the medication evenly.
If you are taking doxycycline for the prevention of malaria, start taking it 1 or 2 days before traveling to an area where there is malaria. Continue taking doxycycline each day you are in the area, and for 4 weeks after leaving the area. You should not take doxycycline for the prevention of malaria for more than 4 months.
Continue to take doxycycline even if you feel well. Take all the medication until you are finished unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
One doxycycline product may not be able to be substituted for another. Be sure that you receive only the type of doxycycline that was prescribed by your doctor. Ask your pharmacist if you have any questions about the type of doxycycline you were given.
What side effects can I expect while taking doxycycline?
The more common side effects of doxycycline include:
• mild irritation of the oesophagus (food pipe)
• nail changes
• oral or vaginal thrush
• rash or itching
• ringing or other persistent noise in the ears
• stomach upset or vomiting
• taste loss
Serious side effects of doxycycline, which may need urgent medical attention, include:
• difficulty or pain in swallowing
• dizziness
• fast heart rate
• increased pressure in the brain (headache, blurred vision, vomiting)
• severe blisters and bleeding in the lips, eyes, mouth, nose and genitals
• severe skin reactions
Doxycycline can also make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, increasing your risk of sunburn and causing pain. So make sure you protect exposed skin with at least SPF30+ sunscreen, clothing and a hat.
Doxycycline can stain teeth and affect how teeth enamel forms, so it should not be given to children under the age of 8 or women who are more than 16 weeks pregnant (when the baby’s teeth are developing).
Although it is rarer, some people can have an allergic reaction to doxycycline. The reaction can include hives (raised, red and itchy rash), breathing problems and swollen lips, tongue or face. If you’ve ever had allergies to any antibiotics in the past, be sure to tell your doctor. And if you’ve taken doxycycline and are having any difficulties breathing, have someone get you to a hospital emergency department immediately or call for an ambulance.
Doxycycline may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).
