Long term use of Doxycycline

[shimmerynite]

Hello, I just wanted to know if long term use of antibiotics create bacterial resistance? For example, if you are using Doxycycline long term to treat Meibomitis or Rosacea. Also, I've read somewhere that using Doxycycline increases one's risk of developing breast cancer. Was this scientifically proven? Thanks so much.

[Forum-OD-MP]

yes, long term use of any antibiotic can and does cause bacterial resistance.  that is a fact.  sometimes unavoidable, however like in cases of rosacea.

i have also heard that doxy increases the chance of breast cancer.  but i dont specifically know if studies have shown that or what.

[shimmerynite]

I guess all I can do is hope for the best.

[Kathel]

Your concern about long term antibiotics is valid, however, there is now a low dose Doxycycline called Periostat that, at 40 mg per day (taken 20 mg twice daily) is a subantimicrobial dose but you still get the anti-inflammatory benefit.  So, no worries about resistance.  I am a dermatologist, and use this frequently in my acne and rosacea patients.  I also use it myself for dry eyes.

[shimmerynite]

Hi Kathel,

Thank you for the information. I visited the eye doctor not long after I first posted and I do not have any of the diseases mentioned above. However, I was diagnoised with Allergies Eyes and Dry Eyes. From a scale of 1-10, how bad is your Dry Eyes and how much as Periosta helped you?