HomeAnswersInternal MedicinedoxycyclineWill continuous intake of Doxycycline for 10 days cause intracranial hypertension?

Can I get intracranial hypertension due to continuous intake of Doxycycline for ear infection?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

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Published At December 4, 2020
Reviewed AtSeptember 16, 2023

Patient's Query

Topic: Doxycycline and Intracranial Hypertension.

I was prescribed 10 days Doxycycline (100mg twice a day) for a mild ear infection. I went back at 5 days and they said the infection was cleared and that I was able to stop taking it. I felt kind of stuck, because I was afraid to stop taking an antibiotic halfway incase the infection came back. I continued taking it and am now on my 8th day. The dr and pharmacist said as long as its 7 days I should be fine. Although, I have a major fear. I am afraid that taking Doxycycline will cause Intracranial Hypertension. I have been reading so much about it and how it has come from people taking it for even 10 days. I am terrified of this happening to me. My ear is not hurting but it has been clogged and now I feel a pulse in my ear and am worrying this is caused by IHH. I am terrified of having the Pseudocerebri Tumor and am terrified to keep taking Doxy for 2 more days after today but also scared to stop because what If my infection comes back. The doctor said my ear is NOT infected right now. What do I do. Am I in danger Hi Are we able to chat now about this. Please Help I am so scared.

Hello!

Thank you for this information. Although doxycyline may induce intracranial hypertension, it is relatively safe as long as you are guided by a doctor, and not a prescription online alone . Risk factor of developing intracranial hypertension in women includes obesity and with history of intracranial hypertension. Otherwise, it is relatively safe. Symptoms of intracranial hypertension includes headaches, visual obscurations, blurred vision, diplopia, back and neck pain. Since you have none of these symptoms, it is least likely for you to develop intracranial hypertension. I recommend you complete the treatment as advised by your doctor and follow up with him once it is done. You should also watch out for the symptoms i mentioned above. If any of the symptoms occur, i recommend further consult. Is there anything else I can help you with? In the meantime, thank you and have a great day.

Patient's Query

Is it bad if I continue to finish the antibiotic when one doctor told me I can stop it and that the infection is not there anymore? I am slightly overweight , female and 23 years old. Never had symptoms of IIH before. Could they appear after I already finish the 10 day course thougH? Or is it extremely rare overall? Have you seen it alot? Also, if I have a lot of fluid in my ear after the ear infection is cleared, is it normal for it to feel very clogged and full and I feel a pulse in my ear right now? Or could that be a sign of IIH?

I understand. Doxycline is given for 5 days and may be extended to 10 days depending on the response of the patient. If it has resolved already, no need to continue the whole course of 10 days

Patient's Query

Is it ok to stop at 8 days though?

The condition is rare and the prevalance is unknown

Patient's Query

Because I know it says 7 or 10 days is common. So if I already did 8 days is it too late to stop and I have to continue to 10

It will not appear once taking of medication is stopped.

Patient's Query

Ok. I keep saying all these posts of people who said they finished the 10 day dose or something and then a few days later they got the bad cranial pressure headache Im scared

No you can still stop taking it. No need to finish the 10 day whole course. As i mentioned, the decision to extend it depends on how patients responds to the medication. In your case, since you respond well, no need to continue it

Patient's Query

Ok. Even if its at 8 days? B Because what if there is something infection bacteria and it develops resistance or something is that possible

I understand but as i mentioned, it rarely happens. The prevalence is unkown and risk of causing long term problem is unknown. Here let me attach a link of an article for your reference.

Patient's Query

Ok so Is doxycycline a very common and safe antibiotic? And even though it says for severe side effects as intracranial pressure it is still very unlikely?

As i mentioned, it seems you have responded well with doxycycline. So after finishing a course of 7 days is ok. If you want to continue 10 days, that is also fine. The risk of developing intracranial hypertension is low. Yes it is and it is relatively safe. As long as you are guided by a doctor that it’ll be fineYou may read the reference i posted here for more info

Patient's Query

Ok . So does it not matter that it has been 8 days rather than 7? Like does stopping at the 8th day make a difference as a opposed to a 7 days.

No it doesnt matter. Since you have completed 7 days, you may stop it anytime as advised by the other doctor you spoke with Is there anything else I can help you with? In the meantime, thank you and have a great day

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Peter Bryant Rapsing Grutas
Dr. Peter Bryant Rapsing Grutas

General Medicine

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