UPDATE ON THE USE OF DOXYCYCLINE FOR ANTHRAX EXPOSURE
Doxycycline has been approved for the treatment of anthrax in all its forms.
Update on the Use of Doxycycline for Anthrax Exposure
New York - The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a public health advisory
update yesterday on available treatments for anthrax exposure. With a rash of
cases appearing in Florida, New York, and Washington, DC, the FDA reminds all
health professionals that doxycycline is approved for the treatment of anthrax
in all its forms.
The currently recommended dosage regimen of doxycycline for severe disease is
100 mg every 12 hours for adults and 1 mg per pound (2.2 mg/kg) every 12 hours
for children less than 100 pounds. These dosage regimens are appropriate for use
in patients who have been exposed to anthrax (Bacillus anthracis) regardless
of the route of exposure (inhalation or cutaneous).
In addition, Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy G. Thompson
announced yesterday in testimony before the Committee on Governmental Affairs
and Subcommittee on International Security, Proliferation and Federal Services
of the United States Senate, that the FDA is approving new labeling for the use
of several antibiotics to treat anthrax.
The FDA and other health authorities strongly discourage prescription of antibiotics
for prevention of anthrax without a clear indication that exposure to the organism
may have occurred.
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