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Published on: March 23, 2016
Doxycycline and intracranial hypertension
D I Friedman1, L K Gordon, R A Egan
1Department of Ophthalmology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, NY 14642, USA. Deborah_Friedman@urmc.rochester.edu
Neurology
|June 24, 2004
Summary
Doxycycline treatment may cause pseudotumor cerebri, a condition affecting intracranial pressure. While stopping the antibiotic often helps, some patients experienced permanent vision loss, highlighting a significant risk associated with this common medication.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-ophthalmology
- Pharmacovigilance
- Neurology
Background:
- Doxycycline is a widely prescribed antibiotic with a known side effect profile.
- Pseudotumor cerebri (idiopathic intracranial hypertension) is a condition characterized by increased intracranial pressure.
- The association between doxycycline use and pseudotumor cerebri has been an area of clinical concern.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report cases of pseudotumor cerebri (PTC) developing in patients treated with doxycycline.
- To describe the clinical presentation, management, and outcomes of patients experiencing doxycycline-associated PTC.
- To raise awareness among clinicians regarding this potential adverse drug reaction.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case series.
- Data collected from six neuro-ophthalmology referral centers.
- Analysis of patient demographics, clinical findings, treatment interventions, and visual outcomes.
Main Results:
- Seven patients developed pseudotumor cerebri during doxycycline therapy.
- Obesity was a common comorbidity among affected patients (71% female, 33% male).
- Most patients had minimal initial visual impairment, but two presented with significant visual deficits; five ultimately experienced permanent vision loss despite treatment.
Conclusions:
- Doxycycline may be associated with the development of pseudotumor cerebri.
- Prompt discontinuation of doxycycline and management of intracranial pressure are crucial.
- Permanent visual sequelae can occur, emphasizing the need for vigilant monitoring in patients on this antibiotic.
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