A multi-centre surgical trial of intravenous doxycycline ('Vibravenous') in the Netherlands

One hundred and thirteen surgical patients were included in a trial of the use of doxycycline. The majority of the patients were initially started on intravenous therapy and then switched to oral medication when their condition permitted. The patients were categorized into 5 groups as follows: appendicitis 32, peritonitis 29, infections of the biliary tract 10, other infective processes 9, and prophlactic therapy 33. The efficacy was excellent ant the majority of the patients had a very good (excellent) and good therapeutic response. The mean temperature in most of the groups fell significantly by the fourth or fifth day of therapy. Side-effects were (4.4%) and usually self-limiting.