Leptospirosis: Doctors warn against self-medicating with doxycycline

Doctors are warning against the use of doxycycline, an antibiotic used to treat leptospirosis, as a form of self-medication after exposure to floodwaters.

On Monday’s “Balitanghali” report by Jamie Santos, doctors stressed the first thing to do after exposure to floodwaters is to promptly seek medical advice, because even a small wound can allow the bacteria that cause leptospirosis to enter the body.

According to Dr. John Christian Galang, a fellow of the Philippine College of Emergency Medicine, leptospirosis may take up to four weeks before symptoms appear.

“If you are not able to address it early and you are not given prophylaxis, or medication that can prevent the infection from developing in the body, it can progress directly to complications such as kidney failure,” Galang said in Filipino.

The physician also said leptospirosis bacteria can enter the body through small cuts in the body.

“Any small break in the skin, any small wound on the skin, can allow leptospirosis to enter,” he said. “The problem is that you may not see these small wounds on your skin.”

Doctors advise people to avoid floodwaters whenever possible. Those who are forced to wade through them should take appropriate precautions and use adequate protective equipment.

Furthermore, doctors warn against self-medicating with doxycycline without proper medical advice, as people with an open wound or those who accidentally swallowed floodwater may require a different form of treatment.

Doxycycline is generally not recommended for pregnant women or those who may be pregnant, and children should only take it under the advice of a pediatrician.

The antibiotic may also cause acid reflux or heartburn, so patients should avoid lying down immediately after taking it.

In some women, doxycycline may also cause yeast infections, potentially leading to itching or irritation.

Doctors also advise leaving a two-hour interval between taking doxycycline and consuming food, milk, or other dairy products.

As of August 18, the Department of Health has recorded at least 220 deaths from leptospirosis, with 3,440 cases logged nationwide from January to August 8.

Meanwhile, the San Lazaro Hospital is now operating at 300% to 500% of its emergency room capacity amid a surge in leptospirosis cases following flooding caused by continuous rains from the Southwest Monsoon or Habagat.

Leptospirosis is caused by bacteria spread through the urine of infected animals, particularly rats, and can affect both humans and animals. — Hermes Joy Tunac/LA, GMA News