Kratom & Doxycycline: Is This A Safe Combination?

Does Kratom Interact With Doxycycline (Vibramycin)?

Yes. Consuming kratom with doxycycline can cause two different interactions. First, kratom could bind to doxycycline, causing it to be ineffective. Also, these compounds are metabolic competitors, meaning that, when taken together, they can delay each other’s metabolism. This pharmacological interaction is known as metabolic inhibition and increases the risk of side effects.

Getting proper consultation from your prescribing physician before taking kratom and doxycycline together is always better.

Kratom Can Decrease Doxycycline’s Effects (Antagonistic Interaction)

Kratom and doxycycline can interact antagonistically. Doxycycline is best taken alone, if tolerated, for the best absorption. Even liquids and food can make it less effective. Talk with your doctor, and ensure there are at least two hours between the kratom dose and the doxycycline to be safe.

Kratom & Doxycycline Can Slow Each Other’s Metabolism (Metabolic Inhibition)

Kratom is metabolized by the cytochrome enzymes of the liver, namely CYP3A4, CYP2D6, and CYP2C9 [1].

But while doxycycline does not use the CYP enzymes for metabolism, it can have an inhibitory effect on CYP3A [2].

Because of this, consuming doxycycline and kratom together can slow the metabolization and elimination of kratom, allowing it to stay in the body for longer and creating additional adverse effects.

Kratom & Doxycycline (Vibramycin) Interactions

Doxycycline is a tetracycline antibiotic that helps the body fight bacteria.

Tetracycline treats bacterial infections in the skin, intestines, respiratory tract, eyes, urinary tract, genitals, lymph nodes, and other body systems.

There are a few other tetracyclines, all of which will share a similar level of risk when used alongside kratom.

Other tetracyclines that kratom will interact with include:

• Chlortetracycline
• Demeclocycline
• Methacycline
• Minocycline
• Oxytetracycline
• Tigecycline

Is it Safe to Take Kratom With Doxycycline (Vibramycin)?

Consuming kratom with doxycycline can cause moderate reactions. Doxycycline’s inhibitory effects on the CYP3A enzyme could slow down kratom’s metabolism if both are taken simultaneously.

Make sure there’s at least a 2-hour time interval between the consumption of these medications.

However, do not take these medications without first consulting your physician. If you experience any odd side effects, get medical aid immediately.

What is Doxycycline (Vibramycin)?

Doxycycline is a tetracycline antibiotic that treats bacterial infections. It’s made from oxytetracycline synthetically. This medication is a second-generation tetracycline, making it less harmful than first-generation tetracyclines.

Doxycycline treats infections caused by gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, aerobes and anaerobes, and other bacteria. Due to antibiotic resistance, doxycycline is not for staphylococcal infections.

Doxycycline is bacteriostatic, meaning it inhibits protein production and has antibacterial properties. Bacteriostatic antibiotics prevent germs from growing or keeping them in a stationary state.

By attaching to the 30S ribosomal subunit, which is only in bacteria, doxycycline prevents the creation of bacterial proteins. This action stops transfer RNA from binding to messenger RNA at the ribosomal subunit, preventing the addition of amino acids to polypeptide chains and the production of new proteins. This halts bacterial growth and allows the immune system to destroy and eliminate the infection.

Doxycycline (Vibramycin) Details & Specifications

Drug Name	Doxycycline
Trade name	Acticlate, Adoxa, Apprilon, Atridox, Doryx, Doxy, Doxycin, Lymepak, Mondoxyne, Monodox, Morgidox, Okebo, Oracea, Periostat, Targadox, Vibramycin
Classification	Tetracycline
CYP Metabolism	None
Interaction With Kratom	Metabolic inhibition
Risk of Interaction	Moderate

What is Doxycycline (Vibramycin) Used For?

Doxycycline has a variety of indications. Some of them are:

Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Doxycycline treats uncomplicated urethral infections, endocervical or rectal infections, and lymphogranuloma venereum caused by Chlamydia trachomatis. It works by entering the cell body of the bacteria and blocking the production of the proteins required by the bacteria for survival and reproduction.

It treats nongonococcal urethritis caused by Ureaplasma urealyticum, granuloma inguinale caused by Klebsiella granulomatis, uncomplicated gonorrhea caused by Neisseria gonorrhea, and chancroid caused by Haemophilus ducreyi.

Doxycycline’s physicochemical properties (liposolubility) enable rapid diffusion in tissues and organs. It has a high bioavailability and a long elimination half-life, allowing one or two daily dosages to be taken orally. Doxycycline is mainly used for sexually transmitted diseases due to its efficacy, good tolerability, and easy oral administration [3].

Respiratory Infections

This antibiotic can treat respiratory tract infections caused by organisms such as Haemophilus influenza, Klebsiella species, Streptococcus pneumonia, among others. It is also essential in the empirical treatment of hospitalized patients with mild to moderately severe community-acquired pneumonia. Doxycycline is especially useful for treating acute bronchitis and acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis [4].

Acne

Doxycycline helps treat acne vulgaris [5]. Unlike other infectious conditions, the doxycycline treatment for acne encompasses a long-term dosage that may extend for several weeks. It is effective and safe for acne treatment and has long-term and highly beneficial effects in treating this condition.

Malaria

Doxycycline is also indicated for malaria treatment [6]. It is indicated for preventing malaria due to Plasmodium falciparum in short-term travelers (<4 months). This is mainly for those areas with chloroquine or pyrimethamine-sulfadoxine-resistant strains.

What’s the Dose of Doxycycline (Vibramycin)?

The recommended dose of doxycycline is 200 mg orally daily in two divided doses. However, the dosage may change according to the patient’s needs. 

Generic & Brand Name Versions

Doxycycline is available on the market under the following brand names:

• Acticlate
• Adoxa
• Apprilon
• Atridox
• Doryx
• Doxy
• Doxycin
• Lymepak
• Mondoxyne
• Monodox
• Morgidox
• Okebo
• Oracea
• Periostat
• Targadox

What Are the Side Effects of Doxycycline (Vibramycin)?

As with any other medication, doxycycline carries its list of undesired side effects. Ensure you get medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Abdominal pain
• Blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Indigestion
• Joint or muscle pain
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Skin hyperpigmentation
• Sore throat
• Stomach cramps
• Unusual tiredness or weakness
• Urticaria
• Vomiting

What is Kratom?

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is an evergreen tree most commonly found in Southeast Asia. In places like Thailand, Vietnam, Borneo, and Indonesia, it has been used for centuries as a traditional medicine to relieve pain and fatigue.

Because kratom acts on opioid receptors, some people have assumed it’s dangerous. However, that’s not the case. As with most things, use it wisely, and there won’t be any issues.

It’s important to note that kratom carries minimal risk, even when misused. It’s almost impossible to overdose on kratom, and any addiction to it is far easier to avoid and overcome than with other compounds (e.g., opioids).

The most significant danger comes from mixing kratom with other substances. Kratom interacts with many medications, so always ensure there won’t be an issue before combining them.

Kratom is a stimulant in small doses, making users feel more energized. As the dosage increases, it reduces pain and acts as a sedative.

We’ll go into kratom’s uses and side effects below.

Related: Is Kratom Dangerous?

What’s Kratom Used For?

Kratom is similar to opioids in many ways but also affects the adrenergic, dopamine, and serotonin systems, making it useful for many conditions.

It’s native to Southeast Asia, and the people there have been using it as medicine for centuries. The West has finally caught on to how great it is — here are the most common uses. 

• Ease symptoms of depression
• Feelings of euphoria
• Help muscle aches
• High blood pressure
• Opioid addiction and withdrawal
• Provide mental and physical energy
• Reduce anxiety
• Relieve pain

What is the Dose of Kratom?

The best rule of thumb is to start low and keep usage to a minimum. The dose changes the effects, so it’s essential to understand how kratom works.

The general kratom dosage guidelines are as follows:

• Energy, focus, creativity, and euphoria come in lower doses — 2-5 g.
• Relaxation, pain relief, a calm mind, and eventually sedation come with larger doses — 6-12 g.

Anything over 8 g is a heavy dose and should be avoided unless you have experience with kratom.

Related: How Much Kratom is Too Much?

What Are the Side Effects of Kratom?

Kratom’s side effects are usually short-term and fade pretty quickly. They tend to happen when you take too much — another reason to keep dosage low.

Here are the common side effects to watch out for:

• Constipation
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth
• Frequent urination
• Headaches
• Heart palpitations
• Irritability
• Itching
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Vomiting

More severe but rarer side effects include:

• Addiction
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Liver damage (with long-term use)

To avoid addiction, take breaks now and then from kratom, only use it when necessary, and stick with the smallest amount possible.

What Are the Different Types of Kratom?

As we mentioned, dose plays a considerable role in the effects you’ll feel. Now, we’ll discuss the other factor — strains.

Kratom strains come about due to the harvesting process. Early harvest, allowing the leaves to mature and fermenting them all play a role in the alkaloid levels, changing the effects.

While all kratom is energizing in smaller amounts and sedating in larger ones, each strain specializes in an area and is better for achieving specific effects.

Here’s what you can expect from each strain.

White Vein Kratom

White-veined strains are harvested before they reach full maturity. They can help with improved energy, cognitive performance, mental attention, vitality, and mildly pleasant feelings, similar to caffeine.

Red Vein Kratom

A kratom leaf must be fully ripe before it may produce red veins. Red-veined kratom has the most 7-hydroxymitragynine, the alkaloid most responsible for pain relief.

These strains are very effective analgesics and sedatives. Because of their calming abilities, many people use them to help manage anxiety.

Also see: All About Kratom’s Alkaloids.

Green Vein Kratom

Medium-mature leaves make green vein kratom. When the leaves are selected, the alkaloid levels are at their peak. Because of this, these strains fall in the middle as far as their effects go. They can provide a little of everything but excel at nothing. Green strains are perfect for beginners or for those that don’t require a potent white or red.

Yellow Vein Kratom

Yellow vein kratom is a green vein kratom whose color and effects change throughout the drying process. Another theory is that yellow strains are fermented whites.

These strains increase feelings of pleasure and vigor while lowering anxiety and depression. They are similar to green because the effects are mild and balanced, providing pain relief, enhanced concentration, and a better overall mood for a surprising amount of time.

Key Takeaways: Is it Safe to Mix Kratom & Doxycycline (Vibramycin)?

There can be mild to moderate side effects resulting from mixing kratom and doxycycline. A slowdown in their metabolism and a decreased bioavailability of kratom can result from mixing them, making one or both ineffective.

Don’t start taking these on your own; always consult your prescribing physician first. If you have to take them anyways, ensure a 2-hour time interval between them.