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Doxycycline is prescribed to treat people who have been exposed to anthrax. The FDA highly recommends that it be used only for this exposure. Anthrax exposure is rare, is highly infectious, and is caused by bacteria. Anthrax is very deadly. It can be ingested, inhaled, or can enter the skin through a wound or abrasion. Inhalation anthrax is the most deadly form.

Anthrax occurs in animals in agricultural regions such as South and Central America, some areas in Europe, Asia, Africa, the Carribean and the Middle East. People who are exposed to anthrax in these areas most likely get it because they have come in contact with infected animals and infected animal products.

Anthrax can be ingested by eating infected meat. Signs of the disease include nausea, vomiting, appetite loss, stomach pain, vomiting of blood, and diarrhea. Death occurs in 25 to 60 percent of these cases.

Anthrax can also be acquired through the skin when the person comes in contact with anthrax and the bacteria get into the bloodstream via a sore or abrasion. Goat hair is an especially good transporter of anthrax. About 20 percent of people who acquire anthrax cutaneously will die.

Inhalation anthrax is the most deadly. It usually results in death in all cases. Treatment such as Doxycycline can reduce chances of death.

Doxycycline is approved to treat all three forms of anthrax contamination. Because Doxycycline has serious health risks and side effects, only people who have come in contact with anthrax should take the medicine. Health risks and side effects include:

• life-threatening allergic reactions
• unusual bleeding and bruising
• liver damage
• nausea
• vomiting
• sensitivity to the sunlight
• vaginal yeast infection
• decreased effectiveness of birth control pills

Doxycycline is not approved for use in children under the age of 8 years old, because it can cause brain injury. It can also slow bone growth and cause tooth discoloration.