Doxycycline (Anhydrous) is a defined organic compound recorded by PubChem as 4-(Dimethylamino)-1,5,10,11,12a-pentahydroxy-6-methyl-3,12-dioxo-3,4,4a,5,5a,6,12,12a-octahydrotetracene-2-carboximidic acid. Its molecular formula is C22H24N2O8, and its relative molecular mass is approximately 444.4 g/mol. Doxycycline is tetracycline in which the 5beta-hydrogen is replaced by a hydroxy group, while the 6alpha-hydroxy group is replaced by hydrogen.
A semi-synthetic tetracycline antibiotic, it is used to inhibit bacterial protein synthesis and treat non-gonococcal urethritis and cervicitis, exacerbations of bronchitis in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and adult periodontitis. It has a role as a geroprotector, an antibacterial drug, an antimalarial, an immunomodulator and an anti-inflammatory agent. Handling and storage conditions can materially affect integrity, activity, and reproducibility.
