Doxycycline supplies continue to remain sparse following official word of the shortage from the FDA on Jan. 18.

Utilized as prime treatment for an array of sexually transmitted infections and conditions including chlamydia, nongonococcal urethritis, epididymitis and pelvic inflammatory disease, doxycycline entered the availability red zone as a result of increased demands mixed with manufacturing delays. Physicians often employ the compound to treat syphilis in patients with penicillin allergies as well. What's more, a shortage of drug class associate tetracycline — also used on occasion as a subsititute for doxycycline — is also still in effect.

West-Ward Pharmaceuticals, a popular doxycycline developer, “has indicated that a voluntary suspension of oral solids manufacturing at its Eatontown, N.J., facility will disrupt availability of its capsules until mid-February or later,” reported AAFP NewsNow.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that capsules and tablets of doxycycline are still available but in limited quantities. As such, for each condition typically dealt with via the tapering antibiotic, the CDC provides a series of alternatives for physicians to consider when treating qualified patients.

Additionally information regarding manufacturer status with antibiotic development, contact credentials and other commentary in relation to the shortage, can be found here on the FDA’s drug shortages Web page.