No, doxycycline is not the same as tetracycline, but rather a semi-synthetic derivative of tetracycline with improved pharmacological properties. 1. Doxycycline is a tetracycline antibiotic that inhibits bacterial growth and is thought to have anti-inflammatory effects. Doxycycline is used for bacterial infections, including acne, rosacea, urinary and respiratory tract infections, eye infections, gum disease, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis. Doxycycline is a second-generation tetracycline with broader antibacterial coverage and longer half-life, whereas Tetracycline is a first-generation antibiotic with a narrower spectrum and shorter half-life. Compare Doxycycline vs Tetracycline head-to-head with other drugs for uses, ratings, cost, side effects and interactions. Doxycycline belongs to the class of medicines known as tetracycline antibiotics. It works by killing bacteria or preventing their growth. However, this medicine will not work for colds, flu, or other virus infections. This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription. Doxycycline, sold under the brand names Vibramycin and Doryx, among others, is a broad-spectrum antibiotic of the tetracycline class used in the treatment of infections caused by bacteria and certain parasites. [1] Since then, multiple additional tetracyclines have been isolated or derived. Doxycycline and minocycline (approved in 1967 and 1972, respectively) are the most frequently prescribed. Subsequent research to find tetracycline analogues led to the development of the glycylcyclines. Common Generic Name (s): doxycycline, doxycycline hyclate Pronunciation: dox-ee-SYE-kleen Drug Classes: tetracycline antibiotic Availability: prescription only, generic available for some. Doxycycline and Tetracycline are both antibiotics that belong to the same class of drugs called tetracyclines. They are commonly used to treat various bacterial infections. Doxycycline is a synthetic (man-made) antibiotic derived from tetracycline. Doxycycline is used for many different types of infections, including respiratory tract infections due to Hemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, or Mycoplasma pneumoniae.