doxycycline-induced esophageal ulcer

during a period of 4 years (1983-1986), we have seen 18 patients with esophageal ulcer following the intake of doxycycline capsules at the university hospitals of shiraz medical school. during the same period only one other patient with a drug-induced esophageal ulcer was seen and this was found to be due to a mefenemic acid capsule. diagnosis was made by esophagoscopy and after two weeks, follow-up endoscopies revealed complete healing of the ulcers. after one year, the follow-up observations of ten patients revealed no stricture or obstruction. we conclude that doxycycline capsule is the single most common cause of drug-induced esophageal ulcers and although a self-limited complication, in already ill patients, it produces significant morbidity which could be prevented by simple measures.