Doxycycline (By mouth)

Introduction:

Doxycycline (dox-i-SYE-kleen)

Treats infections caused by bacteria, and prevents malaria. This medicine also treats pimples or bumps on the face caused by a condition called rosacea. This medicine is a tetracycline antibiotic.

Brand Name(s):

Doryx, Adoxa Pak 1/150, Adoxa Pak 1/75, Oracea, Adoxa, Periostat, Monodox, NutriDox Convenience, Adoxa CK, Vibramycin Monohydrate, Adoxa TT, Avidoxy, Avidoxy DK, Vibramycin Calcium, Vibramycin Hyclate

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to doxycycline or to any tetracycline antibiotic (such as minocycline). Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, or if you are breastfeeding. Do not give this medicine to children under 8 years old because it can permanently change tooth color.

How to Use This Medicine:

Liquid, Capsule, Tablet, Delayed Release Tablet, Long Acting Capsule

  • Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
  • Swallow the medicine with a full glass (8 ounces) of water while sitting or standing. Do not lay down right after taking this medicine. Doing this may help prevent throat problems.
  • It is best to take this medicine on an empty stomach. If you take this medicine close to meal times, you should take it at least one hour before or two hours after your meal.
  • Swallow the capsule whole. Do not break, crush, chew, or open it.
  • Shake the oral liquid well just before each use. Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
  • Keep using this medicine for the full treatment time, even if you feel better after the first few doses. Your infection may not clear up if you stop using the medicine too soon.
  • If you are using this medicine to prevent malaria while traveling, start taking the medicine 1 or 2 days before you travel. Take the medicine every day during your trip and continue taking it for 4 weeks after you return. However, do not use the medicine for longer than 4 months.
  • This medicine is not for long-term use.Do not use this medicine for more than 9 months if you are using it for rosacea.

If a dose is missed:

  • If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze the oral liquid.
  • Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
  • Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are using antacids (such as Maalox®, Mylanta®, Rolaids®, or Tums®), penicillin antibiotics (such as amoxicillin, amoxicillin/clavulanate, Amoxil®, or Augmentin®), Pepto-Bismol®, or certain stomach medicines (such as esomeprazole, lansoprazole, omeprazole, Nexium®, Prevacid®, or Prilosec®). Tell your doctor if you use a blood thinner such as warfarin or Coumadin®, or medicine for seizures such as carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, Dilantin®, or Tegretol®.
  • Tell your doctor if you are also using a medicine to treat pimples (acne) such as isotretinoin (Accutane®, Amnesteem®), or a medicine to treat psoriasis (a skin problem) such as acitretin (Soriatane®). Make sure your doctor knows if you use multivitamins or supplements that contain aluminum, calcium, magnesium, or iron.
  • Birth control pills may not work while you are using doxycycline. To keep from getting pregnant, use another form of birth control such as condoms, diaphragm, or contraceptive foam or jelly.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

  • Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. The medicine may also cause birth defects if the father is using it when his sexual partner becomes pregnant. If a pregnancy occurs while you are using this medicine, tell your doctor right away.
  • Make sure your doctor knows if you have kidney disease, liver disease, lupus, asthma, or if you are allergic to sulfites. Tell your doctor if you have had surgery on your stomach, or if you have or had a yeast or fungus infection in your mouth or vagina.
  • If you have severe diarrhea, ask your doctor before taking any medicine to stop the diarrhea.
  • If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, call your doctor.
  • This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Use a sunscreen when you are outdoors. Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds.
  • This medicine may cause problems with your immune system. Stop taking this medicine and call your doctor right away if you notice the following symptoms: fever, rash, joint pains, and feeling ill. Do not restart taking this medicine unless your doctor tells you to.
  • If you are using this medicine to prevent malaria, take extra care not to get bitten by mosquitoes. Use protective clothing, mosquito netting or screens, and an insect repellent.
  • Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before having surgery or medical tests.
  • Do not use this medicine for any condition or infection that has not been checked by a doctor. This medicine will not treat the flu or common cold.
  • This medicine may darken the color of your skin, nails, eyes, teeth, gums, or scars. Talk with your doctor if you have any concerns.
  • Your doctor will need to check your blood at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
  • Blistering, peeling, red skin rash.
  • Burning, pain, or irritation in your upper stomach, middle chest, or throat.
  • Diarrhea that may contain blood.
  • Fever, chills, cough, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, and body aches.
  • Increased hunger or thirst.
  • Joint pain or back pain.
  • Severe headache, dizziness, or changes in vision.
  • Trouble swallowing.
  • Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.
  • Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

  • Anxiety.
  • Darkening of your skin, scars, teeth, or gums.
  • Dry mouth.
  • Mild skin rash or itching.
  • Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, or upset stomach.
  • Sores or swelling around your rectum.
  • Sores or white patches on your lips, mouth, or throat.
  • Swelling of your tongue.
  • Vaginal itching or discharge.
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