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Doxycycline

Generic Name: doxycycline
The class of drug: Miscellaneous antimalarials, Tetracyclines

Brand names

In the U.S.

  • Adoxa
  • Adoxa CK
  • Adoxa Pak
  • Adoxa TT
  • Doryx
  • Doryx MPC
  • Monodox
  • Oracea
  • Periostat
  • Vibramycin Calcium
  • Vibramycin Hyclate
  • Vibra-Tabs

Available Dosage Forms:

  • Powder for Suspension
  • Capsule
  • Tablet
  • Capsule, Extended Release
  • Syrup
  • Tablet, Delayed Release

Therapeutic Class: Antibiotic

Chemical Class: Tetracycline (class)

Doxycycline uses

Doxycycline
Doxycycline

Doxycycline helps treat infections caused by bacteria that affect various areas in the body. It can also be used to treat abscesses and pimples (usually located on your face) that result from the condition called acne rosacea or adult acne.

Doxycycline delayed-release capsules delayed-release tablets, as well as Acticlate(r) Capcapsules can also be utilized to prevent malaria as well as treat anthrax-related infections following exposure, as well as other illnesses as advised by your doctor.

Doxycycline belongs to the category of medications called tetracycline antimicrobials. It is effective in killing bacteria or stopping their growth. However, it does not be effective for flu, colds or any other viruses.

Doxycycline can only be purchased upon prescription by your physician.

Before making use of doxycycline

In making a decision to take any medicine, the dangers of taking the medicine have to be considered against the benefits it can do. It is a choice both you and your physician will take. The following must be taken into consideration:

Allergies

Inform your doctor if you have had a strange or unusual reaction to doxycycline, or any other medication. Be sure to inform your health specialist if you suffer from any other kinds of allergies, for example, to dyes, foods or preservatives. You may also be allergic to animals. For non-prescription medications, look over the label or the ingredients on the package carefully.

Pediatric

Doxycycline could cause permanent discolouration of teeth and can slow bone growth. Doxycycline is not recommended to children who are 8 years old or age or younger (except to treat exposure to anthrax inhalation or rickettsia infections) as long as it is not prescribed by a doctor for the child.

Geriatric

The studies that have been conducted so far have not revealed the existence of geriatric-specific issues that restrict the use of doxycycline for the older age group. However, older patients tend to suffer from liver, kidney or heart issues that might require caution and adjustment to the dosage for patients taking doxycycline.

Breastfeeding

There are no studies that are sufficient on women to determine the risks to babies when taking this medication while breastfeeding. Be sure to weigh the potential benefits against the risks that could be associated with using this medication during nursing.

Interactions between medicines

While certain medications should not be combined in any way In other instances, two different medications can be taken together, even if there is a chance of interaction. In these instances, your doctor might decide to adjust the dosage of any other precautions that could be needed. If you’re taking doxycycline it is crucial that you let your physician know they prescribe any one of these drugs mentioned below. These interactions have been chosen based on their potential importance and are not meant to be comprehensive.

The use of doxycycline in conjunction with any of the following drugs is not advised. Your physician may choose not to treat you with this drug or alter one of the other medications you are taking.

  • Acitretin

Utilizing doxycycline in conjunction in conjunction with any of these medications is generally not advised however, it is possible to do so in certain situations. If two medicines are prescribed in conjunction and your doctor recommends a change in the dose or the frequency at which you take one or both of the medications.

  • Amoxicillin
  • Ampicillin
  • Ascorbic Acid
  • Bacampicillin
  • Bexarotene
  • Cholera Vaccine, Live
  • Cloxacillin
  • Desogestrel
  • Dicloxacillin
  • Dienogest
  • Drospirenone
  • Estradiol
  • Ethinyl Estradiol
  • Ethynodiol
  • Etretinate
  • Gestodene
  • Isotretinoin
  • Levonorgestrel
  • Magnesium Sulfate
  • Mestranol
  • Methicillin
  • Methotrexate
  • Methoxyflurane
  • Nafcillin
  • Nomegestrol
  • Norethindrone
  • Norgestimate
  • Norgestrel
  • Oxacillin
  • Penicillin G
  • Penicillin G Benzathine
  • Penicillin G Procaine
  • Penicillin V
  • Piperacillin
  • Pivampicillin
  • Porfimer
  • Sultamicillin
  • Temocillin
  • Tretinoin

Utilizing doxycycline in conjunction in conjunction with one of the following medications could result in an increased risk of some adverse effects, however taking both medications could be the most effective treatment for you. If both medications are prescribed and your doctor recommends a change in the dosage or frequency you take either or both drugs.

  • Aluminum Carbonate, Basic
  • Aluminum Hydroxide
  • Aluminum Phosphate
  • Aminolevulinic Acid
  • Bismuth Subsalicylate
  • Calcium
  • Dihydroxyaluminum Aminoacetate
  • Dihydroxyaluminum Sodium Carbonate
  • Iron
  • Magaldrate
  • Magnesium Carbonate
  • Magnesium Hydroxide
  • Magnesium Oxide
  • Magnesium Trisilicate
  • Rifampin
  • Rifapentine

Interactions with alcohol, tobacco, or food

Certain medications shouldn’t be used during or near the time of taking food, or eating specific kinds of food as interactions could happen. The use of tobacco or alcohol along with certain medications may result in interactions. Discuss with your physician your use of your medication when you are taking it with alcohol, food, or tobacco.

Other medical issues

The presence of medical conditions can affect the usage of Doxycycline. Be sure to inform your physician if you suffer from any other medical issues including:

  • Asthma–Vibramycin(r) syrup contains sodium metabisulfite, which can cause allergic and life-threatening reactions in patients with this condition.
  • Diarrhoea or Hypertension in the intracranial artery (pseudotumor cerebri) or any history of or
  • Candidiasis in the vagina (yeast) infections. Use with caution. This can cause the conditions to get worse.
  • Kidney problems – Use with caution. The effects could be increased due to the slower elimination of the medication out of the human body.

The proper use of doxycycline

Use doxycycline according to the instructions of your doctor. Don’t take more than you need, don’t use it more frequently and don’t use it for a longer period than what your doctor has ordered. Doing so could increase the risk of adverse consequences.

Doxycycline is accompanied by patient instructions. Follow the directions carefully. Talk to your doctor if have any concerns.

If you’re taking Doryx(r) delayed-release capsules:

  • It can be taken along in combination with milk or food, in case it upsets your stomach.
  • The capsule can be opened and then sprinkle the contents onto the spoonful of cold soft applesauce. Don’t lose any pellets in the transfer of the contents. The mixture must be consumed immediately without chewing, and then followed by an ice-cold glass to ensure that the pellets are completely swallowed. the pellets. Don’t store the mixture to use later.

If you’re using late-release tablets, tablets:

  • It is possible to take it in combination with milk or food, in case it causes stomach upset.
  • You can take doxycycline by breaking tablets. Place the tablet between your index and thumb close to the scoring (separation) line. After that, apply enough pressure to snap the tablet sections apart. Don’t make use of the tablet in case it doesn’t break along the lines that are scored.
  • Doxycycline can also be taken by sprinkling the broken tablets over cold soft food items like applesauce. The mixture should be taken immediately without chewing, and after that, drinking a glass of water to ensure full absorption of the pellets. Do not keep the mixture to use in the future.

Take it capsule entire. Don’t crush, break chew or break it. You can take Acticlate(r) Cap capsules in conjunction with milk or food to prevent stomach irritation.

shake it up oral liquid at least a few minutes prior to every use. The dose is measured using a measuring spoon marked with a mark or oral syringe medicine cup.

Take plenty of liquids to prevent irritation of the throat and ulceration.

If you’re using Doxycycline to stop malaria during your travels, begin taking the medicine one or 2 days prior to your departure. You should take the medicine daily throughout your travels and continue taking it for four weeks following your return. Be sure to not make use of the medicine for more than four months.

If you’re taking Oracea(TM) extended-release capsules, you can:

  • Doxycycline should be taken with a full stomach, and preferably 1 hour prior to or two hours after meals.
  • Doxycycline should be taken with an entire glass of water, whether standing or sitting.
  • To prevent irritation of the throat To avoid irritation to the throat, don’t lie down after taking doxycycline.

Make sure you use only Doxycycline from the same brand your doctor has prescribed. Different brands may not function in the same way.

To make the switch between Doryx(r) delay-release tablet for Doryx(r) late-release tablet MPC:

  • Replace the 50 milligrams (mg) dosage of Doryx(r) delayed-release tablet with a 60 mg dosage of Doryx(r) MPC delayed-release tablet.
  • Replace a dose of 100 mg of Doryx(r) delayed-release tablet with a dose of 120 mg of Doryx(r) MPC delayed-release tablet.

To ensure that you clear the infection completely continue taking doxycycline throughout the entire duration of therapy, even if you start to feel better after a couple of days. Should you discontinue doxycycline too quickly, the symptoms could recur.

Dosing

The dosage of doxycycline is likely to differ in different people. Follow the doctor’s instructions or the instructions in the prescription. The information below is only the most common dose of Doxycycline. If you have a different dose you should not alter it until your doctor instructs you to change it.

The quantity of medicine you consume is contingent on your strength medication. In addition, the number of doses you will take every day, the amount of time between doses and the amount of time you use the medicine depend on the medical condition that you’re treating with the medication.

  • For oral dosage forms (capsules, suspension, syrup, tablets):
    • To treat Infections:
      • Adults: 100 milligrams (mg) every 12 hours for the first day. After that, 100 mg every day or 50-100 mg each 12 hours.
      • Children aged 8 years or more weighing at least 45 kilograms (kg) or more – 100 mg daily for 12 hours from the first day. Then 100 mg every day or 50-100 mg each 12 hours.
      • Children aged 8 or older who weigh less than 45kg–Dose is determined by body weight and should be decided by your doctor. The usual dose is 4.4 mg per kilogram of body weight daily and divided into two doses for the initial day. Then, follow by 2.2 mg per kilogram of body weight daily in one dose or split into two doses over the next days.
      • Children from 8 to 12 years old – Use and dosage will be determined by your doctor.
    • To prevent malaria:
      • Adults – 100 milligrams (mg) every day. The first dose within 1 or 2 days prior to travelling to an area in which malaria might occur. You should continue taking the medicine daily throughout your trip and for four weeks following your departure from the area that is prone to malaria.
      • Children age 8 or more weigh 45 kgs (kg) or more than 100 mg daily. The first dose one or two days prior to leaving for an area where malaria could occur. You should continue taking the medicine daily throughout your trip and for four weeks after leaving the area that is prone to malaria.
      • Children age 8 or older who weigh less than 45kg. Dose is based on body mass and should be determined by your physician. The recommended dose is 2 mg per kilogram of body weight every day and is administered as one dose. The first dose one or two days prior to travel to an area where malaria could be present, and then continue to take the medication every day during your travel, and for a period of four weeks following your departure from the malaria-prone area.
      • Children as young as 8 years old are not advised.
    • In case of anthrax following exposure:
      • Adults and kids weighing at least 45 kilograms (kg) or greater than 100 milligrams (mg) two times every day (taken at least every twelve hours) over 60 consecutive days.
      • Children who weigh less than 45 kg – Dose is determined by body weight and should be determined by your physician. The recommended dose is 2.2 mg for every kilogram of body weight 2 times per every day over 60 days.
  • For oral dosage forms (delayed-release capsules):
    • For treating pimples resulting from rosacea:
      • Adults: 40 milligrams (mg) or one capsule daily in the morning.
      • Children–Use and dosage must be determined by your physician.
  • For oral dosage forms (Doryx(r) delayed release capsules Doryx(r) delayed-release tablet):
    • In case of anthrax following exposure:
      • Delayed-release capsules:
        • Adults and kids weighing at least 45kg (kg) or greater than 100 milligrams (mg) two times every day (taken at least every twelve hours) over 60 consecutive days.
        • Children with a weight of less than 45 kg – Dose is determined by body weight and should be determined by your physician. The dosage is typically 2 mg per kilogram of body weight 2 times per every day for 60 consecutive days.
      • Delayed-release tablets:
        • Adults and children who weigh more than 45 kg (kg) or more than 100 milligrams (mg) twice per daily (taken at least every twelve hours) over 60 consecutive days.
        • Children who weigh less than 45 kg – Dose is determined by body weight and should be assessed by your doctor. The recommended dose is 2.2 mg per kilogram of body weight daily twice a daily for 60 consecutive days.
    • To treat Infections:
      • Adults and children who weigh more than 45 kg (kg) or more – 100 milligrams (mg) every 12 hours for the first day. Then, 100 mg daily or 50-100 mg every 12 hours.
      • Children who weigh less than 45 kilograms with serious or life-threatening illnesses (eg Anthrax and Rocky Mountain spotted fever)–Dose is determined by body weight and is determined by your physician. The recommended dose is 2.2 mg per kilogram of body weight, taken at least every twelve hours.
      • Children who are older than 8 years old and with a weight of less than 45kg with less severe infections — Dose is determined by body mass and is decided by your doctor. The dosage is typically 4.4 mg per kilogram of body weight daily and divided into two doses for the initial day. Then, follow with 2.2 mg per kilogram of body weight daily which is taken as one dose or split into two doses over the next days.
      • Children as young as 8 years old – Use and dosage will be determined by your doctor.
    • To help prevent malaria:
      • Adults – 100 milligrams (mg) every day. It is recommended to take your first dose one or two days prior to leaving for an area in which malaria might be a problem, and then continue to take the medication daily throughout your travels and for 4 weeks after leaving the area that is prone to malaria.
      • Children aged 8 years or more weighing 45 kgs (kg) or more than 100 mg per day. It is recommended to take your first dose one or two days prior to leaving for an area where malaria could be present and keep taking the medication every day during your trip and for four weeks after leaving the malaria-prone area.
      • Children aged 8 years or more who weigh less than 45kg–Dose is determined by body weight and should be established by your physician. The dosage is typically 2 mg per kilogram of body weight daily that is taken in a single dose. The first dose one or two days prior to travelling to an area where malaria could be present and then continue to take the medication every day during your travel, and for a period of 4 weeks after leaving the malaria-prone area.
      • Children from 8 to 12 years old – use is not advised.
  • For oral dosage form (Doryx(r) MPC delayed-release tablet):
    • To treat the following infections:
      • Adults and children who are older than 8 years old and is 45kg (kg) plus with or without life-threatening illnesses –120 milligrams (mg) daily for 12 hours starting the first day. Then, 120 mg every day or 60-120 mg every 12 hours.
      • Children who are older than 8 years old and who weighs less than 45kg–Dose is based on body mass and is determined by your physician. The usual dose is 5.3 mg per kilogram of body weight daily and divided into two dosages the day before treatment. The next dose is 2.6 mg per kilogram of body weight daily in one dose or splits into two doses on the next days.
      • Children who weigh less than 45 kilograms with life-threatening or severe infections – Dose is determined by body mass and should be determined by your physician. The recommended dose is 2.6 mg per kilogram of body weight each 12 hours.
      • Children aged 8 years or younger – Avoid use.
    • To prevent malaria:
      • Adults and children who weigh over 45 kilograms (kg)–120 milligrams (mg) every day. It is recommended to take your first dose one or two days prior to leaving for an area in which malaria might occur. You should continue to take the medicine daily throughout your travels and for 4 weeks after leaving the area that is prone to malaria.
      • Children age 8 and over–Dose is determined by weight and should be established by your physician. The recommended dose is 2.4 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight daily in one dose. The first dose is around 2 or 3 days prior to travelling to an area where malaria could be present, and keep taking the medication every day during your travels and for four weeks following your departure from the malaria-prone area.
      • Children as young as 8 years old are not advised.
    • In case of anthrax following exposure:
      • Children and adults weighing more than 45 kg (kg) or more – 120 milligrams (mg) two times per daily over 60 consecutive days.
      • Children who weigh less than 45kg–The Dose is based on body mass and should be determined by your physician. The dosage is typically 2.6 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight daily twice every day over 60 days.

Missed dose

If you are missing the dose of doxycycline do it as quickly as you are able. If it’s close to the time for your next dose, avoid the dose you missed and go back to your usual dose schedule. Don’t double dose your doses.

Storage

Place the medicine in a tightly sealed container that is kept at room temperature and away from moisture, heat and bright light. Be sure to keep the medicine from getting frozen.

Keep away from the reach of children.

Avoid keeping outdated medicines or medicines that are no longer required.

Discuss with your doctor to tell you how to dispose of any medication that you do not make use of.

Complete Doxycycline dosage details

Use caution when using doxycycline.

If your symptoms don’t improve in a couple of days or get worse, consult your physician.

Utilizing doxycycline when you are expecting can cause harm to your unborn child. Utilize reliable method of contraception to stop from becoming pregnant. If you suspect you’ve been pregnant while taking Doxycycline, consult your physician immediately.

Doxycycline could darken the appearance of your nails, skin eyes, teeth gums, or marks. Discuss with your doctor in case you have any questions.

Doxycycline can cause diarrhea and in some instances, it can be extremely severe. It can happen for two months or more following the time you stopped taking Doxycycline. Don’t take any medication to treat diarrhea without consulting your physician. Diarrhea medicine can make diarrhea worse or cause it to persist for longer. If you have questions regarding this, or if your mild diarrhea persists or becomes worse, consult your physician.

Birth birth control pills (containing estrogen) might not function properly when you’re using Doxycycline. To avoid becoming pregnant, you can use other types of contraceptives. This includes condoms, a diaphragm contraceptive jelly or foam.

Doxycycline can make your skin more sensitive to the sun than normal. Being exposed to sunlight for even brief durations can result in skin rashes redness, itching, any other discolouration of the skin, or severe sunburn. If you start taking doxycycline:

  • Keep out of direct sunlight, particularly between 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. If possible.
  • Wear protective clothing and a helmet. Also, wear sunglasses.
  • Apply sunblock with the sun-protection factors (SPF) number that is at a minimum of 15. Certain patients might require an item that has a higher SPF in particular when they have a fair complexion. If you have any concerns regarding this, consult your physician.
  • Apply sunblocking lipstick with an SPF of 15 to safeguard your lips.
  • Don’t use an outdoor lamp or tanning booth.

If you’re experiencing a severe reaction to sun exposure consult your physician.

Severe skin reactions, including an eosinophilia-related reaction and other systemic symptoms, can happen when using the use of doxycycline. Talk to your doctor in case you experience peeling, blistering, or loosening of your skin, lesions of the skin that are red and severe acne, a skin eruption, ulcers or sores on your skin, chills or fever sore throat, cough, swelling, pain or tender lymphatic glands on the neck, armpit or groin area, or eyes that are yellow or red during the use of the drug doxycycline.

Doxycycline could cause an increase in pressure in the skull (intracranial hypertension). It is most likely when women are pregnant with excess weight or suffer from intracranial hypertension. Contact your physician right away when you experience headaches blurred vision or changes in your vision.

Consult your physician immediately If you notice a rash, fever joint pain or tiredness develops. It could be a sign of an autoimmune disorder in which the body fights itself.

Do not consume anti-acids that have magnesium, calcium, or aluminium or any other item that has iron, like mineral or vitamin supplements.

If you’re taking Doxycycline to treat malaria Take extra care to avoid being at by mosquitoes. Make sure you wear protective clothing, mosquito nets or screens, as well as repellents against insects.

If you are scheduled for any medical test, inform the doctor who is in charge that you’re taking Doxycycline. Certain tests’ results might be affected by doxycycline.

Don’t take any other medication in the absence of discussing with your physician. This includes prescription and other non-prescription (over-the-counter OTC) medications as well as herbal or vitamin supplements.

The side effects of Doxycycline

Alongside its necessary effects, some medicines may result in unwanted negative effects. While not all of these negative side effects are likely to be present, if they do occur, they might require medical attention.

Talk to your doctor immediately If any of these negative side effects occur:

Incidence unknown

  • Peeling, blistering or loosening of the skin
  • Bloating
  • chills
  • Stools made of clay
  • constipation
  • cough
  • Dark urine that is dark
  • diminished appetite
  • diarrhoea
  • diarrhea, which is watery and severe that can also be bloody
  • difficulty swallowing
  • dizziness
  • fast heartbeat
  • the sensation of discomfort
  • febrile
  • headache
  • The hives, itching, and swelling or puffiness of the eyelids, around the face, eyes lips, or the tongue
  • itching, hives or a rash
  • Increased thirst
  • indigestion
  • Joint inflammation
  • Muscle or joint discomfort
  • A large, hive-like swelling appears on the eyelids, face mouth, lips and throat, hands feet, legs, or sexual organs
  • Appetit loss
  • nausea
  • Tingling or numbness of the hands, face or feet
  • abdominal pain side, abdomen, or stomach and possibly radiating into the back
  • Red skin lesions, usually with a purple central
  • Redness and irritation of the eyes
  • Redness on the skin
  • severe stomach pain
  • sore throat
  • ulcers, sores or white spots that appear in your mouth, or around the lip
  • stomach cramps
  • Tenderness or pain in the stomach
  • swelling of the lower or feet
  • Inflamed, painful as well as tender lymph glands that are located in the armpit, neck, or the groin
  • chest pain
  • unusual fatigue or weakness
  • unusual weight loss
  • vomiting
  • Skin or eyes with yellow eyes

There are some side effects that can occur but they usually do not require medical care. These symptoms may disappear after treatment, as the body adapts to the medication. Additionally, your health professional could be able to inform you of ways to avoid or minimize certain adverse effects. Consult your physician in the event that any of these symptoms persist or become troubling or if there are any concerns about these:

The exact cause is not known.

 

  • bleeding gums
  • blood in the urine or in the stools
  • blurred vision
  • A bulging soft spot appears on the forehead of an infant
  • Change in the ability to discern colours, specifically yellow or blue
  • tension, chest pain or burning
  • skin cracks
  • Vision loss
  • difficulties breathing
  • thyroid glands. The thyroid glands are discoloured.
  • double vision
  • general body swelling
  • heartburn
  • an increase in the sensitivity of the skin to the sun
  • loss of body heat
  • Side or lower back or side
  • nosebleeds
  • Burning or pain in the throat
  • discomfort when swallowing
  • uncomfortable or painful urination
  • pale skin
  • tiny red spots on the skin
  • Alopecia with flat lesions or tiny bumps on the skin
  • red, swollen skin
  • Redness or other discolouration on the skin
  • swelling, redness or a tingling sensation on the tongue.
  • Skin with scaly
  • severe nausea
  • severe sunburn
  • tooth discolouration
  • unusual bleeding or bleeding that isn’t normal or
  • vomiting blood

Other adverse side effects that are not listed can also occur in certain patients. If you observe any other symptoms, consult with your physician.

Consult your physician to seek medical advice on adverse effects. You can report any side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Additional details

Always consult your doctor to make sure the information presented on this page is applicable to your specific situation.

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