Drug Name

Doxycycline

Drug Uses

Doxycycline is used for treating infections caused by certain bacteria. It may be used in combination with other medicines to treat certain amoeba infections. It may also be used to prevent or slow the progression of anthrax after exposure.

How Taken

Use Doxycycline as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

Doxycycline is usually given as an injection at your doctor's office, hospital, or clinic. If you will be using Doxycycline at home, a health care provider will teach you how to use it. Be sure you understand how to use Doxycycline . Follow the procedures you are taught when you use a dose. Contact your health care provider if you have any questions.

Do not use Doxycycline if it contains particles, is cloudy or discolored, or if the vial is cracked or damaged.

Doxycycline works best if it is used at the same time each day.

To clear up your infection completely, use Doxycycline for the full course of treatment. Keep using it even if you feel better in a few days.

If your doctor directs you to switch to medicine that you take by mouth, be sure you understand how to take it.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Doxycycline is a tetracycline antibiotic. It works by slowing the growth of bacteria. Slowing bacteria's growth allows the body's immune system to destroy the bacteria.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Doxycycline, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store Doxycycline at room temperature between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C) in a tightly closed container. Brief periods at temperatures of 59 to 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) are permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Doxycycline out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Doxycycline if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Doxycycline;
• you have recently received or will be receiving a live oral typhoid vaccine
• you are taking acitretin, oral contraceptives (birth control pills), or penicillins (eg, amoxicillin).

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Some medical conditions may interact with Doxycycline . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have diarrhea, a stomach or intestinal infection, a history of lupus, or the blood disease porphyria

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Doxycycline . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Barbiturates (eg, phenobarbital), carbamazepine, or hydantoins (eg, phenytoin) because they may decrease Doxycycline 's effectiveness
• Acitretin or isotretinoin because side effects, such as increased pressure inside the skull (resulting in severe headaches and vision problems) may occur
• Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), digoxin, methotrexate, or methoxyflurane because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Doxycycline
• Live oral typhoid vaccine, hormonal birth control (eg, birth control pills), or penicillins (eg, amoxicillin) because their effectiveness may be decreased by Doxycycline

Possible Side Effects

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• loss of appetite; nausea; sensitivity to sunlight; vomiting.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these severe side effects occur:

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; unusual hoarseness); bloody stools; dark urine; decreased urination; fever, chills, or sore throat; severe diarrhea; severe or persistent headache; stomach pain or cramps; throat irritation; trouble swallowing; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual tiredness; vaginal irritation or discharge; vision changes; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

More Information

If you have any questions about Doxycycline , please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

Doxycycline is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.

If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.