Doxycycline

What it’s used for

To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain effectiveness of doxycycline and other antibacterial drugs, doxycycline should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria. When culture and susceptibility information are available, they should be considered in selecting or modifying antibacterial therapy.

How to take it

The usual dosage and frequency of administration of doxycycline differs from that of the other tetracyclines. Exceeding the recommended dosage may result in an increased incidence of side effects.

Important warnings

The use of drugs of the tetracycline class during tooth development (last half of pregnancy, infancy and childhood to the age of 8 years) may cause permanent discoloration of the teeth (yellow-gray-brown). This adverse reaction is more common during long-term use of the drugs, but it has been observed following repeated short-term courses.

Common side effects

Due to oral doxycycline's virtually complete absorption, side effects of the lower bowel, particularly diarrhea, have been infrequent. The following adverse reactions have been observed in patients receiving tetracyclines: Gastrointestinal: anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, glossitis, dysphagia, enterocolitis, inflammatory lesions (with monilial overgrowth) in the anogenital region, and pancreatitis.

Interactions

Drug Interactions Because tetracyclines have been shown to depress plasma prothrombin activity, patients who are on anticoagulant therapy may require downward adjustment of their anticoagulant dosage.

If pregnant or breastfeeding

Pregnancy: Teratogenic Effects There are no adequate and well-controlled studies on the use of doxycycline in pregnant women.

Forms & strengths

200 MG Delayed Release Oral Tablet · 50 MG Oral Capsule · 75 MG Oral Tablet · 100 MG Oral Capsule · 5 MG/ML Oral Suspension · 100 MG Oral Tablet · 150 MG Oral Tablet · 50 MG Oral Tablet · 50 MG Delayed Release Oral Tablet · 75 MG Oral Capsule · 120 MG Delayed Release Oral Tablet · 60 MG Delayed Release Oral Tablet · 200 MG Injection · 80 MG Delayed Release Oral Tablet · 20 MG Oral Tablet · 10 MG/ML Oral Suspension · 100 MG Injection · 20 MG Oral Capsule · 75 MG Delayed Release Oral Tablet · 100 MG Delayed Release Oral Tablet · 75 MG Disintegrating Oral Tablet · 150 MG Oral Capsule · 150 MG Delayed Release Oral Tablet · 40 MG Delayed Release Oral Capsule

Questions to ask your doctor or pharmacist

• Is this the right medicine for my condition, and how long should I take it?
• What side effects should I watch for, and which need urgent attention?
• Does this interact with my other medicines, supplements, or alcohol?
• What should I do if I miss a dose or take too much?