What is Doxycycline?

Doxycycline is a tetracycline antibiotic that inhibits bacterial growth and is believed to have anti-inflammatory effects. It is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections, including:

• Acne
• Rosacea
• Urinary and respiratory tract infections
• Eye infections
• Gum disease
• Gonorrhea
• Chlamydia
• Syphilis

Doxycycline is also used to prevent malaria and treat infections caused by mites, ticks, or lice.

Forms of Doxycycline

Doxycycline is available in two different salt forms:

• Doxycycline hyclate: Soluble in water.
• Doxycycline monohydrate: Very slightly soluble in water.

Common strengths include 100mg, 75mg, and 50mg for capsules and tablets. It is also available as an injection, suspension, or syrup.

Doxycycline Side Effects

Common Side Effects:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Upset stomach
• Loss of appetite
• Mild diarrhea
• Skin rash or itching
• Darkened skin color
• Vaginal itching or discharge

Serious Side Effects: Seek emergency medical help for signs of an allergic reaction, such as:

• Hives
• Difficulty breathing
• Swelling in your face or throat

Other serious side effects include:

• Severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling)
• Severe stomach pain, watery or bloody diarrhea
• Throat irritation, trouble swallowing
• Chest pain, irregular heart rhythm, shortness of breath
• Little or no urination
• Low white blood cell counts (fever, chills, swollen glands, body aches, weakness, pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding)
• Severe headaches, ringing in ears, dizziness, nausea, vision problems, pain behind the eyes
• Loss of appetite, upper stomach pain, tiredness, fast heart rate, dark urine, jaundice

This is not a complete list of side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice or report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Do not take doxycycline if you are allergic to any tetracycline antibiotic. Children younger than 8 years old should use this medicine only in severe or life-threatening conditions due to the risk of permanent tooth discoloration. Using doxycycline during pregnancy may harm the unborn baby or cause permanent tooth discoloration later in the baby's life.

Before Taking Doxycycline

Do not take doxycycline if you are allergic to it or other tetracycline antibiotics (demeclocycline, minocycline, tetracycline, tigecycline).

Inform your doctor if you have:

• Liver disease
• Kidney disease
• Asthma or sulfite allergy
• Increased pressure inside your skull
• If you take isotretinoin, seizure medicine, or a blood thinner like warfarin

Doxycycline can make birth control pills less effective. Use a non-hormonal birth control method (condom, diaphragm with spermicide).

Do not breastfeed while taking doxycycline as it may affect bone and tooth development in a nursing infant.

How to Take Doxycycline

Take doxycycline exactly as prescribed. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

• Take with a full glass of water and drink plenty of fluids.
• Most brands can be taken with food or milk to reduce stomach upset.
• Take Oracea on an empty stomach.
• Swallow regular capsules or tablets whole with cool water. Do not crush or break delayed-release forms.

If taking doxycycline to prevent malaria, start 1-2 days before entering an area where malaria is common, continue during the stay, and for at least 4 weeks after leaving. Use additional protective measures against mosquito bites.

Store at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and light. Do not use expired doxycycline.

Missed Dose and Overdose

Missed Dose: Take as soon as you remember. Skip if it's almost time for the next dose. Do not double up doses.

Overdose: Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What to Avoid

• Avoid iron supplements, multivitamins, calcium supplements, antacids, or laxatives within 2 hours of taking doxycycline.
• Do not take other antibiotics unless directed by your doctor.
• Avoid sunlight or tanning beds. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher).

Drug Interactions

Certain medications can affect blood levels of doxycycline, increasing side effects or reducing effectiveness. Consult your doctor about potential drug interactions, especially if using blood thinners or isotretinoin.

Storage

Store doxycycline at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Discard any unused medicine past the expiration date to avoid kidney damage.