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Doxycycline

What is it?

Doxycycline is a tetracycline antibiotic used to treat different bacterial infections.

How to take this medication:

Take each dose with a full glass of water while sitting up or standing (can irritate the throat). It can also be taken with food. Do not go to bed within 1–2 hours of taking this medication. Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Do this by taking the medication at the same time every day. Continue to take this medication until it is all gone even if symptoms go away after a few days. Not finishing the medication may allow bacteria to keep growing.

Do NOT take this medication if you:

Are allergic to doxycycline or tetracycline.

Are allergic to any of the non-medicinal ingredients.

Have liver problems.

Have myasthenia gravis.

Take Accutane (isotretinoin).

Tell your health care provider if you:

Are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Have systemic lupus erythematosus.

Side effects:

This medication may cause mild side effects such as:

  • Stomach upset
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting

If these symptoms persist or become severe, or if you experience any visual disturbances, inform your health care provider right away.

Doxycycline increases sensitivity to sunlight and it may be easier for you to get a sunburn.

Use of this medication may result in a yeast infection in women.

As with other antibiotics, if you develop diarrhea that becomes severe and watery or does not go away, stop taking the medicine and call your health care provider. This could be a sign of a serious medical problem. Do not take over-the-counter medications to treat diarrhea without first consulting with your health care provider.

Allergic reactions to doxycycline are rare, but these reactions can be very serious if not treated right away. If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your health care provider right away:

  • Trouble breathing
  • Swelling in the face, mouth and neck
  • Severe skin rash, hives or blisters

Drug interactions:

The following medications should not be used while taking doxycycline:

  • Penicillin
  • Antacids (containing aluminum, calcium, magnesium or subsalicylate bismuth). These can impair the absorption of doxycycline

Tell your health care provider if you are taking any of the following medications:

  • Antibiotics (your dose may need to be adjusted
  • Barbiturates, phenytoin & carbamazepine (can reduce the effectiveness of this medication)
  • Blood thinners or digoxin (may need a reduced dose of these medications)

If you take iron or an iron-containing product, take it 3 hours before or 2 hours after taking doxycycline.

Avoid taking hepatotoxic drugs (Tylenol, Augmentin, halothane, valproic acid), when taking this medication.

This medication may decrease the effectiveness of oral contraceptives.

Missed dose:

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.

Storage:

Store tablets at room temperature, protected from light. Do not allow medication to freeze. Keep out of reach and sight of children.

Points to remember:

Avoid long periods of time in the sun. Use sunblock if you will be in the sun.

Drinking alcohol while taking this medication can reduce the effectiveness of the medication.

If you are in a sexual relationship, your partner will also need treatment for this infection. If your partner is not treated, they can re-infect you with the same bacteria. Talk to your health care provider about treatment for your sexual partner(s).