doxycycline (Vibramycin, Doryx) Side Effects, Dosage & Uses

Do I need a prescription for doxycycline?

Yes

What is doxycycline?

Doxycycline is a synthetic (man-made) antibiotic derived from tetracycline.

What brand names are available for doxycycline?

Brand names for doxycycline hyclate include Vibramycin, Oracea, Adoxa, Atridox, Acticlate, Acticlate Cap, Doryx, Doxteric, Doxy, Monodox, and others.

Is doxycycline available as a generic drug?

Yes

Why is doxycycline prescribed to patients?

Doxycycline is used for many different types of infections, including respiratory tract infections due to Hemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, or Mycoplasma pneumoniae. It also is used for the treatment of

non-gonococcalurethritis (due to Ureaplasma),
Rocky Mountain spotted fever,
typhus,
chancroid,
cholera,
brucellosis,
anthrax,
syphilis,
acne, and,
periodontal disease.

What are the side effects of doxycycline?

Doxycycline is generally well-tolerated. The most common
side effects are

Tetracyclines, such as doxycycline, may cause tooth discoloration if used in persons below 8 years of age. Exaggerated
sunburn can occur with tetracyclines; therefore,
sunlight should be
minimized during treatment.

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What is the dosage for doxycycline?

The absorption of doxycycline is not markedly affected by food, and
therefore, it can be taken with meals.
For most infections, doxycycline is taken
once or twice daily for 7 to 14 days.
For adult infections, the usual dose of
oral doxycycline is 200 mg on the first day of treatment (100 mg every 12 hours)
followed by a dose of 100 to 200 mg/day as a single dose or divided and
administered twice daily.

Which drugs or supplements interact with doxycycline?

It is recommended that doxycycline
not be taken at the same time as aluminum, magnesium, or calcium based antacids, such as
Mylanta, Maalox, Tums, or Rolaids because, like food, these medications bind doxycycline in the
intestine and prevent its absorption. Similarly, doxycycline should not be taken
with minerals (such as calcium or iron) or with

bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto Bismol).
Doxycycline may enhance the activity of
warfarin
(Jantoven, Coumadin) and cause excessive "thinning" of the blood leading to exaggerated
bleeding, necessitating a reduction in the dose of warfarin.
Phenytoin (Dilantin),
carbamazepine
(Tegretol), and
barbiturates (such as phenobarbital) may enhance the metabolism
(destruction) of doxycycline thus making it less effective.
Doxycycline may interfere with the action of penicillins and should not be
combined with penicillins. It may also reduce the effect of
oral contraceptives.
Combining tetracycline and methoxyflurane (Penthrane) may reduce kidney
function.

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Is doxycycline safe to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?

Tetracycline antibiotics, such as doxycycline, can have toxic
effects on development of bone in the fetus. Therefore, tetracyclines are not
recommended
during pregnancy unless there is no other appropriate antibiotic.
Doxycycline is secreted into
breast milk
but the extent of absorption by the breastfed infant is not known. Since tetracyclines can cause toxic effects on bone, the use of tetracyclines in
nursing mothers is of concern. The physician must decide whether to recommend
that a nursing mother discontinue nursing during treatment with tetracyclines or
change to a different antibiotic.

What else should I know about doxycycline?

What preparations of doxycycline are available?

Capsules: 50, 75, 100 and 150 mg.
Capsule (Delayed Release): 40 mg.
Tablets: 20, 50, 75, 100 and
150 mg.
Tablets (Delayed Release): 50, 60, 75, 80, 100, 120, 150, and 200 mg.
Syrup: 50 mg/5 ml (teaspoon)
Oral Suspension: 25 mg/5ml
Powder for injection: 100and 200 mg.
Periodontal Extended Release Liquid: 10%

How should I keep doxycycline stored?

Tablets, capsules, and syrup should be kept at room temperature 15 C
to 30 C (59 F to 86 F) in tight, light resistant containers.
Powder for injection should be stored at or below 25 C (77 F) and protected
from light.
Atridox (doxycycline in a gel used for subgingival application) should be
stored at 2 C to 8 C (36 F to 46 F).

How does doxycycline work?

Doxycycline works by interrupting the production of proteins
by bacteria. It is effective against a wide variety of bacteria, such as
Hemophilus influenzae,
Streptococcus
pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydia psittaci,
Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoea, and many
others.

When was doxycycline approved by the FDA?

The FDA approved doxycycline in December 1967.