Doxymycin

Uses

What is Doxymycin® (doxycycline) used for?

Doxymycin® is commonly used for:

• Treating bacterial infections in many different parts of the body.
• Treating pimples and abscesses (usually on the face) caused by rosacea, also known as acne rosacea or adult acne.

How should I take Doxymycin® (doxycycline)?

For orally taken form, you should:

• Take Doxymycin® by mouth as directed by your doctor concerning: dose, schedule.
• Read the label carefully before using Doxymycin®.
• Consult your doctor for any information on the label that you do not clearly understand.

How do I store Doxymycin® (doxycycline)?

Doxymycin® is best stored at room temperature away from direct light and moisture. To prevent drug damage, you should not store Doxymycin® in the bathroom or the freezer. There may be different brands of Doxymycin® that may have different storage needs. It is important to always check the product package for instructions on storage, or ask your pharmacist. For safety, you should keep all medicines away from children and pets.

You should not flush Doxymycin® down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. It is important to properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Precautions & warnings

What should I know before using Doxymycin® (doxycycline)?

Before using Doxymycin®, tell your doctor if you have:

• You are pregnant or breastfeeding. This is because, while you are expecting or feeding a baby, you should only take medicines on the recommendation of a doctor.
• You are taking any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, such as herbal and complementary medicines.
• You have allergy with any of active or inactive ingredients of Doxymycin® or other medications.
• You have any other illnesses, disorders, or medical conditions.

Is it safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

There are no adequate studies in women for determining risk when using Doxymycin® during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Please always consult with your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before taking Doxymycin®. Doxymycin® is pregnancy risk category D, according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

FDA pregnancy risk category reference below:

• A=No risk
• B=No risk in some studies
• C=There may be some risk
• D=Positive evidence of risk
• X=Contraindicated
• N=Unknown

Side effects

What side effects can occur from Doxymycin® (doxycycline)?

Some of side effects are listed below:

• Abdominal or stomach tenderness
• Bloating
• Clay-colored stools
• Cough
• Dark urine
• Decreased appetite
• Diarrhea, watery and severe, which may also be bloody
• Difficulty with swallowing
• Dizziness
• Fast heartbeat
• Feeling of discomfort
• Fever
• Headache
• Hives, itching, puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
• Hives or welts, itching, or rash
• Increased thirst
• Inflammation of the joints
• Joint or muscle pain
• Large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Numbness or tingling of the face, hands, or feet
• Redness and soreness of the eyes
• Redness of the skin
• Sores in the mouth
• Stomach cramps
• Stomach pain or tenderness
• Swelling of the feet or lower legs
• Swollen lymph glands
• Tightness in the chest
• Unusual tiredness or weakness
• Unusual weight loss
• Yellow eyes or skin

Not everyone experiences these side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have any concerns about a side-effect, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Interactions

What drugs may interact with Doxymycin® (doxycycline)?

Doxymycin® may interact with other drugs that you are currently taking, which can change how your drug works or increase your risk for serious side effects. To avoid any potential drug interactions, you should keep a list of all the drugs you are using (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. For your safety, do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any drugs without your doctor’s approval.

Products that may interact with this drug are:

• Acitretin
• Amoxicillin
• Ampicillin
• Bacampicillin
• Bexarotene
• Cholera Vaccine, Live
• Cloxacillin
• Dicloxacillin
• Etretinate
• Isotretinoin
• Methicillin
• Methotrexate
• Methoxyflurane
• Nafcillin
• Oxacillin
• Penicillin G
• Penicillin G Benzathine
• Penicillin G Procaine
• Penicillin V
• Piperacillin
• Pivampicillin
• Sultamicillin
• Temocillin
• Tretinoin
• Aluminum Carbonate, Basic
• Aluminum Hydroxide
• Aluminum Phosphate
• Bismuth Subsalicylate
• Calcium
• Dihydroxyaluminum Aminoacetate
• Dihydroxyaluminum Sodium Carbonate
• Iron
• Magaldrate
• Magnesium Carbonate
• Magnesium Hydroxide
• Magnesium Oxide
• Magnesium Trisilicate
• Rifampin
• Rifapentine

Does food or alcohol interact with Doxymycin® (doxycycline)?

Doxymycin® may interact with food or alcohol by altering the way the drug works or increase the risk for serious side effects. Please discuss with your doctor or pharmacist any potential food or alcohol interactions before using this drug.

What health conditions may interact with Doxymycin® (doxycycline)?

Doxymycin® may interact with your health condition. This interaction may worsen your health condition or alter the way the drug works. It is important to always let your doctor and pharmacist know all the health conditions you currently have.

Health conditions that may interact with this drug are:

• Asthma
• Diarrhea
• Vaginal candidiasis (yeast) infections
• Kidney problems

Dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for any medical advice. You should ALWAYS consult with your doctor or pharmacist before using Doxymycin® (doxycycline).

What is the dose of Doxymycin® (doxycycline) for an adult?

For infections:

100 milligrams (mg) every 12 hours on the first day, then 100 mg once a day or 50 to 100 mg every 12 hours.

For the prevention of malaria:

100 milligrams (mg) once a day. You should take the first dose 1 or 2 days before travel to an area where malaria may occur, and continue taking the medicine every day throughout travel and for 4 weeks after you leave the malarious area.

For anthrax after possible exposure:

100 milligrams (mg) two times a day (taken every 12 hours) for 60 days.

What is the dose of Doxymycin® (doxycycline) for a child?

For infections:

Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually 4.4 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight per day and divided into two doses on the first day of treatment. This is followed by 2.2 mg per kg of body weight per day, taken as a single dose or divided into two doses on the following days.

For the prevention of malaria:

Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually 2 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight per day, taken as a single dose. You should take the first dose 1 or 2 days before travel to an area where malaria may occur, and continue taking the medicine every day throughout travel and for 4 weeks after you leave the malarious area.

For anthrax after possible exposure:

Children weighing less than 45 kg—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually 2.2 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight per day, two times a day for 60 days.

Doxymycin® is not recommended to be used in children less than 8 years old.

How is Doxymycin® (doxycycline) available?

Doxymycin® is available in the following dosage forms and strengths:

• Capsule 100 mg

What should I do in case of an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or an overdose, call your local emergency services or go to your nearest emergency room.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose of Doxymycin®, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your regular dose as scheduled. Do not take a double dose.