$Unique_ID{BRK03139} $Pretitle{} $Title{doxycycline} $Subject{AK-Ramycin AK-Ratabs Doryx Parke-Davis Doxy-Caps Edwards Doxychel Hyclate Rachelle Doxy-Lemmon Lemmon Vibramycin Hyclate Pfizer Vibra Tabs Tetracycline antibiotic doxycycline bacterial infections traveler diarrhea bacteria} $Volume{} $Log{ Vibramycin Hyclate*0313901.scf Vibra Tabs*0313902.scf} Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd. doxycycline ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers) AK-Ramycin (Akorn) AK-Ratabs (Akorn) Doryx (Parke-Davis) Doxy-Caps (Edwards) Doxychel Hyclate (Rachelle) doxycycline (various manufacturers) Doxy-Lemmon (Lemmon) Vibramycin Hyclate (Pfizer) Vibra Tabs (Pfizer) TYPE OF DRUG Tetracycline antibiotic INGREDIENT doxycycline DOSAGE FORMS Tablets (50 mg and 100 mg) Capsules (50 mg and 100 mg) Capsules, coated pellets (100 mg) Oral suspension (25 mg per 5-ml spoonful) Oral syrup (50 mg per 5-ml spoonful) STORAGE Doxycycline tablets, capsules, oral suspension, and oral syrup should be stored at room temperature in tightly closed, light-resistant containers. Any unused portion of the suspension should be discarded after 14 days because the drug loses its potency after that period. This medication should never be frozen. USES Doxycycline is used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections and to prevent or treat traveler's diarrhea. It acts by inhibiting the growth of bacteria. Doxycycline kills susceptible bacteria, but it is not effective against viruses or fungi. TREATMENT To avoid stomach upset, you can take this drug with food (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise). The suspension should be shaken well just before measuring each dose. The contents tend to settle on the bottom of the bottle, so it is necessary to shake the container to distribute the ingredients evenly and equalize the doses. Each dose of the oral suspension or oral syrup should be measured carefully with a specially designed 5-ml measuring spoon. An ordinary teaspoon is not accurate. Do not mix the oral syrup form of this drug with other substances unless so directed by your doctor. Doxycycline works best when the level of medicine in your bloodstream is kept constant. It is best, therefore, to take the doses at evenly spaced intervals day and night. For example, if you are to take two doses a day, the doses should be spaced 12 hours apart. If you miss a dose of this medication, take the missed dose immediately. However, if you do not remember to take the missed dose until it is almost time for your next dose, take it; space the following dose about halfway through the regular interval between doses; then return to your regular dosing schedule. Try not to skip any doses. It is very important that you take this drug for the entire time prescribed, even if the symptoms disappear before the end of that period. If you stop taking the drug too soon, resistant bacteria can continue to grow, and the infection could recur. SIDE EFFECTS Minor. Diarrhea, discoloration of the nails, dizziness, loss of appetite, nausea, stomach cramps and upset, or vomiting. These side effects should disappear as your body adjusts to the medication. Doxycycline can increase your sensitivity to sunlight. You should, therefore, try to avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and sunlamps. Wear protective clothing and sunglasses, and use an effective sunscreen. Major. Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or particularly bothersome. IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about darkened tongue, difficulty in breathing, joint pain, mouth irritation, rash, rectal or vaginal itching, sore throat and fever, unusual bleeding or bruising, or yellowing of the eyes or skin. Also, if your symptoms of infection seem to be getting worse rather than improving, you should contact your doctor. INTERACTIONS Doxycycline interacts with other types of medications: 1. It can increase the absorption of digoxin, which may lead to digoxin toxicity. 2. The gastrointestinal side effects (nausea, vomiting, stomach upset) of theophylline may be increased by doxycycline. 3. The dosage of oral anticoagulants (blood thinners, such as warfarin) may need to be adjusted when this medication is started. 4. Doxycycline may decrease the effectiveness of oral contraceptives (birth control pills), and pregnancy could result. You should, therefore, use a different or additional form of birth control while taking doxycycline. Discuss this with your doctor. 5. Barbiturates, carbamazepine, phenytoin, and antacids can lower the blood levels of doxycycline, decreasing its effectiveness. 6. Iron can bind to doxycycline in the gastrointestinal tract, which can decrease its absorption and, therefore, its effectiveness. BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently taking, especially any of those listed above. WARNINGS * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to any medications, especially to doxycycline, oxytetracycline, tetracycline, or minocycline. * Tell your doctor if you now have or if you have ever had kidney or liver disease. * Doxycycline can affect tests for syphilis; tell your doctor you are taking this medication if you are also being treated for this disease. * Make sure that your prescription for this medication is marked with the drug's expiration date. The drug should be discarded after the expiration date. If doxycycline is used after it has expired, serious side effects (especially to the kidneys) could result. * This medication has been prescribed for your current infection only. Another infection later on, or one that someone else has, may require a different medicine. You should not give your medicine to other people or use it for other infections, unless your doctor specifically directs you to do so. * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant or if you are breast-feeding an infant. Doxycycline should not be used during pregnancy and breast-feeding. It crosses the placenta and passes into breast milk. This drug can cause permanent discoloration of the teeth and can inhibit tooth and bone growth if used during their development. Also, this drug should not be used by children less than eight years old. ---------------- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.