Doxycycline: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use it

What Drug Doxycycline?

What is doxycycline for?

Doxycycline is a drug class of antibiotics tetracycline (tetracycline), which has uses to treat various kinds of bacterial infections, including bacteria that cause acne. Doxycycline is also used to prevent malaria and treat the skin condition rosacea.

The way doxyxycline works is by stopping the growth of bacteria. This antibiotic treats only bacterial infections. This medicine does not work for viral infections (such as cold, flu). Improper or incorrect use of antibiotics can cause this drug to be ineffective.

What are the rules for using doxycycline?

Doxycycline should be taken on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating. This medicine is usually taken once or twice a day.

Doxycyline is an oral medication. So, take this medication with the help of a glass of water (240 mL). If your stomach hurts, try taking this medicine with food or milk to reduce the pain.

However, doxycycline may not work very well if you take it with food or milk (or anything high in calcium). So, if you feel stomach complaints, try to consult a doctor. Do not lie down for 10 minutes after taking doxycyline.

Take this medication 2-3 hours before or after taking products that contain aluminum, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, or bismuth subsalicylate. Some examples are antacids, didanosine solution, quinapril, vitamins / minerals, dairy products (such as milk, yogurt), and calcium-rich juices. This product binds to doxycycline, rendering your body unable to properly absorb the drug.

When used to prevent malaria, this medicine is usually taken once a day. Use the first dose 1-2 days before traveling or as directed by your doctor.

Continue to take daily medication while in the malaria area. After returning home you will need to continue using this medication for another 4 weeks. If you can't finish it, call your doctor.

If you are using the liquid form, shake the bottle before each use. Use a medicine measuring device / spoon to measure the correct dose as prescribed. Do not use a household spoon as the dosage can be inappropriate.

The dosage will usually be determined based on your health condition and your body's response to treatment. For children, the dosage can also be based on body weight.

Antibiotics work best when you are disciplined to take them for the specified time. So, use this drug at approximately the same intervals. Try as much as possible to take the time of each dose.

Continue to use this medication until the prescribed one is finished, even if the symptoms disappear after a few days.

Stopping the drug too quickly can cause the bacteria to come back and eventually become infected again.

Tell your doctor if you do not experience improvement, or if it gets worse.

Follow the rules given by your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How do I store doxycycline?

Doxycycline is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Do not store this medication in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules.

Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed.

Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Doxycycline dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

In what dosage is Doxycycline available?

Doxycycline is available in the following dosages:

• Capsule, oral (hyclate): 20mg, 100mg
• Capsule, oral (monohydrate): 50mg, 75mg, 100mg, 150mg
• Delayed-release capsule, oral (monohydrate): 40mg
• Delayed-release particles, oral (hyclate): 100mg
• Solution reconstituted, intravenous (hyclate): 100mg
• Suspension reconstituted, oral (monohydrate): 25mg / 5ml (60ml)
• Syrup, oral (calcium): 50mg / 5ml
• Tablet, oral (hyclate): 20mg, 100mg
• Tablet, oral (monohydrate): 50mg, 75mg, 100mg
• Delayed-release tablet, oral (hyclate): 75mg, 100mg, 150mg, 200mg

What is the dosage of doxycycline for adults?

The dose of oral doxycycline was 200 mg on the first day of therapy (given 100 mg every 12 hours or 50 mg every 6 hours). Furthermore, you can give 100 mg / day (called maintenance dose). The maintenance dose can be given as a single dose or 50 mg every 12 hours.

In the treatment of more severe infections (especially chronic urinary tract infections), 100 mg every 12 hours is recommended.

The dose of doxycycline for gonococcal infections is uncomplicated (except for anorectal infections in men):

Doxycycline 100 mg, orally, 2 times daily for 7 days. As an alternative dose given once, give 300 mg immediately followed by a second dose of 300 mg after 1 hour

Dosage of doxycycline for acute pididimo-orchitis caused by N. gonorrhoeae:

Doxycycline 100 mg, orally, 2 times daily for at least 10 days.

Doxycycline dosage for primary and secondary syphilis:

Doxycycline 300 mg daily in divided doses for at least 10 days.

The dose of doxycycline for urethral, ​​endocervical, or rectal infections is uncomplicated due to this Chlamydia trachomatis:

Doxycycline 100 mg, orally, twice daily, for at least 7 days.

Doxycycline dosage for nongonococcal urethritis caused by C. trachomatis and U. urealyticum:

Doxycycline 100 mg, orally, twice daily, for at least 7 days.

Doxycycline dosage for epididymo-orchitis caused by C. trachomatis:

Doxycycline 100 mg, orally, twice daily, for at least 10 days.

Doxycycline dosage for inhaled anthrax (post exposure):

Adults: Doxycycline 100 mg, orally, 2 times daily for 60 days.

Children: weighing less than 45 kg; 1 mg / lb (2.2 mg / kg) body weight, orally, 2 times daily for 60 days. Children weighing ≥50 kg should receive the adult dose.

When used for streptococcal infection, therapy should be continued for up to 10 days.

What is the dosage of Doxycycline for children?

The recommended dose of doxycycline for pediatric patients (> 8 years,

Doxycycline side effects

What side effects can be experienced due to Doxycycline?

Common side effects of doxycycline are:

• Nausea and mild diarrhea
• Stomach ache
• Mild or itchy skin rash or
• Vagina itching or discharge

Call your doctor if you experience serious side effects of doxycycline, such as:

• Severe headache, dizziness, blurred vision
• Fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms, enlarged glands, rash or itching, joint pain, or overall pain
• Urinating less or not urinating
• Diarrhea, water or blood
• Pale or yellowing skin, dark colored urine, fever, confusion or weakness
• Severe pain in the upper abdomen radiating to the back, nausea and vomiting, fast heart rate
• No appetite, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes) or
• Severe skin reaction - fever, sore throat, swelling of the face or tongue, burning in the eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially on the face or upper body) and causes the skin to blister and peel

Not everyone experiences the above side effects after taking doxycycline. There may be some side effects not listed above.

If you have concerns about certain side effects after receiving doxycyline, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Doxycycline side effects

What should be known before using Doxycycline?

Before using doxycycline

• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to doxycycline, minocycline, tetracycline, sulfites (only for Doxycycline syrup), or any other medication.
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription drugs you are taking, especially antacids, anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as warfarin (Coumadin), carbamazepine (Tegretol), penicillin, phenobarbital, phenytoin (Dilantin), and vitamins. Doxycycline decreases the effectiveness of some oral contraceptives; Other forms of birth control should be used while using this medicine
• Remember that antacids, calcium supplements, iron products, and laxatives that contain magnesium together with doxycycline, make them less effective. Take doxycycline 1 hour before or 2 hours before antacids (including sodium bicarbonate), calcium supplements, and laxatives containing magnesium. Use doxycycline 2 hours before or 3 hours after iron casters and iron-containing vitamin products
• Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had diabetes, kidney disease, or liver disease
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant and are taking doxycycline, contact your doctor immediately. Doxycycline can harm the fetus
• If you are going to have surgery, such as dental surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking doxycycline
• Avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to the sun and wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen

Doxycycline can make your skin sensitive to sunlight.

• You should know that when you take doxycycline for malaria prevention, you should wear protection such as insect repellent, mosquito nests, full body clothing, and stay in a safe area, especially from early evening until dawn. Using doxycycline does not provide full protection against malaria.
• You should be aware that doxycycline, used during pregnancy or in babies or children up to 8 years of age, can cause permanent tooth staining. Doxycycline should not be used in children under 8 years of age except for inhaled anthrax or if your doctor determines that you need to get this medicine.

Is doxycycline safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There is no adequate research on the risks of using doxycycline in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using doxycycline drugs.

This medication falls into the risk of pregnancy category D (there is evidence that it is risky) according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A = Not at risk
• B = No risk in several studies
• C = May be risky
• D = There is positive evidence of risk
• X = Contraindicated
• N = Unknown

Doxycycline Drug Warnings and Cautions

What medicines may interact with doxycycline?

Drug interactions can change the performance of your medications or increase the risk of serious side effects. Not all possible drug interactions are listed in this document.

Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription / non-prescription drugs and herbal products) and consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without your doctor's approval.

Although certain drugs cannot be used together, in other cases 2 different drugs can be used simultaneously although drug interactions may occur. In this case, the doctor can change the dose, or other warnings may be needed.

While you are using this medicine it is very important for your doctor to know if you are taking any of the drugs mentioned below. The following interactions were selected based on differences in drug potential and not necessarily all included.

Using this drug with acitretin is usually not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this drug or change some of the drugs you use.

Using this medication with the drugs below is usually not recommended, but may be needed in some cases. If the two drugs are prescribed together, your doctor may have changed the dose or frequency of use of one or both drugs.

• Amoxicillin
• Ampicillin
• Bacampicillin
• Bexarotene
• Cloxacillin
• Dicloxacillin
• Digoxin
• Etretinate
• Isotretinoin
• Methicillin
• Methotrexate
• Nafcillin
• Oxacillin
• Penicillin G
• Penicillin G Benzathine
• Penicillin G Procaine
• Penicillin V
• Piperacillin
• Pivampicillin
• Sultamicillin
• Temocillin
• Tretinoin

The interaction of doxycycline with the drugs below may increase the risk of serious side effects, but using both drugs may be the best therapy for you.

If the two drugs are prescribed together, your doctor may have changed the dose or frequency of use of one or both drugs.

• Aluminum Carbonate, Basic
• Aluminum Hydroxide
• Aluminum Phosphate
• Bismuth Subsalicylate
• Calcium
• DihydroxyaluminumAminoacetate
• Dihydroxyaluminum Sodium Carbonate
• Iron
• Magaldrate
• Magnesium Carbonate
• Magnesium Hydroxide
• Magnesium Oxide
• Magnesium Trisilicate
• Rifampin
• Rifapentine

Can food or alcohol interact with this drug?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur.

Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions can interact with this drug?

The presence of other health problems in your body can affect the use of this drug. Inform your doctor if you have other health problems, in particular:

• Asthma - Vibramycin® syrup contains sodium metabisulfite, which can cause allergies and dangerous reactions in patients with this condition.
• Diarrhea
• Vaginal (fungal) candidiasis infection — use with caution. Can make conditions worse
• Kidney problems - use with caution. The effect can be increased due to slower removal of the drug from the body

Doxycycline overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (112) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I forget to take medicine?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.