 Common Brand Names: Doryx, Doxycycline, Vibramycin, Vibra-Tabs.
Pronounced: DORE-icks.
Generic name: Doxycycline Hyclate
Chemical Name: DOXYCYCLINE (dox-i-SYE-kleen)
Doryx is a tetracycline antibiotic. It fights bacteria in the body. Doryx is used to treat many different bacterial infections, such as urinary tract infections, acne, gonorrhea, and chlamydia, periodontitis (gum disease), and others.
Uses
This medication is used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections, including those that cause acne. Doxycycline is known as a tetracycline antibiotic. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria. This medication is also used to prevent malaria. This antibiotic treats only bacterial infections. It will not work for viral infections (e.g., common cold, flu). Unnecessary use or overuse of any antibiotic can lead to its decreased effectiveness.
Directions
Take each dose with a full glass of water (8 ounces or 240 milliliters) unless your doctor directs you otherwise. Do not lie down for 30 minutes after taking this drug. If stomach upset occurs, you may take it with food or milk unless your doctor directs you otherwise. Take this medication 2-3 hours before or after taking any medications containing magnesium, aluminum, calcium, iron, or zinc. Some examples include quinapril, certain forms of didanosine (chewable/dispersible buffered tablets or pediatric oral solution), vitamins/minerals, antacids, sucralfate, and bismuth subsalicylate. These medications react with doxycycline, preventing its full absorption. The liquid suspension form of this medicine must be shaken well before using. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, take this drug at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day and night. Continue to take this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow, which may result in a relapse of the infection. Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens over the next two weeks. When using to prevent malaria, this medication is usually taken once daily. Take the first dose of this medication 1-2 days before travel to an area where you may be exposed to malaria, or take as directed by your doctor. Continue to take this medication daily while in the malarial area. Upon returning home you should keep taking this medication for 4 more weeks. If you are unable to finish this course of doxycycline, contact your doctor. If this medication is being used to prevent malaria, it is important to understand that it is still possible to get the disease even if you have used this medication. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop a fever. It is best to start treating malaria early.
Precautions
Before taking doxycycline, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to any other tetracycline; or if you have any other allergies. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver problems, kidney problems, trouble swallowing, esophagus problems (e.g., hiatal hernia, GERD). This drug should not be used by children under 8 because treatment may lead to permanently discolored teeth or other problems. Caution is also advised in older children for similar reasons. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. This drug is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor before using this medication. This drug passes into breast milk and has had undesirable effects on nursing infants. Therefore, taking this medication while breast-feeding is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Side Effects
Stomach upset, mild diarrhea, nausea, headache, or vomiting may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: stomach pain, yellowing of the eyes/skin, vision changes, mental/mood changes. Doxycycline may make you more sensitive to sunlight (photosensitive) while you are taking it and for 1-2 days after you finish it. Avoid prolonged/direct sun exposure, tanning booths, and sunlamps during this time. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing if you must be out in the sun. Symptoms of photosensitivity include sunburn that is much quicker/more severe than usual and tingling of the hands/feet/nose. This medication may rarely cause a severe intestinal condition (pseudomembranous colitis) due to resistant bacteria. This condition may occur weeks after treatment has stopped. Do not use anti-diarrhea products or narcotic pain medications if you have the following symptoms because these products may make them worse. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop: persistent diarrhea, abdominal or stomach pain/cramping, blood/mucus in your stool. Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in oral thrush or a new vaginal yeast infection (oral or vaginal fungal infection). Contact your doctor if you notice white patches in your mouth, a change in vaginal discharge, or other new symptoms. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Drug Interactions
Your healthcare professionals (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for it. Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first. This drug should not be used with the following medications because very serious interactions may occur: strontium, acitretin. If you are currently using either of these medications listed above, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting doxycycline. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: anti-seizure medications (e.g., carbamazepine, phenytoin), barbiturates (e.g., phenobarbital), digoxin, isotretinoin, other antibiotics, warfarin, live bacterial vaccines. This medicine may decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills. This can result in pregnancy. You may need to use additional form(s) of reliable birth control while using this medication. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details.
Storage
Store at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
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