Uses
Doxycycline is an antibiotic with activity against gram positive and gram negative bacteria. It works by crossing through the membrane of the bacteria and inhibiting the function of the 30S unit of ribosomes in order to stop the bacteria from producing essential proteins. It is used to treat STD’s, skin infections, respiratory infections, and other infections.
How to Use
Take this medication by mouth with water.
Try to take this medication without food. If stomach upset occurs, take with food to minimize this effect.
Take this medication exactly as directed. Do not take more than directed.
It is important to finish the entire course of this medication. Do not stop taking it because you are feeling better.
Stay hydrated while on this medication.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is already almost time for your next dose, take only that next dose. Do not double up on any dose.
Important Information
Inform your healthcare provider if symptoms do not improve.
Do not take this medication right before going to bed. This may cause the medication to not fully dissolve and irritate your throat. Drink fluids while on this medication to decrease this effect.
Notify your doctor if you have severe diarrhea, or diarrhea that lasts for more than 2 days.
Try to keep out of the sun, or use a sunscreen during sun exposure. This medication can make you more sensitive to the sun.
Avoid taking iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc, aluminum, and antacids for 6 hours before, and for 2 hours after taking this medication.
Inform your doctor if you are on birth control while taking this medication. They may require a second form of birth control to be used because this medication can decrease birth control effectiveness.
If this medication is being used to prevent malaria, it is important to stay in screened in areas, and use all possible means to prevent contact with mosquitoes.
If this medication is being used to treat a sexually transmitted disease, it is important not to engage in sexual activity until the treatment is complete. Your sexual partner may also require treatment.
Be sure that your prescribing doctor is aware if you have any of the the following conditions before taking this medication
Liver disease, allergic reaction history, intestinal conditions such as colitis, if you work outdoors or have excessive exposure to sunlight, pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Side effects that should be immediately reported to your healthcare provider
Allergic reaction(hives, itching, swelling of the face or mouth), trouble breathing, fever, pain when swallowing, severe stomach pain or abdominal pain, unusual bleeding or bruising, excessive fatigue, yellowish skin or eyes, any red, blistering, peeling or loose skin.
Other Side Effects
Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, appetite changes.
Doses
Acne
100 mg by mouth every 12 hours on the first day, then 100 mg by mouth per day(divided into 1 or 2 doses).
For severe infections
100 mg by mouth every 12 hours.
Amebic, Actinomycotic, E. Coli, UTI’s and Acinetobacter infections
100 mg by mouth every 12 hours on the first day, then 100 mg by mouth per day(divided into 1 or 2 doses).
For severe infections
100 mg by mouth every 12 hours.
Chlamydia
100 mg by mouth twice daily for 7 days.
Cholera
Either 300 mg by mouth for one single dose. OR 100 mg by mouth twice daily for 3 days.
Gonorrhea
100 mg by mouth twice a day for 7 days OR 300 mg by mouth taken twice, 1 hour apart.
Syphilis (Primary, secondary, and early latent in penicillin allergic non pregnant patients)
100 mg by mouth twice per day for 14 days.
Sources
1. Vibramycin (R) oral capsules, oral suspension, oral syrup, doxycycline hyclate oral capsules, doxycycline monohydrate oral suspension, doxycycline calcium oral syrup[package insert]. New York, NY: Pfizer Labs; 2003.
2. Vibramycin (R), doxycycline oral capsules (hyclate), syrup (calcium), suspension (monohydrate)[package insert]. New York, NY: Pfizer Laboratories; 2003.
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines 2015. MMWR. 2015;64(3):1-137
4. American Academy of Pediatrics. Red Book: 2015 Report of the Committee on Infectious Diseases. 30th ed. Elk Grove Village, IL: American Academy of Pediatrics; 2015.
5. Vibramycin and Vibra-Tabs (doxycycline suspension, syrup, capsules, tablets) [package insert]. New York, NY: Pfizer Labs; 2016.
