Doxycycline Monohydrate Oral capsule, biphasic release

Brand Names: Vibramycin Calcium, Vibramycin, Adoxa TT, Alodox, Doryx, Doxycycline calcium, Monodox, Vibra-Tabs, Oraxyl, Adoxa CK, See more brands »

Brand Names: Vibramycin Calcium, Vibramycin, Adoxa TT, Alodox, Doryx, Doxycycline calcium, Monodox, Vibra-Tabs, Oraxyl, Adoxa CK, Doxycycline Monohydrate, Periostat, Oracea, Vibramycin Hyclate, Doxycycline Hyclate, Doxy Lemmon, Doxy-D, Vibramycin Monohydrate, Doxy-Caps, AdoxaSee fewer brands »

What is this medicine?

DOXYCYCLINE (dox i SYE kleen) is a tetracycline antibiotic. It is used to treat certain kinds of bacterial infections, Lyme disease, and malaria. It will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• bowel disease like colitis
• liver disease
• long exposure to sunlight like working outdoors
• an unusual or allergic reaction to doxycycline, tetracycline antibiotics, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a full glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Do not crush or chew. The capsules may be opened and the pellets sprinkled on applesauce. Swallow the pellets whole without chewing. Follow with an 8 ounce glass of water to help you swallow all the pellets. Do not prepare a dose and store for later use. The applesauce mixture should be taken immediately after you prepare it. It is best to take this medicine without other food, but if it upsets your stomach take it with food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Take all of your medicine as directed even if you think your are better. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine early.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 8 years old for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

• antacids
• barbiturates
• birth control pills
• bismuth subsalicylate
• carbamazepine
• methoxyflurane
• other antibiotics
• phenytoin
• vitamins that contain iron
• warfarin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve.

Do not treat diarrhea with over the counter products. Contact your doctor if you have diarrhea that lasts more than 2 days or if it is severe and watery.

Do not take this medicine just before going to bed. It may not dissolve properly when you lay down and can cause pain in your throat. Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medicine to also help reduce irritation in your throat.

This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.

If you are being treated for a sexually transmitted infection, avoid sexual contact until you have finished your treatment. Your sexual partner may also need treatment.

Avoid antacids, aluminum, calcium, magnesium, and iron products for 4 hours before and 2 hours after taking a dose of this medicine.

Birth control pills may not work properly while you are taking this medicine. Talk to your doctor about using an extra method of birth control.

If you are using this medicine to prevent malaria, you should still protect yourself from contact with mosquitos. Stay in screened-in areas, use mosquito nets, keep your body covered, and use an insect repellent.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• difficulty breathing
• fever
• itching in the rectal or genital area
• pain on swallowing
• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
• severe stomach pain or cramps
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusually weak or tired
• yellowing of the eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• diarrhea
• loss of appetite
• nausea, vomiting

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature, below 25 degrees C (77 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Taking this medicine after the expiration date can make you seriously ill.

NOTE:This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.