This medicine is a tetracycline antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor. It is not effective for treating infections caused by viruses.
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. TAKE THIS MEDICINE by mouth with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, take with food to reduce stomach irritation. CERTAIN MEDICINES MAY bind with doxycycline, preventing its full absorption. To avoid this problem, take doxycycline 2-3 hours before or after taking any medicines containing magnesium, aluminum, calcium, iron, or zinc. Some examples include quinapril, didanosine, vitamins/minerals, antacids, sucralfate, and bismuth subsalicylate. TAKE THIS MEDICINE with a full glass (8 oz./240 ml) of water. DO NOT LIE DOWN for 30 minutes after taking this medicine. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature, away from heat and light. TO CLEAR UP YOUR INFECTION COMPLETELY, continue taking this medicine for the full course of treatment even if you feel better in a few days. Do not miss any doses. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you are also taking acitretin, isotretinoin, a penicillin (eg, amoxicillin), or you have recently received or will be receiving a live oral typhoid vaccine. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking barbiturates (eg, phenobarbital), carbamazepine, hydantoins (eg, phenytoin), iron, urinary alkalinizers (eg, sodium bicarbonate), anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), digoxin, methotrexate, methoxyflurane, or hormonal birth control (eg, birth control pills). DO NOT START OR STOP any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, including blood problems (eg, porphyria), diarrhea, a history of yeast infections, a history of lupus, kidney or liver problems, recent surgery, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Tell your doctor if you are on a low-sodium (salt) diet. USE OF THIS MEDICINE in children under age 8 is not recommended; permanent yellow-gray-brown tooth discoloration may occur. Discuss with your doctor the risks and benefits of giving this medicine to your child. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include loss of appetite, nausea, sensitivity to sunlight, or vomiting. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience decreased urination; dark urine; yellowing of the skin or eyes; fever, chills, or sore throat; unusual tiredness; severe or persistent headache; throat irritation; or vaginal irritation or discharge. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience bloody stools; chest pain; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; severe diarrhea; stomach pain or cramps; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual joint pain; vision changes; swelling of your hands, legs, face, lips, eyes, or throat; trouble swallowing; or hoarseness. An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, hives, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your healthcare provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children and pets.