This first section of our medication database entry focuses on basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits, while part two covers side effects, interactions and additional information.
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Vibramycin Consumer Information
DOXYCYCLINE
Generic Name: doxycycline (dock sih SYE kleen)
Brand Names: Adoxa, Doryx, Doxy-D, Monodox, Periostat, Vibra-Tabs, Vibramycin
What is the most important information I should know about doxycycline?
- Take all of the doxycycline that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated.
- Children younger than 8 years of age should not take doxycycline. Doxycycline can cause permanent tooth discoloration and adversely affect growth.
- Do not take iron supplements, multivitamins, calcium supplements, antacids, or laxatives within 2 hours of taking doxycycline. These products may decrease the effectiveness of doxycycline.
- Doxycycline may decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills. Use a second method of birth control while taking doxycycline to ensure protection from unintended pregnancy.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight or artificial UV light (e.g., tanning beds). Doxycycline may increase the sensitivity of the skin to sunlight, and severe burning may result. Wear protective clothing and sunscreen if exposure to the sun is unavoidable.
What is doxycycline?
- Doxycycline is a tetracycline antibiotic. It fights bacteria in the body.
- Doxycycline is used to treat many different bacterial infections, such as urinary tract infections, acne, gonorrhea, and chlamydia, periodontitis (gum disease), and others.
- Doxycycline may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking doxycycline?
- Before taking doxycycline, tell your doctor if you have other medical problems, especially liver disease. You may not be able to take doxycycline, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during therapy.
- Vibramycin syrup contains sodium metabisulfite, a sulfite that may cause an allergic reaction in susceptible individuals. Do not use Vibramycin syrup without first talking to your doctor if you have a sulfite sensitivity.
- Doxycycline is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that it is known to be harmful to an unborn baby. Doxycycline may affect bone and tooth development in the developing baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
- Doxycycline passes into breast milk and may affect bone and tooth development in a nursing infant. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
- Children younger than 8 years of age should not take doxycycline. It can cause permanent tooth discoloration, and it can affect growth.
How should I take doxycycline?
- Take doxycycline exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
- Take doxycycline with a full glass of water (8 ounces). Adequate water should be taken with each dose to prevent irritation of the esophagus.
- Shake the suspension well before measuring a dose.
- To ensure you get the correct dose, measure the liquid forms of doxycycline with a dose-measuring spoon or cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.
- Doxycycline may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. Milk and other dairy products should be avoided, unless otherwise directed by your doctor, as they may decrease the absorption of the medication. Instructions regarding doxycycline use may vary by manufacturer. If you need to take doxycycline with milk, talk to your pharmacist to verify if your particular prescription should be taken with dairy products.
- Do not take iron supplements, multivitamins, calcium supplements, antacids, or laxatives within 2 hours of taking doxycycline. These products may reduce the effectiveness of doxycycline.
- Take all of the doxycycline that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated.
- It is important to take doxycycline regularly to get the most benefit.
- Throw away any unused doxycycline when it expires or when it is no longer needed. Do not take any doxycycline after the expiration date printed on the bottle. Expired doxycycline can cause a dangerous syndrome resulting in damage to the kidneys.
- Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
- Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
What happens if I overdose?
- Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.
- Symptoms of a doxycycline overdose include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
What should I avoid while taking doxycycline?
- Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight or artificial UV light (e.g., tanning beds). Doxycycline may increase the sensitivity of the skin to sunlight and sunburn may result. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when exposure to the sun is unavoidable.
- Do not take iron supplements, multivitamins, calcium supplements, antacids, or laxatives within 2 hours of taking doxycycline. These products may reduce the effectiveness of doxycycline.
- Throw away any unused doxycycline when it expires or when it is no longer needed. Do not take any doxycycline after the expiration date printed on the bottle. Expired doxycycline can cause a dangerous syndrome resulting in damage to the kidneys.
Please see the end of this document for relevant limitations, full details of our medication information supplier, and revision date or version number.