This medication description is not meant for treatment prescription without the intervention of a specialist.

Common Uses

Doxycycline is a tetracycline antibiotic. It fights bacteria in the body. It 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 other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

How to Take

Doxycycline is usually given as an injection at your doctor's office, hospital, or clinic. If you will be using Doxycycline at home, a health care provider will teach you how to use it. Be sure you understand how to use Doxycycline. Follow the procedures you are taught when you use a dose. Contact your health care provider if you have any questions.

Warning and Precautions

Do not use this medication if you are pregnant. It could cause harm to the unborn baby, including permanent discoloration of the teeth later in life. Doxycycline can make birth control pills less effective. Use a second method of birth control while you are taking Doxycycline to keep from getting pregnant. Doxycycline passes into breast milk and may affect bone and tooth development in a nursing baby. Do not take this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not use this medication if you are allergic to Doxycycline, or to similar medicines such as demeclocycline (Declomycin), minocycline (Dynacin, Minocin, Solodyn, Vectrin), or tetracycline (Brodspec, Panmycin, Sumycin, Tetracap). Before taking Doxycycline, tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease. You may not be able to take Doxycycline, or you may need a dose adjustment or special tests during treatment. Do not give Doxycycline to a child younger than 8 years old. Doxycycline can cause permanent yellowing or graying of the teeth, and it can affect a child's growth. 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.

Missed Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Overdose

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Storage

Store Doxycycline at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) for up to 48 hours. Mixed solution of Doxycycline is stable under fluorescent light for 48 hours, but must be protected from direct sunlight during storage and administration. Mixed solution may be stored up to 72 hours before administration if refrigerated and protected from sunlight and artificial light. Throw away any unused portion. Keep Doxycycline out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Possible Side Effects

Most common side effects persist or become bothersome: loss of appetite; nausea; sensitivity to sunlight; vomiting.

More Information

The information given above is a summary. Your pharmacist can provide more information about Doxycycline. Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.