Adoxa 100mg Tablets

Doxycycline is a bacteriostatic antibiotic that inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding reversibly to the 30S ribosomal subunit, thereby preventing the binding of aminoacyl transfer RNA to the messenger RNA-ribosome complex. This action prevents the addition of new amino acids to the growing peptide chain, thus inhibiting bacterial growth and replication.

Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Help Right Away

Although rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects while taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek immediate medical attention:

Signs of an allergic reaction: rash, hives, itching, red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever), wheezing, tightness in the chest or throat, difficulty breathing, swallowing, or talking, unusual hoarseness, or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Signs of liver problems: dark urine, fatigue, decreased appetite, stomach pain or upset, light-colored stools, vomiting, or yellow skin and eyes
Signs of pancreatitis (pancreas problem): severe stomach pain, severe back pain, or severe stomach upset or vomiting
Chest pain or pressure, or a rapid heartbeat
Difficulty urinating or changes in urine output
Fever, chills, sore throat, unexplained bruising or bleeding, or feeling extremely tired or weak
Throat irritation or difficulty swallowing
Muscle or joint pain
Rapid breathing
Flushing
Severe dizziness or fainting
Changes in skin color
Vaginal itching or discharge
Diarrhea (common with antibiotics), especially if severe, watery, or bloody (may be a sign of C. diff-associated diarrhea, a potentially life-threatening condition)

If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.

Additional Important Warnings

C. diff-associated diarrhea (CDAD) may occur during or after antibiotic treatment, which can lead to a life-threatening bowel condition. If you experience stomach pain, cramps, or severe diarrhea, contact your doctor right away.
Raised intracranial pressure (pressure in the brain) has been reported with this medication, which may cause headaches or vision problems (such as blurred vision, double vision, or loss of vision). If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.

Other Possible Side Effects

Most people do not experience severe side effects, but some may occur. If you notice any of the following side effects, contact your doctor if they bother you or do not go away:

Diarrhea
Stomach upset or vomiting
* Decreased appetite

This is not a comprehensive list of all possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, contact your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Before Taking This Medication: Important Information to Share with Your Doctor

It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:

Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the symptoms you experienced.
If you are currently taking any of the following medications: Acitretin, Isotretinoin, or a Penicillin.
* If you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed, as you may need to avoid breastfeeding while taking this medication.

This list is not exhaustive, and it is crucial to discuss all your medications (including prescription, over-the-counter, natural products, and vitamins) and health issues with your doctor and pharmacist. They will help determine if it is safe to take this medication with your other medications and health conditions. Never start, stop, or change the dosage of any medication without first consulting your doctor.

It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication. If you are on long-term treatment with this drug, your doctor may recommend regular blood tests to monitor your condition.

This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests, so it is crucial to notify all your healthcare providers and lab personnel that you are taking this drug. Do not exceed the prescribed duration of treatment, as this may increase the risk of a second infection.

You may be more susceptible to sunburn while taking this medication, so take necessary precautions when exposed to the sun. If you experience easy sunburning, inform your doctor promptly.

This drug can cause severe skin reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and other serious conditions that may affect internal organs. These reactions can be life-threatening. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms such as red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; red or irritated eyes; sores in your mouth, throat, nose, eyes, genitals, or skin; fever; chills; body aches; shortness of breath; or swollen glands.

If you are using birth control pills or other hormone-based contraceptives, note that this medication may reduce their effectiveness. Consider using an additional form of birth control, such as condoms, to prevent pregnancy.

In children under 8 years old, this medication may cause permanent tooth discoloration (yellow-gray brown) or affect tooth development. Additionally, bone growth may be impacted in these individuals. If you have concerns, discuss them with your doctor. Although this medication is not typically recommended for children under 8, there may be exceptions. Consult with your doctor to determine the best course of treatment.

Tooth discoloration has also been reported in adults, but this condition may be reversible after stopping the medication and undergoing dental cleaning. Consult your doctor for more information.

If you are pregnant or become pregnant while taking this medication, you may be at risk of harming your unborn baby. Notify your doctor immediately if you are pregnant or suspect you may be pregnant.

• Isotretinoin (increased risk of pseudotumor cerebri)

• Antacids (aluminum, calcium, magnesium): Decreased doxycycline absorption.
• Iron preparations: Decreased doxycycline absorption.
• Bismuth subsalicylate: Decreased doxycycline absorption.
• Warfarin: Potentiation of anticoagulant effect (monitor INR).
• Penicillins: Tetracyclines can interfere with the bactericidal action of penicillins (avoid concomitant use if possible).
• Oral contraceptives: Reduced efficacy of oral contraceptives (advise backup method, though evidence is mixed).
• Barbiturates (e.g., phenobarbital), Carbamazepine, Phenytoin: Decreased doxycycline half-life due to enzyme induction.

• Methotrexate: Increased methotrexate toxicity (monitor for adverse effects).
• Digoxin: Increased digoxin levels (monitor digoxin levels).

• Gastrointestinal upset (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea)
• Photosensitivity (severe sunburn-like reaction)
• Esophageal irritation/ulceration (chest pain, difficulty swallowing)
• Headache, blurred vision, or other signs of pseudotumor cerebri (idiopathic intracranial hypertension)
• Skin rash or other hypersensitivity reactions
• Vaginal yeast infection (in females)

Doxycycline is classified as Pregnancy Category D. It should generally be avoided during pregnancy, especially during the second and third trimesters, due to the potential for permanent discoloration of deciduous teeth (yellow-gray-brown) and inhibition of bone growth in the fetus.

Doxycycline is excreted into breast milk (Lactation Risk L3 - Moderate Risk). While some sources consider it compatible for short-term use, potential for tooth staining and inhibition of bone growth in the nursing infant exists. The decision to breastfeed during doxycycline therapy should weigh the potential risks to the infant against the benefits of treatment for the mother.

Doxycycline is generally contraindicated in children under 8 years of age due to the risk of permanent tooth discoloration (yellow-gray-brown) and enamel hypoplasia. In specific severe or life-threatening infections (e.g., Rocky Mountain spotted fever, anthrax) where other drugs are contraindicated or ineffective, the benefits may outweigh the risks, even in younger children.

No specific dose adjustment is typically required for elderly patients. However, caution should be exercised in patients with pre-existing hepatic impairment. Elderly patients may be more susceptible to adverse effects such as photosensitivity or gastrointestinal upset.

• Doxycycline is unique among tetracyclines for its primary elimination via the GI tract, making it a preferred tetracycline for patients with renal impairment as no dose adjustment is needed.
• High risk of photosensitivity; patients must be counselled on strict sun protection measures.
• To prevent esophageal irritation and ulceration, advise patients to take the medication with a full glass of water and remain upright for at least 30 minutes (preferably 1 hour) after administration.
• Effective against a broad spectrum of bacteria, including atypical organisms (e.g., Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydia trachomatis) and some parasites (e.g., malaria prophylaxis).
• At sub-antimicrobial doses (e.g., 20 mg twice daily or 40 mg once daily extended-release), doxycycline exhibits anti-inflammatory properties and is used for conditions like rosacea without significant antibacterial effects.

• Other tetracyclines (e.g., minocycline, tetracycline)
• Macrolides (e.g., azithromycin, erythromycin) for atypical infections
• Fluoroquinolones (e.g., ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin) for certain bacterial infections
• Beta-lactam antibiotics (e.g., penicillins, cephalosporins) depending on the specific pathogen and infection site.

If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it is essential to contact your doctor for further guidance. To ensure your safety, never share your medication with others or take someone else's medication. Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet, so it's a good idea to check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions or concerns about this medication, don't hesitate to discuss them with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately call your local poison control center or seek emergency medical attention. When seeking help, be prepared to provide detailed information about the overdose, including the substance taken, the amount, and the time it occurred.