Doryx 200mg DR Tablets
Overview
What is this medicine?
How to Use This Medicine
To get the most benefit from your medication, follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Read all the information provided to you and follow the instructions closely. Continue taking your medication as directed by your doctor or healthcare provider, even if you start to feel better.
Special Instructions for Taking Your Medication
Take your medication with food or on an empty stomach, as directed by your pharmacist. Some medications may not work as well when taken with certain foods or products.
Avoid taking your medication at the same time as milk, dairy products, or other foods that contain calcium, as this may reduce its effectiveness. If you have questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Drink plenty of non-caffeinated liquids, unless your doctor advises you to limit your fluid intake.
Important Interactions to Avoid
Do not take the following medications or supplements within 2 hours of taking your medication: bismuth (Pepto-Bismol), calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, multivitamins with minerals, colestipol, cholestyramine, didanosine, or antacids.
Take your medication with a full glass of water to help prevent throat irritation.
Do not lie down after taking your medication. Ask your pharmacist how long you should wait before lying down.
Swallowing Your Medication
Swallow your medication whole. Do not chew or crush it.
If your doctor instructs you to break the tablet, you may do so. However, be careful not to crush the pellets inside the tablet.
You may sprinkle the contents of the tablet onto applesauce, but be careful not to crush or damage the pellets. Do not mix the medication with hot applesauce, and swallow the mixture immediately. Do not store it for later use.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
Store your medication at room temperature, protected from light and moisture. Do not store it in a bathroom.
Do not take your medication if it is past its expiration date or if it has not been stored properly.
What to Do If You Miss a Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember.
If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule.
Do not take two doses at the same time or take extra doses.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Take with a full glass of water (at least 8 ounces) to prevent irritation of the esophagus.
- Remain upright for at least 30 minutes (preferably 1 hour) after taking the medication to prevent esophageal irritation or ulceration.
- Avoid taking antacids, iron supplements, calcium supplements, or dairy products within 2-3 hours before or after taking Doryx, as they can interfere with absorption.
- Avoid excessive exposure to sunlight or artificial UV light (e.g., tanning beds) while taking this medication and for several days after stopping, as it can cause severe sunburn (photosensitivity). Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing.
- If you are taking oral contraceptives, use an additional non-hormonal birth control method (like condoms) while on Doryx and for 7 days after, as Doryx may reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills.
- Complete the full course of medication as prescribed, even if you feel better, to prevent the infection from returning and to reduce the development of antibiotic resistance.
Available Forms & Alternatives
Available Strengths:
Generic Alternatives:
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Condition-Specific Dosing:
Pediatric Dosing
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Hepatic Impairment:
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Distribution:
Elimination:
Pharmacodynamics
Safety & Warnings
Side Effects
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 medical attention immediately:
Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash
+ Hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Signs of liver problems, including:
+ Dark urine
+ Tiredness
+ Decreased appetite
+ Upset stomach or stomach pain
+ Light-colored stools
+ Vomiting
+ Yellow skin or eyes
Signs of pancreatitis (pancreas problem), such as:
+ Severe stomach pain
+ Severe back pain
+ Severe upset stomach or vomiting
Chest pain or pressure, or a fast heartbeat
Difficulty urinating or changes in urine output
Fever, chills, or sore throat
Unexplained bruising or bleeding, or feeling extremely tired or weak
Throat irritation
Trouble swallowing
Muscle or joint pain
Rapid breathing
Flushing
Severe dizziness or fainting
Changes in skin color
Vaginal itching or discharge
Diarrhea, especially if it is severe, watery, or bloody (see below for more information on diarrhea)
Important Information About Diarrhea
Diarrhea is a common side effect of antibiotics. However, in rare cases, a severe form of diarrhea called C. diff-associated diarrhea (CDAD) may occur. CDAD can happen during or after treatment with antibiotics and may lead to a life-threatening bowel problem. If you experience stomach pain, cramps, or severe diarrhea (watery or bloody stools), contact your doctor immediately. Before treating diarrhea, consult with your doctor.
Raised Pressure in the Brain
This medication can cause increased pressure in the brain, which usually resolves after stopping the medication. However, in some cases, vision loss may occur and may be permanent. If you experience a headache or vision problems, such as blurred vision, double vision, or loss of vision, seek medical attention right away.
Other Side Effects
Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. Many people do not experience any side effects or only have mild ones. If you are bothered by any of the following side effects or if they do not go away, contact your doctor:
Diarrhea
Upset stomach or vomiting
* Decreased appetite
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, talk to your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:
- Severe headache with blurred vision or double vision (signs of increased pressure in the brain)
- Severe, watery diarrhea or bloody stools (may occur up to 2 months after stopping treatment)
- New or worsening skin rash, blistering, or peeling skin
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), dark urine, or persistent nausea/vomiting (signs of liver problems)
- Difficulty or pain when swallowing, or heartburn that doesn't go away
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
Before Using This Medicine
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 breast-feeding or plan to breast-feed, as you may need to avoid doing so while taking this medication.
Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of all potential interactions. To ensure your safety, it is crucial to discuss all of your medications (including prescription, over-the-counter, natural products, and vitamins) and health conditions with your doctor and pharmacist. They will help determine whether it is safe to take this medication with your other medications and health conditions.
Remember, do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without first consulting your doctor.
Precautions & Cautions
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 unusual sunburn or sensitivity, 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 other tooth problems. It may also affect bone growth. 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 if you experience any changes in tooth color.
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.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Liver damage (rare with acute overdose)
- Kidney damage (rare with acute overdose)
What to Do:
There is no specific antidote. Treatment is symptomatic and supportive. Gastric lavage may be considered if ingestion is recent. Dialysis is not effective in removing doxycycline. Call 911 or Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.
Drug Interactions
Contraindicated Interactions
- Isotretinoin (increased risk of pseudotumor cerebri)
Major Interactions
- Antacids containing aluminum, calcium, or magnesium (decreased doxycycline absorption)
- Iron preparations (decreased doxycycline absorption)
- Bismuth subsalicylate (decreased doxycycline absorption)
- Oral contraceptives (may reduce efficacy of oral contraceptives, leading to breakthrough bleeding or pregnancy)
- Warfarin (potentiates anticoagulant effect, increased INR)
- Penicillins (tetracyclines may interfere with the bactericidal action of penicillin)
Moderate Interactions
- Barbiturates (e.g., phenobarbital) (decreased doxycycline half-life)
- Phenytoin (decreased doxycycline half-life)
- Carbamazepine (decreased doxycycline half-life)
- Methotrexate (may increase methotrexate toxicity due to competition for renal excretion)
- Live bacterial vaccines (e.g., typhoid vaccine) (may reduce vaccine efficacy)
- Ergot alkaloids (theoretical increased risk of ergotism)
Minor Interactions
- Digoxin (may increase digoxin levels in some patients due to altered gut flora)
Monitoring
Baseline Monitoring
Rationale: To assess baseline hepatic function, especially in patients with pre-existing liver disease or those on long-term therapy.
Timing: Prior to initiating therapy if clinically indicated.
Rationale: To assess baseline renal function, though doxycycline is primarily non-renally excreted, it's good practice for overall patient assessment.
Timing: Prior to initiating therapy if clinically indicated.
Routine Monitoring
Frequency: Daily to weekly, depending on infection severity and duration of treatment.
Target: Resolution of signs and symptoms of infection/condition.
Action Threshold: Lack of improvement or worsening symptoms may indicate treatment failure or resistance.
Frequency: Daily, especially during initial therapy.
Target: Absence or mild, tolerable adverse effects.
Action Threshold: Severe or persistent adverse effects warrant dose adjustment or discontinuation.
Frequency: More frequently (e.g., 2-3 times per week) during co-administration and after discontinuation.
Target: Therapeutic INR range for the patient's indication.
Action Threshold: INR outside target range requires warfarin dose adjustment.
Symptom Monitoring
- Severe headache
- Blurred vision or vision changes (signs of pseudotumor cerebri)
- Severe or persistent diarrhea (may indicate C. difficile-associated diarrhea)
- New or worsening rash (may indicate hypersensitivity reaction or photosensitivity)
- Difficulty swallowing or painful swallowing (esophageal irritation/ulceration)
- Yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine, abdominal pain (signs of liver dysfunction)
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Doxycycline is classified as Pregnancy Category D. It should not be used during pregnancy unless the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
Lactation
Doxycycline is excreted into breast milk. While generally considered compatible for short-term use by some experts due to low levels in milk and low oral bioavailability in infants, caution is advised. Long-term or repeated use should be avoided.
Pediatric Use
Contraindicated in children under 8 years of age due to the risk of permanent tooth discoloration (yellow-gray-brown) and reversible inhibition of bone growth. Use in children 8 years and older should be carefully considered and only when other drugs are contraindicated or ineffective.
Geriatric Use
No specific dose adjustment is generally required based on age alone. However, elderly patients may be more susceptible to adverse effects, particularly gastrointestinal disturbances and photosensitivity. Monitor renal and hepatic function if clinically indicated.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Always instruct patients to take Doryx with a full glass of water and to remain upright for at least 30-60 minutes to prevent esophageal irritation and ulceration.
- Emphasize strict sun protection due to significant photosensitivity risk.
- Advise patients to avoid dairy products, antacids, and iron supplements within 2-3 hours of taking doxycycline to ensure proper absorption.
- Doxycycline is a good option for patients with renal impairment as it is primarily eliminated non-renally.
- Be aware of the potential for C. difficile-associated diarrhea, which can occur even weeks after discontinuation.
- For acne, lower sub-antimicrobial doses (e.g., Oracea) are available to reduce resistance and side effects, but Doryx 200mg is used for more severe inflammatory acne or other infections.
Alternative Therapies
- Other tetracyclines (e.g., minocycline, tetracycline)
- Macrolides (e.g., azithromycin, erythromycin - for some infections)
- Fluoroquinolones (e.g., ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin - for some infections)
- Beta-lactam antibiotics (e.g., amoxicillin, cephalexin - for some infections)
- For acne: topical retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, oral retinoids (isotretinoin), other oral antibiotics (e.g., azithromycin, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole)
- For rosacea: topical metronidazole, azelaic acid, ivermectin cream, oral sub-antimicrobial dose doxycycline (Oracea).