Doryx Mpc 60mg 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
Some medications should be taken with food, while others should be taken on an empty stomach. Check with your pharmacist to determine the best way to take your medication.
It's best to avoid taking your medication at the same time as milk, dairy products, or other foods that contain calcium, as this may reduce the medication's effectiveness. If you have questions, consult with your doctor or pharmacist.
Drink plenty of non-caffeinated liquids, unless your doctor has advised you to limit your fluid intake.
Interactions with Other Medications and Substances
Do not take the following medications or substances 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.
After taking your medication, do not lie down for a period of time, as this can help reduce the risk of throat irritation. Ask your pharmacist for guidance on how long to wait before lying down.
Swallowing and Handling 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.
You may also sprinkle the contents of the tablet onto applesauce, but be careful not to crush the pellets. Do not chew, crush, or damage the contents of the tablet.
Do not mix the medication with hot applesauce.
If you mix the medication with applesauce, swallow it immediately and 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's 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 the tablet whole with a full glass of water to prevent esophageal irritation. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablet.
- Remain upright for at least 30 minutes (preferably 1 hour) after taking the medication to prevent esophageal irritation.
- 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.
- Avoid taking antacids, iron supplements, calcium supplements, or dairy products within 2-3 hours of taking Doryx MPC, as they can interfere with absorption.
- If you are taking oral contraceptives, consider using a backup birth control method, as doxycycline may potentially reduce their effectiveness (though evidence is weak).
Available Forms & 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 help right away:
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
Fast heartbeat
Difficulty urinating or changes in urine output
Fever, chills, or sore throat
Unexplained bruising or bleeding
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
Important: Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea
Diarrhea is a common side effect of antibiotics. However, in rare cases, a severe form of diarrhea called Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) may occur. This condition can lead to a life-threatening bowel problem. If you experience stomach pain, cramps, or loose, 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
Most people do not experience significant side effects or only have mild side effects. However, if you notice any of the following side effects or any other symptoms that bother you or do not go away, contact your doctor:
Diarrhea
Upset stomach
Vomiting
* Decreased appetite
Reporting Side Effects
If you have questions about side effects or want to report any side effects, contact your doctor or the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You can also report side effects online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:
- Severe headache, blurred vision, or double vision (signs of increased pressure in the brain)
- Severe or persistent diarrhea, especially if bloody or watery (may indicate C. difficile infection)
- Severe skin rash, blistering, or peeling (signs of severe skin reactions like SJS/TEN)
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), dark urine, or severe stomach pain (signs of liver problems)
- Signs of an allergic reaction (e.g., hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of face/lips/tongue/throat)
- New or worsening muscle weakness or difficulty swallowing (rare, but possible in patients with myasthenia gravis)
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 breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed, as you may need to avoid nursing while taking this medication.
This list is not exhaustive, and it is crucial to discuss all your medications, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, natural products, and vitamins, with your doctor and pharmacist. They will help determine if 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 to ensure your safety.
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 a condom, 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. Similarly, if taken during certain stages of pregnancy, this medication may cause tooth discoloration in the unborn baby.
Although this medication is not typically recommended for children under 8 years old, there may be exceptions. Consult with your doctor to determine the best course of treatment.
In some cases, adults may also experience tooth discoloration, which may be reversible after stopping the medication and undergoing dental cleaning. Discuss any concerns with your doctor.
If you are pregnant or become pregnant while taking this medication, you may be at risk of harming the unborn baby. Contact your doctor immediately to discuss the potential risks and necessary precautions.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Liver toxicity (rare)
- Renal toxicity (rare)
What to Do:
There is no specific antidote for doxycycline overdose. Treatment is symptomatic and supportive. Gastric lavage may be considered if ingestion is recent. Dialysis is not effective in removing doxycycline. Call 1-800-222-1222 (Poison Control Center) immediately.
Drug Interactions
Major Interactions
- Antacids containing aluminum, calcium, or magnesium (decreased doxycycline absorption)
- Iron preparations (decreased doxycycline absorption)
- Bismuth subsalicylate (decreased doxycycline absorption)
- Oral retinoids (e.g., isotretinoin, acitretin) (increased risk of pseudotumor cerebri/intracranial hypertension)
- Warfarin (enhanced anticoagulant effect)
- Penicillins (tetracyclines may interfere with the bactericidal action of penicillins)
- Live bacterial vaccines (e.g., oral typhoid vaccine) (decreased vaccine efficacy)
Moderate Interactions
- Barbiturates (e.g., phenobarbital) (decreased doxycycline half-life)
- Phenytoin (decreased doxycycline half-life)
- Carbamazepine (decreased doxycycline half-life)
- Oral contraceptives (potential for decreased contraceptive efficacy, though evidence is weak; advise backup method)
- Sucralfate (decreased doxycycline absorption)
Monitoring
Baseline Monitoring
Rationale: Although primarily non-renally eliminated, baseline assessment is prudent, especially in patients with pre-existing renal impairment or those on prolonged therapy.
Timing: Prior to initiation of prolonged therapy
Rationale: Doxycycline is metabolized in the liver; baseline assessment is prudent, especially in patients with pre-existing hepatic impairment or those on prolonged therapy.
Timing: Prior to initiation of prolonged therapy
Routine Monitoring
Frequency: Regularly throughout treatment
Target: Resolution of infection symptoms or improvement in rosacea lesions
Action Threshold: Lack of improvement or worsening symptoms may indicate treatment failure or resistance, requiring re-evaluation.
Frequency: Daily, especially during initial weeks of therapy
Target: Absence or mild, tolerable symptoms
Action Threshold: Severe or persistent GI upset, severe photosensitivity reaction, signs of intracranial hypertension (e.g., severe headache, blurred vision, diplopia), or severe rash (e.g., SJS/TEN) require immediate medical attention and potential discontinuation.
Symptom Monitoring
- Gastrointestinal upset (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea)
- Photosensitivity (severe sunburn-like reaction upon sun exposure)
- Headache (especially severe or persistent)
- Blurred vision or double vision (diplopia)
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Rash or hives
- Difficulty swallowing or painful swallowing (esophageal irritation)
- Vaginal yeast infection (in females)
- Oral thrush
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Category D. Doxycycline can cause permanent tooth discoloration (yellow-gray-brown) and enamel hypoplasia in the fetus if used during the second and third trimesters. It can also cause reversible inhibition of bone growth. Avoid use during pregnancy unless the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus (e.g., for severe, life-threatening infections where safer alternatives are not available or effective).
Trimester-Specific Risks:
Lactation
L3 (Moderate Risk). Doxycycline is excreted into breast milk. While the amount transferred is generally low and binding to calcium in milk may limit absorption by the infant, there is a theoretical risk of tooth discoloration and inhibition of bone growth in the nursing infant, especially with long-term or repeated use. Short-term use (e.g., <3 weeks) is generally considered compatible by some experts, but monitor the infant for diarrhea, candidiasis, and tooth discoloration. Consider alternative agents or temporary interruption of breastfeeding if prolonged therapy is needed.
Pediatric Use
Contraindicated in children under 8 years of age for long-term use due to the risk of permanent tooth discoloration (yellow-gray-brown) and reversible inhibition of bone growth. Use in children under 8 should be reserved for severe or life-threatening infections (e.g., anthrax, Rocky Mountain spotted fever) where the benefits outweigh these risks and no safer alternative is available.
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, and assess for polypharmacy and potential drug interactions.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Doryx MPC is a delayed-release formulation designed to reduce gastrointestinal irritation and improve tolerability compared to immediate-release doxycycline.
- Always advise patients to take doxycycline with a full glass of water and remain upright for at least 30 minutes (preferably 1 hour) to prevent esophageal irritation and ulceration.
- Photosensitivity is a common and significant side effect; counsel patients on strict sun avoidance, protective clothing, and high-SPF sunscreen.
- Doxycycline's anti-inflammatory properties make it useful for conditions like rosacea, even at sub-antimicrobial doses (e.g., 20mg BID or 40mg once daily, or 60mg once daily for Doryx MPC).
- Avoid co-administration with antacids, iron, calcium, or dairy products due to chelation and reduced absorption. Separate administration by at least 2-3 hours.
- Despite its broad-spectrum activity, doxycycline is not effective against viral infections.
Alternative Therapies
- Other tetracyclines (e.g., minocycline, tetracycline)
- Macrolides (e.g., azithromycin, erythromycin - for certain infections)
- Beta-lactam antibiotics (e.g., penicillins, cephalosporins - for certain infections)
- Fluoroquinolones (e.g., ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin - for certain infections)
- For rosacea: topical metronidazole, azelaic acid, ivermectin; oral isotretinoin (severe cases); other oral antibiotics (e.g., azithromycin, metronidazole).