Doxycycline Hyc 100mg Tabs
Overview
What is this medicine?
How to Use This Medicine
To ensure you get the most out of your medication, follow these guidelines:
Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor. Read all the information provided and follow the instructions carefully.
Continue taking your medication as prescribed by your doctor or healthcare provider, even if you start to feel better.
Some medications need to be taken with food or 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 calcium-rich foods, as this may reduce its effectiveness. If you have questions, consult with 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 prescribed medication:
Bismuth (Pepto-Bismol)
Calcium
Iron
Magnesium
Zinc
Multivitamins with minerals
Colestipol
Cholestyramine
Didanosine
Antacids
Administration Instructions
Take your medication with a full glass of water.
Avoid lying down after taking your medication to minimize the risk of throat irritation. Ask your pharmacist how long you should wait before lying down.
Storage and Disposal
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 has not been stored properly.
Missing 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 resume 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 (or preferably 1 hour) after taking the medication to prevent esophageal irritation.
- Avoid taking antacids, iron supplements, calcium supplements, or dairy products within 2-3 hours before or after taking doxycycline, 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, 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 taking doxycycline and for 7 days after, as it may reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills.
- Complete the full course of medication as prescribed, even if you start feeling better, to prevent the infection from returning and to reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance.
Available Forms & Alternatives
Available Strengths:
- Doxycycline Hyc 50mg Caps
- Doxycycline Hyc 100mg Caps
- Doxycycline Hyc 100mg Tabs
- Doxycycline Monohydrate 100mg Tabs
- Doxycycline Monohydrate 50mg Tabs
- Doxycycline Monohydrate 75mg Caps
- Doxycycline Hyc 20mg Tablets
- Doxycycline Monohydrate 75mg Tabs
- Doxycycline Monohydrate 150mg Tabs
- Doxycycline Monohyd 25mg/5ml Susp
- Doxycycline Hyclate 100mg DR Tb
- Doxycycline Monohydrate 50mg Caps
- Doxycycline Monohydrate 150mg Caps
- Doxycycline Monohydrate 100mg Caps
- Doxycycline Monohydrate 100mg Caps
- Doxycycline Hyclate 150mg DR Tb
- Doxycycline Hyclate 200mgdr Tabs
- Doxycycline Hyclate 50mg DR Tb
- Doxycycline Hyclate 50mg DR Tb
- Doxycycline Hyclate 200mg DR Tabs
- Doxycycline Hyc 50mg Tabs
- Doxycycline Hyc 150mg Tabs
- Doxycycline Hyc 75mg Tabs
- Doxycycline Monohydrate 150mg Caps
- Doxycycline Hyclate 75mg DR Tb
- Doxycycline Hyclate 100mg DR Tb
- Doxycycline Hyclate 80mg DR Tabs
- Doxycycline Mono 40mg Drcapsules
- Doxycycline Monohydrate 150mg Tabs
- Doxycycline Hyclate 100mg Inj, 1 Vl
- Doxycycline Mono 40mg DR Capsules
- Doxycycline Mono 40mg DR Capsules
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 experience any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical attention immediately:
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, trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking, unusual hoarseness, or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Signs of liver problems: dark urine, tiredness, decreased appetite, upset stomach or stomach pain, light-colored stools, vomiting, or yellow skin or eyes
Signs of pancreatitis (pancreas problem): severe stomach pain, severe back pain, or 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 or trouble 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, bloody, or watery (may be a sign of C. diff-associated diarrhea, a potentially life-threatening condition)
If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor right away. Additionally, if you develop stomach pain, cramps, or severe diarrhea while taking this medication, seek medical attention immediately.
Rare but Serious Side Effect: Raised Pressure in the Brain
In some cases, this medication may cause increased pressure in the brain, which can lead to loss of vision. If you experience a headache or vision problems, such as blurred vision, double vision, or loss of vision, contact your doctor immediately.
Other Side Effects
Most people experience few or no side effects while taking this medication. However, some common side effects include:
Diarrhea
Upset stomach or vomiting
* Decreased appetite
If you experience any of these side effects or any other symptoms that concern you, contact your doctor. They can help you manage your symptoms and determine the best course of action.
Reporting Side Effects
If you have questions or concerns about side effects, contact your doctor or report them to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or 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 skin rash, blistering, or peeling
- Severe diarrhea that is watery or bloody (may be a sign of C. difficile infection)
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, unusual tiredness (signs of liver problems)
- Signs of a new infection (e.g., fever, sore throat, vaginal itching or discharge)
- Difficulty swallowing, painful swallowing, or chest pain (signs of esophageal irritation)
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 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 problems 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.
Precautions & Cautions
This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests, so be sure 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.
There is a risk of severe skin reactions associated with this medication, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and other serious conditions that can affect multiple 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 contraception, 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. Additionally, if taken during certain stages of pregnancy, this medication may cause tooth discoloration in the unborn baby, which is permanent.
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 have also experienced tooth discoloration, which has been reported to reverse after stopping the medication and undergoing dental cleaning. If you have questions or concerns, discuss them with your doctor.
If you are pregnant or become pregnant while taking this medication, you should contact your doctor immediately, as it may harm the unborn baby.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Liver damage (rare, with very high doses)
- Kidney damage (rare, with very high doses)
What to Do:
Seek immediate medical attention or call a poison control center. In the US, call 1-800-222-1222. Treatment is generally supportive; gastric lavage may be considered if ingestion is recent.
Drug Interactions
Major Interactions
- Antacids (containing aluminum, calcium, magnesium): Decreased doxycycline absorption.
- Iron preparations (oral): Decreased doxycycline absorption.
- Bismuth subsalicylate: Decreased doxycycline absorption.
- Oral retinoids (e.g., isotretinoin, acitretin): Increased risk of benign intracranial hypertension (pseudotumor cerebri).
- Penicillins: May interfere with the bactericidal action of penicillin (avoid concomitant use).
- Warfarin: May potentiate anticoagulant effects (monitor INR).
- Methotrexate: May increase methotrexate toxicity (monitor for adverse effects).
Moderate Interactions
- Barbiturates (e.g., phenobarbital): Decreased doxycycline half-life and serum levels.
- Carbamazepine: Decreased doxycycline half-life and serum levels.
- Phenytoin: Decreased doxycycline half-life and serum levels.
- Oral contraceptives: May reduce efficacy of oral contraceptives (advise backup contraception).
- Cholestyramine: Decreased doxycycline absorption.
- Digoxin: May increase digoxin levels in some patients.
Minor Interactions
- Sucralfate: Decreased doxycycline absorption (separate administration by at least 2 hours).
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 therapy
Rationale: Doxycycline can rarely cause hepatotoxicity; baseline assessment is important, especially in patients with pre-existing liver disease.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy
Routine Monitoring
Frequency: Throughout therapy and for several weeks post-therapy
Target: Absence of new infections
Action Threshold: Development of new or worsening symptoms; consider discontinuation and appropriate treatment.
Frequency: Periodically, especially if co-administered with retinoids or in patients with predisposing factors.
Target: Absence of symptoms
Action Threshold: New onset or worsening of symptoms suggestive of intracranial hypertension; discontinue doxycycline and seek ophthalmologic evaluation.
Frequency: Periodically, especially with prolonged therapy (>2-3 months)
Target: Within normal limits
Action Threshold: Significant abnormalities (e.g., leukopenia, thrombocytopenia); investigate and consider discontinuation.
Symptom Monitoring
- Photosensitivity (severe sunburn-like reaction)
- Esophageal irritation (dysphagia, odynophagia, chest pain)
- Gastrointestinal upset (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea)
- Vaginal yeast infection
- Headache, blurred vision, diplopia (signs of intracranial hypertension)
- Rash or other allergic reactions
- Signs of liver injury (fatigue, dark urine, jaundice, abdominal pain)
- Signs of C. difficile infection (severe diarrhea, abdominal cramps, fever)
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Category D. Doxycycline crosses the placenta. Use is generally contraindicated during pregnancy due to the risk of permanent tooth discoloration (yellow-gray-brown) and enamel hypoplasia in the fetus, as well as reversible inhibition of bone growth. Use only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus (e.g., life-threatening infections where safer alternatives are ineffective or contraindicated).
Trimester-Specific Risks:
Lactation
L3 (Moderately Safe). Doxycycline is excreted into breast milk. While the amount transferred is generally low and calcium in milk may chelate the drug, theoretical concerns exist regarding tooth discoloration and bone effects in the nursing infant, especially with long-term or repeated use. Short-term use is generally considered compatible with breastfeeding, but monitor the infant for diarrhea, candidiasis, or rash. Consider alternative antibiotics if prolonged therapy is needed.
Pediatric Use
Contraindicated in children under 8 years of age due to the risk of permanent tooth discoloration (yellow-gray-brown) and enamel hypoplasia, and reversible inhibition of bone growth. In children 8 years and older, use with caution and only when other antibiotics are not appropriate or effective.
Geriatric Use
No specific dose adjustment is generally required based on age alone. However, elderly patients may have age-related decline in renal or hepatic function, which should be considered. Monitor for adverse effects, particularly GI upset and photosensitivity.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Doxycycline is a versatile antibiotic used for a wide range of infections, including respiratory, urinary, skin, and sexually transmitted infections, as well as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, cholera, and malaria prophylaxis.
- It is also used for its anti-inflammatory properties in conditions like acne vulgaris and rosacea at sub-antimicrobial doses (e.g., 20 mg BID or 40 mg once daily delayed-release).
- Always advise patients to take doxycycline with a full glass of water and to remain upright for at least 30 minutes to prevent esophageal irritation and ulceration.
- Emphasize strict sun protection due to high photosensitivity risk.
- Unlike other tetracyclines, doxycycline's absorption is less affected by food and dairy, but chelation with polyvalent cations (calcium, magnesium, iron, aluminum) still occurs, so separation from these products is crucial.
- It is a preferred agent for community-acquired MRSA skin infections in some regions, and for atypical pneumonia (Mycoplasma, Chlamydia).
- Despite being a tetracycline, its elimination is primarily non-renal, making it a suitable option for patients with renal impairment.
Alternative Therapies
- Other tetracyclines (e.g., minocycline, tetracycline)
- Macrolides (e.g., azithromycin, erythromycin, clarithromycin) for atypical infections or penicillin allergies
- Fluoroquinolones (e.g., levofloxacin, moxifloxacin) for certain bacterial infections
- Beta-lactam antibiotics (e.g., amoxicillin, cephalexin) depending on the specific infection and susceptibility
- For acne/rosacea: topical retinoids, topical antibiotics, oral isotretinoin (for severe acne), other oral antibiotics (e.g., azithromycin, minocycline).