Doxycycline Hyc 50mg Tabs

Doxycycline is a tetracycline 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 leads to bacteriostatic effects. It also exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, particularly at sub-antimicrobial doses, by inhibiting matrix metalloproteinases and other inflammatory mediators.

Serious 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 experience 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
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 life-threatening bowel problems. 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 may 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 headaches or vision problems, such as blurred vision, double vision, or loss of vision, contact your doctor immediately.

Other Side Effects

Most people do not experience significant side effects or only have mild side effects. However, if you experience 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. 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. Be sure to describe the allergic reaction and its symptoms.
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 (prescription, over-the-counter, natural products, and vitamins) and health conditions 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 dose 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 unusual sunburn or sensitivity, inform your doctor promptly.

Be aware that this medication can cause severe skin reactions, 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. 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 it may reverse after stopping the medication and undergoing dental cleaning. Consult your doctor if you have concerns.

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
• Oral contraceptives: Potential for decreased efficacy of oral contraceptives (though evidence is mixed, advise backup method)
• Warfarin: Enhanced anticoagulant effect (monitor INR)
• Penicillins: Potential for antagonism (avoid concomitant use)
• Live bacterial vaccines (e.g., oral typhoid vaccine): Decreased vaccine efficacy

• Barbiturates (e.g., phenobarbital): Decreased doxycycline half-life and plasma levels
• Phenytoin: Decreased doxycycline half-life and plasma levels
• Carbamazepine: Decreased doxycycline half-life and plasma levels
• Methotrexate: Increased methotrexate toxicity (rare, but possible)

• Digoxin: Increased digoxin levels (rare)

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Photosensitivity (severe sunburn-like reaction)
• Headache
• Blurred vision or vision changes (signs of pseudotumor cerebri)
• Rash
• Difficulty swallowing or esophageal irritation
• Vaginal yeast infection

Category D. Doxycycline can cause permanent discoloration of teeth (yellow-gray-brown) and reversible inhibition of bone growth in the fetus when administered during pregnancy. Avoid use during pregnancy, especially during the second and third trimesters.

L3 (Moderate risk). Doxycycline is excreted into breast milk. While the amount is generally small and calcium in milk may chelate it, there is a theoretical risk of tooth discoloration and inhibition of bone growth in the nursing infant. The American Academy of Pediatrics considers tetracyclines compatible with breastfeeding with caution. Monitor infant for diarrhea, candidiasis, and potential tooth staining (though unlikely with short-term use).

Contraindicated in children under 8 years of age due to the risk of permanent tooth discoloration (yellow-gray-brown) and enamel hypoplasia, as well as reversible inhibition of bone growth. Use in children 8 years and older should be carefully weighed against the benefits, especially for long-term therapy.

Generally well-tolerated in elderly patients. No specific dose adjustment is required based on age alone. However, elderly patients may be more susceptible to adverse effects such as photosensitivity or gastrointestinal irritation. Monitor renal and hepatic function if comorbidities exist.

• Always advise patients to take doxycycline with a full glass of water and remain upright for at least 30 minutes to prevent esophageal irritation and ulceration.
• Emphasize strict sun protection due to high photosensitivity risk.
• Doxycycline is unique among tetracyclines for its minimal renal excretion, making it a preferred choice in patients with renal impairment.
• Sub-antimicrobial doses (e.g., 20mg BID or 40mg once daily delayed-release) are used for anti-inflammatory effects in conditions like rosacea, without significant antibacterial activity, thus reducing resistance risk.
• Despite the general advice to avoid dairy with tetracyclines, doxycycline's absorption is less affected, but it's still prudent to separate by 2-3 hours to maximize absorption and minimize GI upset.

• Other tetracyclines (e.g., minocycline, tetracycline)
• Macrolides (e.g., azithromycin, erythromycin) for certain bacterial infections
• Beta-lactam antibiotics (e.g., penicillins, cephalosporins) for susceptible bacterial infections
• Fluoroquinolones (e.g., ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin) for susceptible bacterial infections
• Topical or oral retinoids (e.g., tretinoin, isotretinoin) for acne (note interaction with isotretinoin)
• Metronidazole (for rosacea or certain parasitic infections)

If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it's 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 be sure to check with your pharmacist for more information. If you have any questions or concerns about this medication, don't hesitate to reach out to your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately call your local poison control center or seek medical attention. When seeking help, be prepared to provide details about the medication, including the amount taken and the time it happened, to facilitate prompt and effective treatment.