Doxycycline Hyc 75mg Tabs

Doxycycline is a bacteriostatic antibiotic that inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by reversibly binding to the 30S ribosomal subunit, thereby preventing the attachment of aminoacyl-tRNA to the mRNA-ribosome complex. This action prevents the addition of new amino acids to the growing peptide chain, ultimately 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 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 rapid 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
Diarrhea, especially if it is severe, watery, or bloody (a rare but potentially life-threatening condition called C. diff-associated diarrhea, or CDAD, may occur)

Important: If you experience any of the above symptoms, contact your doctor right away. Additionally, if you have stomach pain, cramps, or severe diarrhea, seek medical attention immediately.

Other Potential Side Effects

Most people do not experience severe side effects, and some may have only minor side effects. However, if you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical attention if they bother you or do not go away:

Diarrhea
Upset stomach or vomiting
Decreased appetite

Reporting 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. 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 breast-feeding or plan to breast-feed, as you may need to avoid doing so 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 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 reactions. These reactions can be life-threatening and may also affect internal organs. 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 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. 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 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.

• Oral retinoids (e.g., isotretinoin, acitretin): Increased risk of pseudotumor cerebri (intracranial hypertension).
• Penicillins: Tetracyclines may interfere with the bactericidal action of penicillin. Avoid concomitant use.

• Antacids (aluminum, calcium, magnesium), iron preparations, bismuth subsalicylate, zinc supplements: Decreased doxycycline absorption. Separate administration by at least 2-3 hours.
• Oral contraceptives: May decrease efficacy of oral contraceptives (though evidence is mixed, advise backup contraception).
• Warfarin: May potentiate anticoagulant effect (increased INR). Monitor INR closely.
• Barbiturates (e.g., phenobarbital), carbamazepine, phenytoin: May decrease doxycycline half-life due to enzyme induction.
• Methotrexate: May increase methotrexate toxicity (tetracyclines can reduce renal clearance of methotrexate).

• Cholestyramine: May decrease doxycycline absorption.

• Severe headache
• Blurred vision
• Diplopia (double vision)
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea (especially severe or persistent)
• Abdominal pain
• Photosensitivity (severe sunburn-like reaction)
• Esophageal irritation (heartburn, difficulty swallowing, chest pain)
• Rash
• Signs of allergic reaction (hives, swelling, difficulty breathing)

Doxycycline is classified as Pregnancy Category D. It should be avoided during pregnancy, especially during the second and third trimesters, due to the risk of permanent tooth discoloration (yellow-gray-brown) and inhibition of bone growth in the fetus. Use only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus (e.g., life-threatening infections like anthrax).

Doxycycline is excreted into breast milk. While some sources suggest it may be compatible for short-term use due to low levels in milk and poor oral absorption by the infant, the potential for tooth discoloration and inhibition of bone growth in the nursing infant remains a concern. The American Academy of Pediatrics considers tetracyclines to be compatible with breastfeeding, but caution is advised. Monitor infant for diarrhea, candidiasis, and tooth discoloration. Consider alternative antibiotics if possible, especially for long-term therapy.

Generally 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. In severe or life-threatening conditions (e.g., anthrax, Rocky Mountain spotted fever) where other drugs are ineffective or contraindicated, the benefits may outweigh these risks.

No specific dose adjustment is generally required based on age alone. However, elderly patients may be more susceptible to adverse effects such to gastrointestinal irritation or photosensitivity. Monitor for adverse effects and ensure adequate hydration.

• Always advise patients to take doxycycline with a full glass of water and to remain upright for at least 30 minutes (preferably 1 hour) to minimize the risk of esophageal irritation and ulceration.
• Counsel patients extensively on photosensitivity; advise strict sun avoidance, protective clothing, and high-SPF sunscreen.
• Doxycycline is unique among tetracyclines for its minimal renal excretion, making it a preferred choice for patients with renal impairment.
• The 75mg strength is often used for subantimicrobial dosing in conditions like rosacea or acne, or for specific infection regimens where lower doses are effective.
• Despite its classification, some experts consider short-term use in breastfeeding compatible due to low infant exposure, but caution and monitoring are essential.

• Other tetracyclines (e.g., minocycline, tetracycline)
• Macrolides (e.g., azithromycin, erythromycin) for certain infections (e.g., atypical pneumonia, chlamydia)
• Beta-lactam antibiotics (e.g., penicillins, cephalosporins) for susceptible bacterial infections
• Fluoroquinolones (e.g., ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin) for susceptible bacterial infections
• Topical or oral retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, topical antibiotics for acne/rosacea (non-antibiotic alternatives)

If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it is essential to contact your doctor promptly. To ensure safe and effective treatment, 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 for more information. If you have any questions or concerns about your 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 emergency medical attention. When seeking help, be prepared to provide details about the medication taken, the amount, and the time it happened.