Doxycycline Monohydrate 100mg Caps

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, leading to inhibition of bacterial growth.

Serious Side Effects: Seek Medical Help Immediately

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 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

Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea

Diarrhea is a common side effect of antibiotics. 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, contact your doctor right away.

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

This is not an exhaustive list of possible 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, 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 problems with your doctor and pharmacist. Before starting, stopping, or changing the dose of any medication, consult with your doctor to confirm that it is safe to do so in conjunction with this medication.

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 take this medication for longer than prescribed, 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 easy sunburning, inform your doctor promptly.

This medication 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 birth control methods, 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 affect bone growth. If taken during pregnancy, it may also cause tooth discoloration in the unborn baby. These changes are irreversible. Other tooth problems have been reported in children taking this medication. Discuss any concerns with your doctor.

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 may reverse 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 if you are pregnant or suspect you may be pregnant.

• Antacids (aluminum, calcium, magnesium): Decreased doxycycline absorption.
• Iron preparations: Decreased doxycycline absorption.
• Bismuth subsalicylate: Decreased doxycycline absorption.
• Oral retinoids (e.g., isotretinoin): Increased risk of pseudotumor cerebri (benign intracranial hypertension).
• Penicillins: Tetracyclines may interfere with the bactericidal action of penicillins.
• Warfarin: May potentiate anticoagulant effects (monitor INR).

• Barbiturates (e.g., phenobarbital): Decreased doxycycline half-life.
• Carbamazepine: Decreased doxycycline half-life.
• Phenytoin: Decreased doxycycline half-life.
• Oral contraceptives: May reduce efficacy of oral contraceptives (advise backup method).
• Methotrexate: May increase methotrexate toxicity (monitor).
• Live bacterial vaccines (e.g., typhoid vaccine): May reduce efficacy of vaccine.

• Cholestyramine: May decrease doxycycline absorption (separate administration).

• Diarrhea (especially severe or persistent, suggestive of C. difficile)
• Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain
• Photosensitivity (severe sunburn, rash after sun exposure)
• Esophageal irritation (difficulty swallowing, painful swallowing, chest pain)
• Headache, blurred vision (signs of benign intracranial hypertension)
• Yellowing of skin/eyes, dark urine (signs of liver dysfunction)
• New or worsening infection symptoms

Category D. Doxycycline can cause permanent tooth discoloration (yellow-gray-brown) and enamel hypoplasia, and reversible inhibition of bone growth in the fetus when administered during pregnancy. Use only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Doxycycline is excreted into breast milk. While the amount is generally low and calcium in milk may chelate the drug, potential risks to the infant include tooth discoloration and inhibition of bone growth. The American Academy of Pediatrics considers tetracyclines compatible with breastfeeding with caution. Use with caution; monitor infant for diarrhea, candidiasis, and potential tooth staining (though unlikely with typical exposure).

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.

No specific dose adjustment is generally required based on age alone. However, elderly patients may be more susceptible to adverse effects such as esophageal irritation or superinfections. Monitor renal and hepatic function if clinically indicated.

• Doxycycline monohydrate is generally better tolerated gastrointestinally than doxycycline hyclate.
• Always advise patients to take with a full glass of water and remain upright for at least 30 minutes to prevent esophageal ulceration.
• Emphasize sun protection due to photosensitivity.
• Unlike other tetracyclines, doxycycline can be used in patients with renal impairment without dose adjustment.
• It is a common choice for Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and malaria prophylaxis.
• For acne, low-dose doxycycline (e.g., 20 mg twice daily or 50 mg once daily) is often used for its anti-inflammatory properties rather than its antimicrobial effect.

• Azithromycin (for chlamydia, respiratory infections)
• Amoxicillin (for Lyme disease, respiratory infections)
• Ceftriaxone (for Lyme disease, certain STIs)
• Minocycline (another tetracycline, often used for acne)
• Erythromycin (for certain atypical 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 emergency medical attention. When seeking help, be prepared to provide details about the medication taken, the amount, and the time it happened.