Doxycycline Monohydrate 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, leading to inhibition of bacterial growth. It also exhibits anti-inflammatory properties at sub-antimicrobial doses (e.g., for rosacea) by inhibiting matrix metalloproteinases and other inflammatory mediators.

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: 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 rapid 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, call your doctor right away.

Additional Serious Side Effects

Raised pressure in the brain (may cause headache or vision problems, such as blurred vision, double vision, or loss of vision)
C. diff-associated diarrhea (may occur during or after treatment, and can lead to a life-threatening bowel condition)

If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.

Common Side Effects

Most people do not experience severe side effects, but may have minor ones. If you notice any of the following side effects, contact your doctor 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, 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 and over-the-counter drugs, natural products, and vitamins, with your doctor and pharmacist. They will help you 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.

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 a longer period 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.

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 birth control methods, 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, turning teeth yellow-gray brown. This can also occur in unborn babies if the mother takes the medication during certain stages of pregnancy. Other tooth problems and effects on bone growth have been reported in children taking this medication. If you have concerns, discuss them with your doctor.

Generally, this medication is not recommended for children under 8 years old, but 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.

This medication may harm an unborn baby if taken during pregnancy. If you are pregnant or become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.

• Antacids (containing aluminum, calcium, 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 (benign intracranial hypertension).
• Penicillins: Tetracyclines may interfere with the bactericidal action of penicillins; avoid concomitant use.
• Warfarin: May potentiate anticoagulant effects; monitor INR closely.

• 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 (controversial, but advise backup method).
• Methotrexate: May increase methotrexate toxicity (rare, but possible).

• Dairy products: Decreased doxycycline absorption (less significant than with other tetracyclines, but still advise separation).

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Heartburn
• Dysphagia
• Esophagitis
• Photosensitivity (severe sunburn, rash)
• Headache (especially severe, persistent, or with visual changes, suggestive of pseudotumor cerebri)
• Vaginal yeast infection (itching, discharge)
• Oral thrush (white patches in mouth)
• Signs of allergic reaction (rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing)

Contraindicated 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.

Doxycycline is excreted into breast milk. While the amount is generally low and unlikely to cause significant harm to the infant (due to calcium binding in milk limiting absorption), potential for tooth discoloration and inhibition of bone growth remains a theoretical concern. Short-term use may be acceptable, but long-term or repeated use should be avoided. Monitor infant for diarrhea, candidiasis, or rash.

Contraindicated in children under 8 years of age due to the risk of permanent tooth discoloration and reversible inhibition of bone growth. Use in children >8 years should be carefully weighed against the risks, and only when other antibiotics are not suitable or effective.

No specific dose adjustment is generally needed based on age alone. However, elderly patients may be more susceptible to adverse effects such as photosensitivity and gastrointestinal irritation. Monitor for dehydration and C. difficile infection.

• Always advise patients to take doxycycline with a full glass of water and to remain upright for at least 30 minutes (preferably 1 hour) after administration to prevent esophageal irritation and ulceration.
• Doxycycline is a common cause of photosensitivity; counsel patients on sun protection (sunscreen, protective clothing, avoiding peak sun hours).
• Unlike other tetracyclines, doxycycline is primarily eliminated via the GI tract, making it a safer option for patients with renal impairment.
• The 75mg dose is often used for specific indications like rosacea or certain acne regimens, where lower, sub-antimicrobial doses are effective for their anti-inflammatory properties.
• Despite the general advice to avoid dairy with tetracyclines, doxycycline's absorption is less affected than other tetracyclines, but separation by 2-3 hours is still prudent for optimal absorption.
• Be aware of the potential for C. difficile-associated diarrhea, which can occur during or even weeks after therapy.

• Minocycline (another tetracycline, often used for acne)
• Azithromycin (macrolide, for respiratory/skin infections, STIs)
• Amoxicillin/Clavulanate (penicillin, for various bacterial infections)
• Cephalexin (cephalosporin, for skin/soft tissue infections)
• Clindamycin (lincosamide, for skin/soft tissue infections, acne)
• Erythromycin (macrolide, for rosacea, acne, various infections)

If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it's 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 be sure to check with your pharmacist for more information. If you have any questions or concerns about this medication, don't hesitate to discuss them with 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 reporting the incident, be prepared to provide details about the medication taken, the amount, and the time it occurred.