USES:
Doxycycline is an antibiotic used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections,
including prevention of "traveler's diarrhea".
HOW TO TAKE THIS MEDICATION:
Take each dose with a full glass of water (100cc or more). Do not lie down for at least 1
hour after taking this drug. Take with food or milk if stomach upset occurs unless your
doctor directs you otherwise.
Avoid taking antacids containing magnesium, aluminum or calcium,
sucralfate, iron preparations or vitamin (zinc) products
within 2-3 hours of taking this medication. These products bind with
the medicine preventing its absorption.
The liquid suspension form of this medicine must be shaken well before
using.
Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept
at a constant level. Do this by taking the medicine at evenly spaced intervals throughout
the day and night.
Continue to take this medication until the full prescribed amount is
finished even if symptoms disappear after a few days.
Stopping the medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to
grow resulting in a relapse of the infection.
SIDE EFFECTS: This
medication may cause stomach upset, diarrhea, nausea, headache or vomiting. If these
symptoms persist or worsen, notify your doctor.
Very unlikely but report stomach pain, yellowing eyes and skin or
vision or mental changes.
Doxycycline increases sensitivity to sunlight.
Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in
a secondary infection (e.g., oral, bladder or vaginal yeast infection)
In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek
immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching,
swelling, dizziness or trouble breathing.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your
doctor your medical history, especially of liver or kidney problems, diabetes, any
allergies, trouble swallowing or esophagus problems (e.g., hiatal hernia, GERD).
Doxycycline may make you more prone to sunburn. Wear protective
clothing and a sunscreen if needed.
This drug should not be used by children up to 8 years of age because
its use may permanently discolor their teeth or cause other problems. Caution is advised
in older children also.
This drug is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your
doctor before using this medication.
This drug is excreted into breast milk and has been shown to have
undesirable effects on nursing infants. Therefore, its use is not recommended while
breast-feeding. Consult your doctor before you breast feed.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Inform
your doctor about all the medicines you may use (both prescription and nonprescription)
especially of other antibiotics, live vaccines, sucralfate, antacids, vitamins, warfarin
or iron.
This medicine may decrease the effectiveness of oral contraceptives.
Consult your doctor or pharmacist about other types of birth control.
MISSED DOSE: If you
should miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered unless it is almost time for the next
dose. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual
dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose.
STORAGE: Store at room
temperature away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.
Pulmonary
- Critical Care Associates
