Doryx
How to use this information
Medication name
DOXYCYCLINE DELAYED-RELEASE - ORAL
(DOX-i-SYE-kleen)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Doryx
What you should know about Doxycycline delayed-release medication
- This medication is used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections, including those that cause acne and sinus infections. This medication is also used to prevent malaria.
- This medication is known as a tetracycline antibiotic. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria.
- This antibiotic treats only bacterial infections. It will not work for viral infections (such as common cold or flu). Using any antibiotic when it is not needed can cause it to not work for future infections.
Other uses
- This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but may be prescribed by your medical provider. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your medical provider.
- This drug may also be used for a certain skin condition (rosacea).
How to take Doxycycline delayed-release
- This medication is best taken by mouth on an empty stomach (at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal) as directed by your medical provider, usually 1 or 2 times daily.
- Take this medication with a full glass of water (8 ounces/240 milliliters) unless directed otherwise. If stomach upset occurs, taking it with food or milk may help. However, Doxycycline may not work as well if you take it with food or anything high in calcium, or any foods with a high fat content, (more details below ), so ask your medical provider or pharmacist if you may take it that way. Do not lie down for at least 10 minutes after taking this medication.
- Take this medication 2 to 3 hours before or after taking any products containing aluminum, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc or bismuth subsalicylate. Some examples include antacids, didanosine solution, Quinapril, vitamins/minerals, dairy products (such as milk or yogurt) and calcium-enriched juice. These products bind with Doxycycline, preventing your body from fully absorbing the drug.
- Do not crush or chew the medication. Swallow the capsules whole. If you have difficulty swallowing the capsule, the capsule may be opened and the contents sprinkled onto cool applesauce and taken immediately as directed.
- If you have difficulty swallowing the tablet, the tablet may be broken up carefully and the contents (pellets) sprinkled onto cool applesauce and taken immediately as directed. Make sure not to crush or damage the pellets when breaking up the tablet. Do not prepare a supply in advance. Do not chew the food/medication mixture because doing so may cause the drug to be released too quickly, increasing side effects. Drink a glass of cool water after each dose to ensure complete swallowing of the medication.
- The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. For children, the dosage may also be based on weight. For the best effect, take this antibiotic at evenly spaced times. To help you remember, take this medication at the same time(s) every day.
- 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, which may result in a return of the infection.
- Tell your medical provider if your condition lasts or gets worse.
Potential side effects
- Stomach upset, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, request a callback from your medical provider or talk to your pharmacist promptly.
- Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your medical provider has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
This medication may cause serious side effects, including esophagitis or esophageal injury. Tell your medical provider or seek emergency medical care right away if you have any serious side effects, including:
- Painful or difficult swallowing
- Chest pain
- Signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine)
- There have been reports of a certain type of skin cancer associated with this medication. Talk to your medical provider right away if you notice any new moles or rashes.
- Tetracycline drugs such as Doxycycline may rarely cause increased pressure around the brain (Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension, also known as IIH). The risk of this side effect is greater for women of childbearing age who are overweight or who have had IH in the past. If IH develops, it usually goes away after Doxycycline is stopped; however, there is a chance of permanent vision loss or blindness.
Get medical help right away if you have:
- Headache that is severe or doesn't stop
- Nausea or vomiting that doesn't stop
- Vision changes (such as blurred/double vision, decreased vision or sudden blindness)
This medication may rarely cause a severe intestinal condition due to a bacteria called C. difficile. This condition may occur during treatment or weeks to months after treatment has stopped. Tell your medical provider right away if you develop:
- Diarrhea that doesn't stop
- Abdominal or stomach pain/cramping
- Blood/mucus in your stool
If you have these symptoms, do not use anti-diarrhea or opioid products because they may make symptoms worse.
- Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in oral thrush or a new vaginal yeast infection. Contact your medical provider if you notice white patches in your mouth, a change in vaginal discharge or other new symptoms.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:
- Rash
- Itching/swelling (especially of the face, tongue or throat)
- Severe dizziness
- Trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, request a callback for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Precautions to be aware of
- See also “Potential side effects” section.
- Before taking Doxycycline, tell your medical provider or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or to other tetracyclines (such as Minocycline) or if you have any other allergies.
- This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your medical provider or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- Trouble swallowing
- Esophagus problems (such as hiatal hernia or reflux/heartburn)
- Myasthenia Gravis
- Doxycycline may cause live bacterial vaccines (such as typhoid vaccine) to not work well. Tell your medical provider that you are using Doxycycline before having any immunizations/vaccinations.
- Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs and herbal products).
- This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Tell your medical provider right away if you get sunburned or have skin blisters/redness.
- Children younger than 8 years may be more sensitive to the side effects of Doxycycline, especially tooth discoloration and bone growth suppression. Tooth discoloration has also occurred in older children and young adults. Discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with the medical provider.
- Tell your medical provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using Doxycycline. Doxycycline may harm an unborn baby. If you become pregnant, talk to your OB/GYN or medical provider right away about the risks and benefits of this medication.
- This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your medical provider or child’s pediatrician before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions
- See also “How to take Doxycycline delayed-release” section.
- Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your medical provider and pharmacist.
- Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicines without your medical provider's approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug include:
- Retinoid medications taken by mouth (such as Acitretin or Isotretinoin)
- Barbiturates (such as Phenobarbital)
- "Blood thinners" (such as Warfarin)
- Digoxin
- Anti-seizure medications (such as Phenytoin or Carbamazepine)
- Strontium
- Iron and other multivitamins
- Lithium
This medication may interfere with certain lab tests (such as urine catecholamine levels), possibly causing false test results. Make sure lab personnel and all your medical providers know you use this drug.
What to do in the event of an overdose
- If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms, such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. If symptoms from taking this medication are less severe, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 right away.
Additional notes
- Do not share this medication with others.
- If this medication is being used to prevent malaria, it is important to understand that it is still possible to get the disease even if you have used this medication. Avoid being bitten by mosquitoes when trying to prevent malaria. Avoid contact with mosquitoes, especially from dusk to dawn, by staying in well-screened areas, wearing protective clothing and using insect repellent and bed nets.
- This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another infection unless your medical provider tells you to.
- Lab and/or medical tests (such as complete blood count and liver/kidney function) may be done while you are taking this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your medical provider for more details.
What to do if you miss a dose
- If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.
How to store this medication
- Store at room temperature away from light and moisture.
- Different brands of this medication have different storage needs. Check the product package for instructions on how to store your brand, or ask your pharmacist.
- Do not store in the bathroom.
- Keep all medications away from children and pets.
- Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Taking outdated tetracycline-related drugs can result in serious illness. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
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