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Drug

Doxycycline

Common brand names:

Apprilon

Pronounced

"dox-ee-SYE-kleen"

Uses

This medication is used to treat a certain type of skin condition called rosacea. It helps to reduce the number of pimples and bumps on the face, but it may not decrease redness. It works by reducing skin inflammation caused by rosacea.

Although doxycycline belongs to the class of antibiotics known as tetracyclines, this product does not work as an antibiotic because it does not stop the growth of bacteria. Do not use this product to treat any infection, including viral infections (such as the common cold, flu). Use this medication only as prescribed by your doctor.

How to Use This Medication

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using this medication and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

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 doctor, usually once daily in the morning. Swallow the capsules whole. Do not crush or chew the capsules. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects.

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 milk (or anything high in calcium - more details below), so ask your doctor 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, quinapril, sucralfate, vitamins/minerals, dairy products (such as milk, yogurt), and calcium-enriched juice. These products bind with doxycycline, preventing your body from fully absorbing the drug.

For the best effect, take this antibiotic at evenly spaced times. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. Do not skip doses or take more of this medication than prescribed.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better or if it gets worse.

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RxAnswers™ is a copyrighted combined product from TraceGains and First DataBank, Inc.

Drug information is selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First DataBank, Inc. This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your healthcare professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective or appropriate for you.

This information is intended only for residents of the United States. Products sold under the same brand names in other countries may contain different ingredients.

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Information expires December 2025.