Drug
Doxycycline
Pronounced
"dox-ee-SYE-kleen"
Uses
This medication is used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections, including those that cause acne. 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, 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 that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.
This drug may also be used for a certain skin condition (rosacea).
How to Use This Medication
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 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 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.
When using to prevent malaria, take this medication as directed by your doctor, usually once daily, starting 1 to 2 days before travel. Continue to take this medication daily while in the malarious area. Upon returning home, you should keep taking this medication for 4 more weeks. If you are unable to finish this course of doxycycline, contact your doctor.
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. Children's 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 result in a return of the infection.
Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.