Medications and Drugs
Pharmacy Author: Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD
Medical and Pharmacy Editor: Jay W. Marks, MD
GENERIC NAME: doxycycline
BRAND NAME: Vibramycin, Oracea, Adoxa, Atridox and
others
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Doxycycline is a synthetic (man-made)
antibiotic derived from tetracycline. Doxycycline works by interrupting the
production of proteins by bacteria. It is effective against a wide variety of
bacteria, such as Hemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae,
Mycoplasma
pneumoniae, Chlamydia psittaci, Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoea, and
many others.
PRESCRIPTION: Yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes
PREPARATIONS: Capsules: 40, 50, 75, and 100 mg. Tablets: 50, 75, 100, and 150
mg. Suspension: 25 mg/teaspoon. Syrup: 50 mg/teaspoon. Powder for injection:
42.5, 100, and 200 mg.
STORAGE: Tablets, capsules, syrup and suspension should be kept at room
temperature 15-30°C (59-86°F) in tight, light resistant containers.
Powder for
injection should be stored at or below 25°C (77°F) and protected from light.
Atridox should be stored at 2° to 8°C (36° to 46°F).
PRESCRIBED FOR: Doxycycline is used for many different types of infections,
including respiratory tract infections due to Hemophilus influenzae,
Streptococcus pneumoniae, or Mycoplasma pneumoniae. It also is used for the
treatment of nongonococcal urethritis (due to Ureaplasma),
Rocky mountain
spotted fever, typhus,
chancroid, cholera,
brucellosis, anthrax,
syphilis, and
acne.
DOSING: The absorption of doxycycline is not markedly affected by food, and
therefore, it can be taken with meals. For most infections, doxycycline is taken
once or twice daily for 7 to 14 days. For adult infections, the usual dose of
oral doxycycline is 200 mg on the first day of treatment (100 mg every 12 hours)
followed by a dose of 100 mg/day as a single dose or 50 mg twice daily.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: It is recommended that doxycycline not be taken at the
same time as aluminum, magnesium, or calcium based antacids, such as
Mylanta,
Maalox,
Tums, or
Rolaids because, like food, these medications bind doxycycline
in the intestine and prevent its absorption. Similarly, doxycycline should not
be taken with minerals (such as calcium or iron) or with
bismuth subsalicylate
(Pepto Bismol).
Doxycycline may enhance the activity of warfarin (Coumadin) and cause
excessive "thinning" of the blood leading to exaggerated bleeding, necessitating
a reduction in the dose of warfarin. Phenytoin (Dilantin), carbamazepine
(Tegretol), and barbiturates (such as phenobarbital) may enhance the metabolism
(destruction) of doxycycline thus making it less effective.
PREGNANCY: Tetracycline antibiotics, such as doxycycline, can have toxic
effects on development of bone in the fetus. Therefore, tetracyclines are not
recommended during pregnancy unless there is no other appropriate antibiotic.
NURSING MOTHERS: Doxycycline is secreted into
breast milk but the extent of
absorption by the breastfed infant is not known. Since tetracyclines can cause
toxic effects on bone, the use of tetracyclines in nursing mothers is of
concern. The physician must decide whether to recommend that a nursing mother
discontinue nursing during treatment with tetracyclines or change to a different
antibiotic.
SIDE EFFECTS: Doxycycline is generally well-tolerated. The most common side
effects are diarrhea or loose stools,
nausea, abdominal pain, and
vomiting.
Tetracyclines, such as doxycycline, may cause tooth discoloration if used in
persons below 8 years of age. Exaggerated
sunburn can occur with tetracyclines;
therefore, sunlight should be minimized during treatment.
Reference: FDA Prescribing Information
Last Editorial Review: 1/7/2008
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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