Brand name: Doxy-1
Pronounced: Do-ksi
Generic name: Doxycycline hyclate DOXY-1 (Doxycycline, Adoxa, Doryx,
Doxy, DoxyCaps, Periostat, Vibra-Tabs, Vibramycin)
Other brand names: Vibramycin, Vibra-Tabs
Why is Doxy-1 prescribed?
Doxycycline is a broad-spectrum tetracycline antibiotic used against
a wide variety of bacterial infections, including Rocky Mountain spotted
fever and other fevers caused by ticks, fleas, and lice; urinary tract
infections; trachoma (chronic infections of the eye); and some gonococcal
infections in adults. It is an approved treatment for inhalational
anthrax. It is also used with other medications to treat severe acne
and amoebic dysentery (diarrhea caused by severe parasitic infection
of the intestines).
Doxycycline may also be taken for the prevention of malaria on foreign
trips of less than 4 months' duration.
Occasionally doctors prescribe doxycycline to treat early Lyme disease
and to prevent "traveler's diarrhea." These are not yet officially
approved uses for Doxy-1.
Most important fact about DOXY-1 (Doxycycline, Adoxa, Doryx, Doxy,
DoxyCaps, Periostat, Vibra-Tabs, Vibramycin)
Generally, children under 8 years old and women in the last half of
pregnancy should not take Doxy-1. It may cause developing teeth to
become permanently discolored. (However, children under 8 may be given
Doxy-1 for inhalational anthrax.)
How should you take Doxy,DOXY-1 (Doxycycline,
Adoxa, Doryx, Doxy, DoxyCaps, Periostat, Vibra-Tabs, Vibramycin)
without prescriptions
Take doxycycline with a full glass of water or other liquid to avoid
irritating your throat or stomach. Doxycycline can be taken with or
without food. However, if the medicine does upset your stomach, you
may wish to take it with a glass of milk or after you have eaten.
Doxycycline tablets should be swallowed whole. If you have difficulty
swallowing pills, you can take Doxy-1 by opening the capsule and sprinkling
the entire contents onto a spoonful of cool, soft applesauce. Be careful
not to spill any of the contents. If you do, you will not be able to
use this dose and will have to start over with a new mixture. Swallow
the mixture immediately, without chewing, followed by a cool 8-ounce
glass of water. Discard the mixture if you are not able to use it immediately;
do not store it to use later.
Your doctor will only prescribe doxycycline to treat a bacterial infection;
it will not cure a viral infection, such as the common cold. It's important
to take the full dosage schedule of doxycycline, even if you're feeling
better in a few days. Not completing the full dosage schedule may decrease
the drug's effectiveness and increase the chances that the bacteria
may become resistant to doxycycline and similar antibiotics.
If you are taking an oral suspension form of doxycycline, shake the
bottle well before using. Do not use outdated doxycycline.
If you miss a dose...
Take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time
for the next dose, put it off for several hours after taking the missed
dose. Specifically, if you are taking one dose a day, take the next
one 10 to 12 hours after the missed dose. If you are taking two doses
a day, take the next one 5 to 6 hours after the missed dose. If you
are taking three doses a day, take the next one 2 to 4 hours after
the missed dose. Then return to your regular schedule.
Storage instructions...
Doxycycline can be stored at room temperature. Protect from light
and excessive heat.
Doxycycline, Adoxa, Doryx, Doxy,
DoxyCaps, Periostat, Vibra-Tabs, Vibramycin side effects :
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity,
inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine
if it is safe for you to continue taking doxycycline.
* Side effects may include:
Angioedema (chest pain; swelling of face, around lips, tongue and throat,
arms and legs; difficulty swallowing), bulging foreheads in infants,
diarrhea, difficulty swallowing, discolored teeth in infants and
children (more common during long-term use of tetracycline), inflammation
of the tongue, loss of appetite, nausea, rash, rectal or genital
itching, severe allergic reaction (hives, itching, and swelling),
skin sensitivity to light, vomiting
Why should Doxy-1 not be prescribed?
If you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to doxycycline
or drugs of this type, you should not take this medication. Make sure
your doctor is aware of any drug reactions that you have experienced.
Special warnings about Doxy-1
As with other antibiotics, treatment with doxycycline may result in
a growth of bacteria that do not respond to Doxy-1 and can cause a
secondary infection. An overgrowth of certain bacteria in the colon
could cause mild to severe--and rarely, life-threatening--diarrhea.
If you develop this symptom, call your doctor immediately.
Bulging foreheads in infants and headaches in adults have occurred.
These symptoms disappeared when doxycycline was discontinued.
You may become more sensitive to sunlight while taking doxycycline.
Be careful if you are going out in the sun or using a sunlamp. If you
develop a skin rash, notify your doctor immediately.
Birth control pills that contain estrogen may not be as effective
while you are taking tetracycline drugs. Ask your doctor or pharmacist
if you should use another form of birth control while taking doxycycline.
Doxycycline syrup (Vibramycin) contains a sulfite that may cause allergic
reactions in certain people. This reaction happens more frequently
to people with asthma.
Possible food and drug interactions when
taking Doxy-1
If doxycycline is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either
could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important
to check with your doctor before combining doxycycline with the following:
Antacids containing aluminum, calcium, or magnesium, and iron-containing
preparations such as Maalox, Mylanta, and others
Barbiturates such as phenobarbital
Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol)
Blood-thinning medications such as Coumadin
Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
Oral contraceptives
Penicillin (V-Cillin K, Pen-vee K, others)
Phenytoin (Dilantin)
Sodium bicarbonate
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
Doxycycline should not be used during pregnancy. Tetracycline can
damage developing teeth during the last half of pregnancy. If you are
pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately.
Tetracyclines such as doxycycline appear in breast milk and can affect
a nursing infant. If Doxy-1 is essential to your health, your doctor
may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding until your treatment is
finished.
Recommended dosage for Doxy-1
ADULTS
Overdosage
Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you
suspect an overdose, seek medical treatment immediately.
Agitation, coma, convulsions, difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing,
dry mouth, extreme sleepiness, fever, intestinal blockage, irregular
heart rate, low blood pressure, restlessness
