DOXYCYCLINE
DOXYCYCLINE HYCLATE is a semi-synthetic tetracyline antibiotic that kills certain bacteria that cause infection or stops their growth. It’s used to treat many kinds of infections of the skin, bone, stomach, respiratory tract, sinuses, ear and urinary tract. Doxycycline also treats Lyme disease, all forms of Anthrax
and certain sexually transmitted diseases. For those who travel to certain parts of the world where malaria is prevalent, doxycyline can be given to suppress the disease. Doxycycline is the preferred medication for elderly patients exposed to all forms of Anthrax.
DOXYCYCLINE was invented and clinically developed in the early 1960s by Pfizer Inc. and marketed under the
brand names Vibramycin, Periostat, Doryx, Vibra-Tabs, Atridox,
Monodox... This semi-synthetic tetracycline is manufactured from oxytetracycline in five chemical steps. Hovione invented and patented the first steps in 1959 and they continue to this day to be the only economical route to Doxycycline.
Clinically, DOXYCYCLINE is shown to be much more active than tetracycline and its therapeutical value continues to be recognized to this
day.
DOXYCYCLINE may also be used for the following indications:
Respiratory infections: Lower respiratory infections; Upper respiratory infections; Skin and soft
tissue infections.
Genitourinary infections: Pelvic inflammatory disease; Gonorrhea and Syphilis; Nongonococcal
urethritis; Urinary tract infections; Prostatitis.
Intrabdominal infections: Surgical infections; Infections resulting from internal trauma.
Other infections: Travellers's diarrhea; Cholera; Rickettsial diseases; Malaria.
Tick-borne diseases: Lyme disease; HGE (Human Granulocytic Ehrlichiosis
GENERIC DOXYCYCLINE functions the same way as Doxycycline, but at a lower cost. To learn more about
generic Doxycycline, please follow the information we have provided below.
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Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to tetracyclines.
Pregnancy: animal studies show that Doxycycline crosses the placenta. It should not be used during pregnancy.
Children: generic Doxycycline should not be administred to children under 8 years old or before adult teeth are
fully formed due to the risk of colouring.
Photosensitivity: patients taking tetracyclines when exposed to direct sunlight or ultra-violet light may experience
an exaggerated sunburn reaction (skin erythema).
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Side effects
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking
generic Doxycycline and consult your health care provider immediately. Dark yellow or brown urine; difficulty
breathing; increased sensitivity to the sun or ultraviolet light; headaches; itching in the rectal or genital area;
stomach pain or cramps; skin rash or itching; tingling or numbness of the hands or feet; unusual bleeding or bruising;
unusual tireness or weakness; yellowing or eyes or skin.
If you experience any of the following less serious side effects, talk to your doctor:
diarrhea; discolored tongue; loss of appetite; nausea, vomiting or sore mouth.
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What substances interact with Doxycycline?
The following drugs should not be taken within two hours of taking
generic Doxycycline because they may decrease its effectiveness:
Antacids; Anticoagulants, such as Warfarin (Coumadin); Barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures
(convulsions); Calcium salts; Carbamazepine; Cholestyramine (Questran); Colestipol (Colestid); Digoxin; Female
hormones, including contraceptive or birth controll pills (it may be good to use a second method of birth control
to prevent pregnancy while taking Doxycycline); Ferrous sulfate; Laxatives; Magnesium salts; Multivitamins; Other
antibiotics; Phenytoin; Sodium bicarbonate.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with generic Doxycycline. You may not be able to take Doxycycline, or
you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the above medicines.
Inform your pharmacist or doctor of any medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional
supplements, or herbal products.
In addition, large quantities of caffeine or alcohol, or the use of nicotine or illicit drugs may affect the way in
which generic Doxycycline works. Speak to your doctor regarding use of the aforementioned in conjunction with
generic Doxycycline.
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How should I take
Generic Doxycycline?
Take generic DOXYCYCLINE exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not
understand the instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
generic Doxycycline tablets or capsules are taken orally with a full glass of water (8 ozs.).
It is best to take generic Doxycycline on an empty stomach, but you may take it with food if your
stomach becomes upset.
Doses should be taken at regular intervals; NOT more often than directed.
Do not take generic Doxycycline just before going to bed. It may not dissolve properly when you are lying down and
can cause ulceration of your food pipe.
As with any medication, always follow the directions on the prescription label.
Take all of the generic Doxycycline that has been prescribed for you even if you think your condition is better.
Your symptons may start to improve before the infection is completely treated. Do not stop taking any medication
except on your prescriber's advice.
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Dosage and administration
GENERIC DOXYCYCLINE is given orally or IV in adults in a dosage of 200 mg
in 2 divided doses on the first day, and thereafter 100 mg/day in a single daily dose or 2 divided doses; 100 mg q 12 h
for the entire course of therapy has also been used. In children > 8 yr, 4 mg/kg/day divided in 2 doses is given
orally or IV on the first day, and thereafter 2 mg/kg/day as a single daily dose or divided in 2 doses; 4 mg/kg/day
divided in 2 doses has also been used for the whole course of therapy. Doses should be taken an hour before meals or
2 h after. Generic Doxycycline is the only tetracycline that does not require dosage adjustment in renal failure.
The recommended adult dose of generic Doxycycline for exposure to all forms of Anthrax is 100 milligrams given orally
every 12 hours. The recommended pediatric dose of generic Doxycycline (children 8 years of age and older) and less than
100 pounds is 1 mg per pound given orally every 12 hours.
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