DOXYCYCLINE

Drug Uses
Doxycycline is used for treatment of a wide variety of infections caused by certain bacteria. It may also be used to prevent or slow the progression of anthrax after exposure. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How Taken
Use Doxycycline as directed by your doctor. Doxycycline works best if it is used at the same time each day. To clear up your infection completely, use Doxycycline for the full course of treatment. Keep using it even if you feel better in a few days.

Warnings/Precautions
Before taking Doxycycline, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances, if you are allergic to any ingredient in Doxycycline, if you have diarrhea, a stomach or intestinal infection, or the blood disease porphyria, if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or are breast–feeding. Doxycycline has been shown to cause harm to the fetus. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Doxycycline while you are pregnant. Doxycycline is found in breast milk. Do not breast–feed while taking Doxycycline. Some medicines may interact with Doxycycline. Therefore tell your doctor of all prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement that you are taking. Do not take Doxycycline if you are taking acitretin, or penicillin (eg, amoxicillin). Long–term or repeated use of Doxycycline may cause a second infection. Tell your doctor if signs of a second infection occur. Contact your doctor right away if stomach pain or cramps, severe diarrhea, or bloody stools occur. Do not treat diarrhea without first checking with your doctor. Doxycycline may cause you to become sunburned more easily. Avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Doxycycline. Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for more than a short time. Hormonal birth control (eg, birth control pills) may not work as well while you are using Doxycycline. To prevent pregnancy, use an extra form of contraception (eg, condoms). Doxycycline should not be used in children younger than 8 years old, permanent tooth discoloration (yellow–gray–brown) may occur.

Missed Dose
If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. However if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the Missed Dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Possible Side Effects
Some of the Possible Side Effects are- Diarrhea, difficulty swallowing, inflammation of the tongue, loss of appetite, nausea, purple patches under the skin, sensitivity to sunlight, skin inflammation in the anal and genital areas, vomiting. Contact your doctor if any of these or other side effects occur. If you experience any of the following serious side effects, you should seek medical attention immediately- allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), bulging soft spots in infants, headache and/or blurred vision, increased pressure in the head, pain, swelling, or redness at injection site, vaginal irritation or discharge, severe reaction to the sun.

Storage
Store Doxycycline as directed by your doctor. Keep Doxycycline out of the reach of children.

Overdose
If overdose is suspected seek medical attention immediately.

More Information
If your symptoms do not improve or if they worsen, contact your doctor. Doxycycline should be used only by the patient for whom it has been prescribed. Do not take less or more or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Disclaimer
This is only general information, it does not cover all directions, drug integrations or precautions. You should not rely on it for any purpose, it does not contain any specific instructions for a particular patient. We disclaim all responsibility for the accuracy and reliability of this information. We`re not responsible for any damage.