Doxycyline

*** PLEASE NOTE***
The information and instructions on the following pages should not replace those given to you by your doctor.

How does doxycyline work?
Doxycyline is part of the tetracycline antibiotics group. It is used to

  • Treat infections that with a bacterial and microorganism source
  • Treat acne
  • As preventative treatment for malaria, when other medications are not available or suitable, or if the malaria is resistant to other medications

It is also known as doxylin.

When shouldn’t I give my child doxyciline?

  • If your child has a known allergy to tetracycline antibiotics or another ingredient found in the drug.
  • If your child is under the age of 12.
  • When your child’s teeth are developing.
  • If you are pregnant or nursing.

Consult your doctor

  • If you have been told in the past that your child has an intolerance to certain types of sugars.
  • If your child is suffering from or has suffered in the past of liver, kidney or urinary tract dysfunction; lupus; porphyria; difficulty swallowing or myasthenia gravis.
  • If your child is taking other medication or has any type of allergy.

How should I store the medication?
Store the medication in a cool (under 25 degrees C), dark, and dry place. Keep out of reach of children. The medication spoils when it passes the expiration date or it is exposed to heat or humidity. If used when bad it can cause kidney damage and other problems – DO NOT USE past the expiration date.

Administering the Medication:
Administer the medication at the times instructed by your physician. Wait at least two hours after administering doxycycline before using antacids or other medications that contain iron. Do not chew the tablet or crush the tablet. The tablet should be taken while standing or sitting, and your child should remain standing for 2 minutes after taking it. DO NOT give your child the medication while he is lying down. Your child cannot lie down for the first 30 minutes after taking the medication. It is recommended to take the medication in the morning or at least an hour prior to going to sleep.

The medication should be taken with a glass of water. If your child experiences stomach pains, administer the medication with food or milk.

What should I do if I forgot to administer the dose on time?
If you forgot to administer the dose on time, give your child the medication as soon as you remember. If it is close to the time of the next dose, skip the forgotten dose. Do not give two doses at once.

When can I stop giving my child the medication?
Finish the round as instructed by your physician. Do not stop giving your child the medication before consulting your doctor.

What side effects does the antibiotic cause?
While taking the antibiotic, your child may experience diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach aches, heartburn, pain on the tongue or in the mouth, loss of appetite, redness in the face, pain in the urethra or genitalia or dizziness.

Call your doctor when

  • Your child’s condition worsens.
  • Your child experiences an allergic reaction (shortness of breath, swelling in the face, itchiness, pain or pressure in the chest or a rapid pulse). Take your child to the ER immediately.
  • If your child experiences side effects that include a change in color of the teeth, sensitivity to sunlight or ultraviolet light (rash on the skin, or severe sunburns), vaginal infection, severe skin reactions, strong headaches, vision problems, lupus, ulcers or inflammation of the airways, lower blood pressure, joint or muscular pain, drowsiness, abnormalities in blood tests, jaundice, difficulty swallowing, swollen tongue, or tinnitus.

Doxycyline may cause increased sensitivity to sunlight. Avoid taking your child out into the sun and if you do, make sure he is properly protected. If the medication is given to treat syphilis, doctors need to continue monitoring the case even after the child no longer needs the medication. Tell your doctor if your child will be getting anesthesia for upcoming procedures (including dental work).

If your daughter is taking birth control pills while taking medication, she should use additional protection to avoid getting pregnant. Doxycyline reduces the effectiveness of birth control pills.