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DOXYCYCLINE (dox i SYE kleen) treats infections caused by bacteria. It belongs to a group of medications called tetracycline antibiotics. It will not treat colds, the flu, or infections caused by viruses.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
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Take this medication by mouth with water. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. It is best to take this medication without food, but if it upsets your stomach take it with food. Take all of this medication unless your care team tells you to stop it early. Keep taking it even if you think you are better.
Take antacids and products with aluminum, calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc in them at a different time of day than this medication. Talk to your care team if you have questions.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for children for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
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-Antacids, vitamins, or other products that contain aluminum, calcium, iron, magnesium, or zinc
-Barbiturates
-Bismuth subsalicylate
-Carbamazepine
-Estrogen or progestin hormones
-Methoxyflurane
-Oral retinoids, such as acitretin, isotretinoin
-Other antibiotics
-Phenytoin
-Warfarin
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
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Tell your care team if your symptoms do not improve.
Do not treat diarrhea with over the counter products. Contact your care team if you have diarrhea that lasts more than 2 days or if it is severe and watery.
Do not take this medication just before going to bed. It may not dissolve properly when you lay down and can cause pain in your throat. Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication to also help reduce irritation in your throat.
This medication can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps, tanning beds, or tanning booths.
Estrogen and progestin hormones may not work as well while you are taking this medication. A barrier contraceptive, such as a condom or diaphragm, is recommended if you are using these hormones for contraception. Talk to your care team about effective forms of contraception.
If you are being treated for a sexually transmitted infection (STI), avoid sexual contact until you have finished your treatment. Your sexual partner may also need treatment.
If you are using this medication to prevent malaria, you should still protect yourself from contact with mosquitos. Stay in screened-in areas, use mosquito nets, keep your body covered, and use an insect repellent.
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If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
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Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
-Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
-Increased pressure around the brain—severe headache, blurry vision, change in vision, nausea, vomiting
-Rash, fever, and swollen lymph nodes
-Redness, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
-Severe diarrhea, fever
-Unusual vaginal discharge, itching, or odor
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
-Change in tooth color
-Diarrhea
-Headache
-Loss of appetite
-Nausea
-Skin reactions on sun-exposed areas
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Store at room temperature, below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date. Taking this medication after the expiration date can make you seriously ill.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
DISCLAIMER: This drug information content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Patients should always consult their physician with any questions regarding a medical condition and to obtain medical advice and treatment. Drug information is sourced from GSDD (Gold Standard Drug Database ) provided by Elsevier.
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