Overview | Doxycycline | Minocycline | Erythromycin | Trimethoprim-sulfasoxaxole

Class: Tetracycline

Mechanism of Action:

• Bacteriostatic meaning that it inhibits the growth of P. acnes
• Anti-inflammatory action

Storage Information: Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

Formulation: Capsule, tablet or liquid

Typical Dose: Ranges from 50mg twice a day to 100mg once or twice a day. It is well absorbed and may be taken with food. Taking doxycycline with food may make it less likely to get upset stomach.

Side Effects:

• Phototoxicity: Out of all the tetracyclines, it has the highest potential for severe reactions to sun exposure. Although this is still an uncommon side effect sun protection is essential while on this medication
• Mild abdominal upset and indigestion
• Rashes
• Vaginal yeast infections.
• Very rare side effects include severe headaches due to increased pressure in the brain (intracranial hypertension), hypersensitivity reaction involving a hive like rash and swelling in the joints and a drug induced hepatitis.

Special Notes: These medications should not be taken by children younger than 13 years of age because they can affect growth and stain teeth. They should also not be taken by a woman who is pregnant or breast feeding. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, doxycycline can affect the development of the child’s bones and teeth, leading to skeletal defects.

Special Precautions Before Taking Doxycycline:

• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to doxycycline, minocycline, tetracycline, sulfites (for doxycycline syrup only), or any other medications.
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially antacids, anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin), carbamazepine (Tegretol), penicillin, phenobarbital, phenytoin (Dilantin), and vitamins. Doxycycline decreases the effectiveness of some oral contraceptives; another form of birth control should be used while taking this drug.
• Be aware that antacids, calcium supplements, iron products, and laxatives containing magnesium interfere with doxycyclie, making it less effective. Take doxycycline 1 hour before or 2 hours after antacids (including sodium bicarbonate), calcium supplements, and laxatives containing magnesium. Take doxycycline 2 hours before or 3 hours after iron preparations and vitamin products that contain iron.
• Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had diabetes or kidney or liver disease.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking doxycycline, call your doctor immediately. Doxycycline can harm the fetus.
• If you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking doxycycline.
• Plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and to wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Doxycycline may make your skin sensitive to sunlight