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Proper Use
Do not give doxycycline to infants or children 8 years of age and younger unless directed by your doctor. Doxycycline may cause permanently discolored teeth and other problems in patients in these age groups.
To help clear up your infection completely, keep taking this medicine for the full time of treatment, even if you begin to feel better after a few days. If you stop taking this medicine too soon, your symptoms may return.
Take only the amount of doxycycline that is prescribed for you. If you take more than the correct dosage, you may have side effects and the medicine may not work.
Drink plenty of fluids to avoid esophageal irritation and ulceration.
For Doryx® delayed-release tablets—This medicine may be taken with food or milk if it upsets your stomach.
For Oracea™ delayed-release capsules—
- You should take this medicine on an empty stomach, preferably at least one hour before or two hours after meals.
- You should take this medicine with a full glass of water while sitting or standing.
- To prevent throat irritation, do not lay down right after taking this medicine.
Dosing
The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.
- For oral dosage form (delayed-release tablets):
- For infections:
- Adults and children older than 8 years of age who weigh more than 100 pounds (45 kilograms or kg)—100 milligrams (mg) every 12 hours the first day, then 100 mg once a day or 50 to 100 mg every 12 hours.
- Children older than 8 years of age who weigh 100 pounds (45 kg) or less—Dose is based on body weight. The usual dose is 2 milligrams (mg) per pound of body weight divided into two doses on the first day of treatment, followed by 1 mg per pound of body weight given as a single daily dose or divided into two doses on subsequent days.
- Infants and children 8 years of age and younger—Doxycycline is not used in young children because it can permanently stain teeth.
- For the prevention of malaria:
- Adults and teenagers—100 milligrams (mg) once a day. You should take the first dose one or two days before travel to an area where malaria may occur, and continue taking the medicine every day throughout travel and for 4 weeks after you leave the malarious area.
- Children older than 8 years of age—Dose is based on body weight. The usual dose is 2 milligrams per kilogram (mg per kg) of body weight once a day. You should take the first dose one or two days before travel to an area where malaria may occur, and continue taking the medicine every day throughout travel and for 4 weeks after you leave the malarious area.
- Infants and children 8 years of age and younger—Doxycycline is not used in young children because it can permanently stain teeth.
- For inhalation anthrax (post-exposure):
- Adults and children weighing 100 pounds or more (45 kilograms or kg)—100 milligrams (mg) twice a day for 60 days.
- Children weighing less than 100 pounds (45 kg)—1 milligram (mg) per pound (2.2 mg/kg) of body weight twice a day for 60 days.
- For infections:
- For oral dosage form (delayed-release capsules):
- For the treatment of pimples from rosacea:
- Adults—40 milligrams (mg) (one capsule) once a day in the morning.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For the treatment of pimples from rosacea:
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
Storage
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
