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What is doxycycline oral syrup or suspension?
DOXYCYCLINE (Doxy®, Vibramycin®) is a tetracycline-type antibiotic. Doxycycline kills certain bacteria that cause infection, or stops their growth. It treats many kinds of infections of the skin, bone, stomach, respiratory tract, sinuses, ear, and urinary tract. It also treats Lyme disease and certain sexually transmitted diseases. For travelers to certain areas doxycycline can be given to suppress malaria. Generic doxycycline oral suspension and syrup are not yet available.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• liver disease
• long exposure to sunlight (working outdoors)
• an unusual or allergic reaction to doxycycline, other tetracyclines, or sulfites
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take doxycycline syrup or oral suspension by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Shake well before using. Use a specially marked spoon, or container to measure the medicine. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one; household spoons are not always accurate. It is best to take doxycycline without food, but if it upsets your stomach take it with food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Finish the full course prescribed by your prescriber or health care professional even if you think your condition is better. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What drug(s) may interact with doxycycline?
• antacids
• barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures (convulsions)
• calcium salts
• carbamazepine
• cholestyramine
• colestipol
• digoxin
• female hormones, including contraceptive or birth control pills
• ferrous sulfate
• magnesium salts
• other antibiotics
• phenytoin
• sodium bicarbonate
• warfarin
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking doxycycline?
Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve in 2 to 3 days.
Keep out of the sun, or wear protective clothing outdoors and use a sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or sun tanning beds or booths.
Make sure your diet provides vitamin B. Ask your prescriber or health care professional for advice if you think you are short of this vitamin.
Birth control pills (contraceptive pills) may not work properly while you are taking this medicine. Use an extra method of birth control for at least one month.
If you are being treated for a sexually transmitted disease, avoid sexual contact until you have finished your treatment. Your sexual partner may also need treatment.
If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking doxycycline.
Antacids can stop doxycycline from working properly. If you get an upset stomach and want to take an antacid, make sure there is an interval of at least 2 hours since you last took doxycycline, or 4 hours before your next dose.
Never use doxycycline if it is past the expiration date; it can make you seriously ill.
What side effects may I notice from taking doxycycline?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• dark yellow or brown urine
• difficulty breathing
• headache
• increased sensitivity to the sun or ultraviolet light
• itching in the rectal or genital area
• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
• stomach pain or cramps
• skin rash or itching
• tingling or numbness of the hands or feet
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• yellowing of eyes or skin.
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• diarrhea
• discolored tongue
• loss of appetite
• nausea, vomiting
• sore mouth
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store at room temperature, approximately 25 degrees C (77 degrees F); do not freeze. Protect from light.
Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.
