Drug Facts

Type of Drug

Antibiotic; tetracycline.

How The Drug Works

Doxycycline reduced elevated collagenase activity in the gingival crevicular fluid of adult patients with periodontitis.

Uses

As an adjunct to tooth scaling and root planing to promote attachment level gain and to reduce pocket depth in patients with adult periodontitis.

Tooth Discoloration: Use of a tetracycline during tooth development (last half of pregnancy, infancy, and childhood up to 8 years of age) may cause permanent discoloration of the teeth (yellow-gray-brown). This is more common during long-term use but has been observed following repeated short-term courses. Enamel hypoplasia has also been repartee Do not use a tetracycline in this age group or in pregnant or nursing mothers unless the potential benefits outweigh the possible risks.

Superinfection: Use of broad spectrum antibiotics (especially prolonged crepeated therapy) may result in bacterial or fungal overgrowth. Such overgrowth may lead to a second infection. The tetracycline may need to be stopped and another antibiotic may need to be prescribed for the second infection.

Pseudotumor Cerebri: Tetracyclines have been associated with pseudotumor cerebri (benign intracranial hypertension). Early signs and symptoms include headache, nausea, vomiting, and blurred vision. If these symptoms develop, stop the drug immediately and contact your doctor.

Cross Resistance: Antimicrobial activity of the tetracyclines is similar. Resstance to one tetracycline may mean resistance to most or all of the others.

Pregnancy: May cause harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Do not use during pregnancy. The risk of use in a pregnant woman clearly outweighs any possible benefit.

Breastfeeding: Tetracyclines are excreted in breast milk. Do not use while breastfeeding because of the potential for serious adverse effects in nursing infants.

Children: Tetracyclines should not be used in children under 8 years of age, unless other drugs are not likely to be effective or are not advised.

Lab tests may be required during long-term treatment with tetracyclines. Tests may include blood counts and liver and kidney function tests.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or if you are planning to take any over-the-counter or prescription medications or dietary supplements with doxycycline. Doses of one or both drugs may need to be modified or a different drug may need to be prescribed. The following drugs and drug classes interact with tetracyclines:

1. Aluminum salts (eg, Aluminum Hydroxide)
2. Iron salts (eg, Ferrous Fumarate)
3. Anticoagulants (eg, Warfarin)
4. Magnesium salts (eg, Magnesium Hydroxide)
5. Barbiturates (eg, Phenobarbital)
6. Methoxyflurane (Penthrane)

Side Effects

Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Many doxycycline users experience no, or minor, side effects. The frequency and severity of side effects depend on many factors including dose, duration of therapy, and individual susceptibility. Possible side effects include:

Digestive Tract: Acid indigestion; appetite loss; vomiting; diarrhea; nausea; mouth sores; sore throat; toothache; tooth disorder; swollen gums.

Respiratory System: Bronchitis; cough; sinus congestion; sinus headache; runny nose.

Other: Backache; common cold; flu-like symptoms; headache; infection; injury; joint or muscle pain; menstrual cramps; vaginal candidiasis; pain; rash; hives; sensitivity to light; anemia.

Guidelines for Uses

• Dosage will be individualized. Take exactly as prescribed.
• Do not stop taking or change the dose unless directed by your doctor.
• Take 1 tablet 2 times daily at 12 hour intervals, preferably 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Therapy lasts for up to 9 months.
• If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless advised to do so by your doctor. If more than one dose is missed, or it is necessary to establish a new dosage schedule, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
• To prevent irritation or ulceration of the esophagus (food pipe), take with a full glass of water or other nondairy liquid. Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after a dose.
• Do not use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
• Do not use in children under 8 years of age unless other drugs are not likely to be effective or are inadvisable. Use during tooth development may cause permanent discoloration and inadequate hardening of baby and permanent teeth.
• Avoid use of tetracyclines with antacids, laxatives, alcohol, dairy products (eg, milk, cheese), or iron-containing products. If any of these products must be taken, take at least 2 hours before or after tetracyclines.
• May cause photosensitivity (sensitivity to sunlight). Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and other sources of ultraviolet (UV) light (eg, tanning beds). Use sunscreens and wear protective clothing until tolerance is determined.
• Concurrent use of tetracyclines with oral contraceptives (eg, Grthonovum) may cause the oral contraceptives to be less effective. Discuss alternative contraceptive methods with your doctor.
• Notify your doctor if you experience skin redness, flushing, itching, or hives.
• Do not use outdated tetracyclines. Outdated tetracyclines may be toxic to the kidneys.
• Lab tests may be required to monitor therapy. Be sure to keep appointments.
• Store at controlled room temperature (59° to 86°F).

Tagged under:antibiotic tetracycline, benign intracranial hypertension, blurred vision, breast milk, broad spectrum antibiotics, Gastrointestinals nausea vomiting