Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

DOXYCYCLINE 20MG - ORAL

(dox-ee-SYE-kleen)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Periostat

Uses

This medication is used, in addition to dental procedures, to treat inflammation of the gums (periodontitis). In the dosage used, this drug helps allow healing of gum tissue damage.

How To Use

Take this product by mouth, generally twice daily, one hour before morning and evening meals or as directed. Take each dose with a full glass (8 oz or 240 ml) of water unless your doctor directs you otherwise. Do not lie down for 30 minutes after taking this product. Take this medication 2-3 hours before or after taking any medications containing magnesium, aluminum, or calcium. Some examples include quinapril, didanosine, vitamins/minerals, and antacids. Sucralfate, bismuth subsalicylate, iron, and zinc are also included. These medications bind with doxycycline preventing its full absorption.

Side Effects

Nausea or diarrhea may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor. Unlikely but report promptly: "sunburn" (sun sensitivity). Very unlikely but report promptly: dark urine, yellowing of the eyes or skin, persistent sore throat or fever, unusual bleeding or bruising, unusual fatigue, white patches in the mouth, unusual vaginal discharge/itching. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Tell your dentist/doctor your medical history, including: any allergies, yeast infections of the mouth (oral candidiasis), kidney or liver problems, esophagus problems/trouble swallowing (e.g., hiatal hernia or reflux/heartburn). Doxycycline may make you more prone to sunburn. Wear protective clothing and a sunscreen if needed. Consult your pharmacist. Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in an infection (e.g., oral, bladder, or vaginal yeast infection), though this is unlikely to occur. This drug should not be used in children up to 8 years of age because its use may permanently discolor their teeth or cause other problems. Caution is advised in older children also. This drug is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor before using this drug. This drug is excreted into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast- feeding.

Drug Interactions

Tell your dentist/doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may use, especially of: vitamins/minerals (e.g., magnesium, aluminum, calcium, iron, zinc), quinapril, didanosine, antacids, sucralfate, bismuth subsalicylate, other antibiotics (e.g., penicillins/cephalosporins), carbamazepine, phenytoin, barbiturates (e.g., phenobarbital), "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin), methoxyflurane. Though unlikely, this medicine may decrease the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about other types of birth control. This drug may interfere with certain laboratory tests (catecholamines). Inform lab personnel that you are using this. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others. This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not increase the dose or use this medication to treat an infection, unless directed to do so by your doctor. Laboratory , dental and/or medical tests may be performed to monitor for side effects and response to treatment.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture.