Different Uses of Doxycycline:

Doxycycline is a type of tetracycline antibiotic used for a broad range of infections caused by a certain set of bacteria. Doxycycline is also used to prevent the infection of anthrax. Doxycycline hinders the growth of key proteins needed for bacteria to populate. Once the bacterial progression slows, the immune system can fight and win against the bacteria.

Doxycycline can also be prescribed for reasons determined by your doctor.

When NOT to use Doxycycline:

Suspend your medication of Doxycycline if...

• You have an allergic reaction to Doxycycline, other tetracycline, or any of its ingredients
• You are taking medications like acitretin, penicillin (amoxicillin), and birth control pills

If any of the above applies to you, notify your doctor right away.

What You Should Know Before Taking Doxycycline:

There are certain conditions that may be affected by Doxycycline. Talk to your doctor about your current medical condition, especially if any of these conditions is in the list.

• Pregnant, planning pregnancy, breast feeding
• Under other prescription or non-prescription meds, dietary supplements, or herbal medicines
• Allergies to certain medicines, substances, or food
• Digestive/intestinal infection, diarrhea, or porphyria

There are some meds that may affect your dosage of Doxycycline. Notify your health provider if you are under medication especially with any of the meds listed below:

• Barbiturates (phenobarbital), hydantoins (phenytoin), carbamazepine, penicillins - they may decrease the effectiveness of Doxycycline.
• Isotretinoin and Acitretin - dangerous side effects like increased pressure in the skull which leads to vision problems and severe headaches may occur.
• Methotrexate, anticoagulants (warfarin), methoxyflurane - The side effects of these drugs may increase with Doxycycline.
• Oral contraceptives like the pill may lose its effectiveness with Doxycycline.

The list above may not have all the drug interaction that can happen with Doxycycline. List all the medicines that you are taking now and discuss each one with your doctor. Your doctor will decide if you need to modify or suspend your medication.

Usage Guidelines for Doxycycline:

Take your doctor's instruction and follow them precisely. You can consult the medicine label for the complete dosage guide.

• Doxycycline is administered through injection. You can have the injection in the hospital, doctor's office, or clinic. You can also use Doxycycline in your home as soon as you are taught by your doctor. Make sure that you understand every step in administering the injection and do not hesitate to ask your doctor if you if you have questions.
• Do not use the drug if the syringe contains particles, or if the vial is damaged.
• Use Doxycycline regularly at the same time every day for optimum effectiveness.
• Do not stop the dosage even if you feel better. If you are taking Doxycycline or any antibiotics, make commitment to the full treatment.
• If you ever miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if several hours have passed and it is time for the next dose, you must not double your dosage to catch up. Never take two dosages at the same time.

Ask the doctor for more questions on how to take-in the drug.

Safety Pointers when Taking Doxycycline:

• Use Doxycycline for the full term of the treatment. Failure to do so will not clear up the infection and will allow the bacteria to develop resistance on the antibiotic. When this happens, the infection will be more difficult to treat.
• Repeated dosage of Doxycycline and long-term intake may lead to a secondary infection. If there are signs of second infection, tell your doctor so he can modify your dosage.
• Doxycycline increases your sensitivity to the sun. If you are under medication, do not expose yourself to the sun, tanning booths and sun lamps. If you need to go outside for a longer period, wear a sunguard lotion or wear protective clothing.
• The effectiveness of oral contraceptives will not work well while you use Doxycycline. You need to apply other form of birth control while under medication.
• You may be called upon to take lab tests, while you are under treatment. Your doctor will measure the progress of the treatment through these tests. Always be present on your lab appointments.
• Children under 8 years old should not take Doxycycline; children may experience tooth discoloration.
• If you are pregnant, make sure to discuss the effects of Doxycycline with your doctor. Doxycycline causes damage to the fetus. At the same time, breastfeeding is not recommended if you are under Doxycycline medication. Talk to your doctor about the various risks of the meds to your child.

Doxycycline and its side effects:

Medicines always comes with side effects, but most people do not feel it, or experience negligible complications. However, if some of the most common side effects as listed become bothersome, you should consult your doctor:

• Diarrhea
• Difficulty in Swallowing
• Inflammation of the Tongue
• Appetite Loss
• Nausea
• Purple Patches in skin
• Sensitivity from the sun's rays
• Inflammation of the skin in the genitalia and anal area
• Vomiting

If you experience any of the severe side effects, seek medical attention immediately.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

• Severe allergies such as rash, hives, itching, breathing difficulty, chest tightness, swelling in the mouth, lips, face, or tongue
• Bulging/soft spots in infants
• Headache/blurred vision
• Increased pressure to the skull
• Swelling/pain at the injection area
• Vaginal irritation and vaginal discharge
• Severe reaction against the sun

Shelf life of Doxycycline:

The expiration date of Doxycycline is mentioned in its blister pack. Take note that the expiration date is varied from different batches. Usually, the shelf life is two years from the time of manufacture.

What is the shelf life of the pills?

• The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.