Doxycycline is a medicine used to treat or prevent a variety of infections caused by bacteria, including:

Pneumonia or other respiratory tract infections
Infections of the skin or eye
Infections of the lymphatic, intestinal, genital, or urinary systems
Infections spread by ticks, lice, mites, and infected animals
Infections spread by contaminated food and water
Anthrax
Plague or tularemia
Malaria

This medicine is also used to treat acne and rosacea (a skin condition that causes redness, flushing, and bumps on the face).

Doxycycline is in a class of medicines called tetracycline antibiotics. It works by preventing the growth and spread of bacteria.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first approved doxycycline in 1967.

uses

What is Doxycycline (Vibramycin) used for?

Acne
Acne Rosacea
Actinomycosis
Amebiasis
Brucellosis
Chancroid
Epididymitis -- Sexually Transmitted
Gonococcal Infection -- Uncomplicated
Granuloma Inguinale
Inclusion Conjunctivitis
Joint Infection
Lyme Disease -- Arthritis
Lyme Disease -- Carditis
Lyme Disease -- Erythema Chronicum Migrans
Lyme Disease -- Neurologic
Lymphogranuloma Venereum
Malaria
Malaria Prophylaxis
Mycoplasma Pneumonia
Nongonococcal Urethritis
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Plague
Pleural Effusion
Pneumonia
Rickettsial Infection
Sinusitis
Skin or Soft Tissue Infection
Syphilis -- Early
Syphilis -- Latent
Trachoma
Tularemia
Upper Respiratory Tract Infection
Proctitis
Bacterial Infection
Pulmonary Impairment
Urinary Tract Infection
Bronchitis
Chlamydia Infection
Lyme Disease
Cervicitis
Tuberculosis - Urinary Tract
Infection - Bacterial/Fungal/Protozoal/Viral
Pleural Effusion - Bacterial
Tuberculous Pleurisy
Periodontitis
Inhalation Bacillus anthracis
Cutaneous Bacillus anthracis
Plague Prophylaxis
Melioidosis
STD Prophylaxis
Anthrax Prophylaxis
Cholera
Psittacosis
Ornithosis
Bartonellosis
Wound Infection
Q Fever

warnings

What is the most important information I should know about Doxycycline (Vibramycin)?

You should not take this medicine if you are allergic to doxycycline or other tetracycline antibiotics such as demeclocycline, minocycline, tetracycline, or tigecycline.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

liver disease;
kidney disease;
asthma or sulfite allergy;
increased pressure inside your skull; or
if you also take isotretinoin, seizure medicine, or a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin).

If you are using doxycycline to treat gonorrhea, your doctor may test you to make sure you do not also have syphilis, another sexually transmitted disease.

Taking this medicine during pregnancy may affect tooth and bone development in the unborn baby. Taking doxycycline during the last half of pregnancy can cause permanent tooth discoloration later in the baby's life. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or if you become pregnant.

Doxycycline can make birth control pills less effective. Ask your doctor about using a non-hormonal birth control (condom, diaphragm with spermicide) to prevent pregnancy.

Doxycycline can pass into breast milk and may affect bone and tooth development in a nursing infant. Do not breastfeed while you are taking doxycycline.

Doxycycline can cause permanent yellowing or graying of the teeth in children younger than 8 years old. Children should use doxycycline only in cases of severe or life-threatening conditions such as anthrax or Rocky Mountain spotted fever. The benefit of treating a serious condition may outweigh any risks to the child's tooth development.

Side Effects

What are the side effects of Doxycycline (Vibramycin)?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning in your eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling).

Seek medical treatment if you have a serious drug reaction that can affect many parts of your body. Symptoms may include: skin rash, fever, swollen glands, flu-like symptoms, muscle aches, severe weakness, unusual bruising, or yellowing of your skin or eyes. This reaction may occur several weeks after you began using doxycycline.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
throat irritation, trouble swallowing;
chest pain, irregular heart rhythm, feeling short of breath;
little or no urination;
low white blood cell counts--fever, chills, swollen glands, body aches, weakness, pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding;
increased pressure inside the skull--severe headaches, ringing in your ears, dizziness, nausea, vision problems, pain behind your eyes; or
signs of liver or pancreas problems--loss of appetite, upper stomach pain (that may spread to your back), tiredness, nausea or vomiting, fast heart rate, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Common side effects may include:

nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, loss of appetite;
mild diarrhea;
skin rash or itching;
darkened skin color; or
vaginal itching or discharge.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Can I take Doxycycline (Vibramycin) if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?

Positive evidence of risk

Based on FDA pregnancy categories

Doxycycline can make birth control pills less effective. Ask your doctor about using a non-hormonal birth control (condom, diaphragm with spermicide) to prevent pregnancy.

Doxycycline can pass into breast milk and may affect bone and tooth development in a nursing infant. Do not breastfeed while you are taking doxycycline.

Interactions

What drugs and food should I avoid while taking Doxycycline (Vibramycin)?

Do not take iron supplements, multivitamins, calcium supplements, antacids, or laxatives within 2 hours before or after taking doxycycline.

Avoid taking any other antibiotics with doxycycline unless your doctor has told you to.

Doxycycline could make you sunburn more easily. Avoid sunlight or tanning beds. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, call your doctor. Do not use anti-diarrhea medicine unless your doctor tells you to.

Dosage Guidelines & Tips

How to take Doxycycline (Vibramycin)?

Use Doxycycline (Vibramycin) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Take doxycycline with a full glass of water. Drink plenty of liquids while you are taking doxycycline.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

Most brands of doxycyline may be taken with food or milk if the medicine upsets your stomach.

Different brands of doxycycline may have different instructions about taking them with or without food.

Take Oracea on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.

You may need to split a doxycycline tablet to get the correct dose. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Swallow a delayed-release capsule or tablet whole. Do not crush, chew, break, or open it.

Measure liquid medicine with the dosing syringe provided, or with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

If you take doxycycline to prevent malaria: Start taking the medicine 1 or 2 days before entering an area where malaria is common. Continue taking the medicine every day during your stay and for at least 4 weeks after you leave the area.

Doxycycline is usually given by injection only if you are unable to take the medicine by mouth. A healthcare provider will give you this injection as an infusion into a vein.

Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses can increase your risk of infection that is resistant to medication. Doxycycline will not treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date on the label has passed. Using expired doxycycline can cause damage to your kidneys.

What should I do if I missed a dose of Doxycycline (Vibramycin)?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.