Doxycycline

Doxycycline is used for treating infections caused by certain bacteria. It may be used in combination with other medicines to treat certain amoeba infections. It may also be used to prevent or slow the progression of anthrax after exposure.

Doxycycline is a tetracycline antibiotic. It works by slowing the growth of bacteria. Slowing bacteria's growth allows the body's immune system to destroy the bacteria.

Do not use Doxycycline if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Doxycycline;
• you have recently received or will be receiving a live oral typhoid vaccine
• you are taking acitretin, oral contraceptives (birth control pills), or penicillins (eg, amoxicillin).

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have diarrhea, a stomach or intestinal infection, a history of lupus, or the blood disease porphyria

• Barbiturates (eg, phenobarbital), carbamazepine, or hydantoins (eg, phenytoin) because they may decrease Doxycycline 's effectiveness
• Acitretin or isotretinoin because side effects, such as increased pressure inside the skull (resulting in severe headaches and vision problems) may occur
• Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), digoxin, methotrexate, or methoxyflurane because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Doxycycline
• Live oral typhoid vaccine, hormonal birth control (eg, birth control pills), or penicillins (eg, amoxicillin) because their effectiveness may be decreased by Doxycycline

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• loss of appetite; nausea; sensitivity to sunlight; vomiting.

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; unusual hoarseness); bloody stools; dark urine; decreased urination; fever, chills, or sore throat; severe diarrhea; severe or persistent headache; stomach pain or cramps; throat irritation; trouble swallowing; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual tiredness; vaginal irritation or discharge; vision changes; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

If you have any questions about Doxycycline , please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

Doxycycline is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.

If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.