Doxycycline is used to treat bacterial infections in many different parts of the body. It is also used to treat pimples and abscesses (usually on the face) that are caused by rosacea, also known as acne rosacea or adult acne.

Doxycycline delayed-release capsules, delayed-release tablets, and tablets and Acticlate® Cap capsules are also used to prevent malaria and treat anthrax infection after possible exposure and other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Doxycycline belongs to the class of medicines known as tetracycline antibiotics. It works by killing bacteria or preventing their growth. However, this medicine will not work for colds, flu, or other virus infections.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. To do so may increase the chance of side effects.

This medicine comes with patient instructions. Read and follow the instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

If you are using Doryx® delayed-release capsules:

It may be taken with food or milk, if it upsets your stomach.
You may open the capsule and sprinkle the contents on a spoonful of cold, soft applesauce. Do not lose any pellets when transferring the contents. The mixture should be swallowed right away without chewing and followed with a glass of cool water to ensure complete swallowing of the pellets. Do not store the mixture for later use.
If you are using the delayed-release tablets or tablets:

It may be taken with food or milk, if it upsets your stomach.
You may take this medicine by breaking the tablets. Hold the tablet between your thumb and index fingers close to the appropriate score (separation) line. Then, apply enough pressure to snap the tablet segments apart. Do not use the tablet if it does not break on the scored lines.
You may also take this medicine by sprinkling the equally broken tablets onto cold, soft food, such as applesauce. This mixture must be swallowed right away without chewing and followed with a glass of cool water to ensure complete swallowing of the pellets. Do not store the mixture for later use.
Swallow the capsule whole. Do not break, crush, chew, or open it. You may take the Acticlate® Cap capsules with food or milk to avoid stomach irritation.

Shake the oral liquid well just before each use. Measure the dose with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

Drink plenty of fluids to avoid throat irritation and ulceration.

If you are using this medicine to prevent malaria while traveling, start taking the medicine 1 or 2 days before you travel. Take the medicine every day during your trip and continue taking it for 4 weeks after you return. However, do not use the medicine for longer than 4 months.

If you are using Oracea™ delayed-release capsules:

You should take this medicine on an empty stomach, preferably at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals.
You should take this medicine with a full glass of water while sitting or standing.
To prevent throat irritation, do not lay down right after taking this medicine.
Use only the brand of this medicine that your doctor prescribed. Different brands may not work the same way.

To switch from Doryx® delayed-release tablets to Doryx® MPC delayed-release tablets:

Replace a 50 milligram (mg) dose of Doryx® delayed-release tablet with a 60 mg dose of Doryx® MPC delayed-release tablet.
Replace a 100 mg dose of Doryx® delayed-release tablet with a 120 mg dose of Doryx® MPC delayed-release tablet.
To help clear up your infection completely, keep taking this medicine for the full time of treatment, even if you begin to feel better after a few days. If you stop taking this medicine too soon, your symptoms may return.

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Incidence not known

Blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin

bloating

chills

clay-colored stools

constipation

cough

dark urine

decreased appetite

diarrhea

diarrhea, watery and severe, which may also be bloody

difficulty with swallowing

dizziness

fast heartbeat

feeling of discomfort

fever

headache

hives, itching, puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue

hives or welts, itching, or rash

increased thirst

indigestion

inflammation of the joints

joint or muscle pain

large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs

loss of appetite

nausea

numbness or tingling of the face, hands, or feet

pain in the stomach, side, or abdomen, possibly radiating to the back

red skin lesions, often with a purple center

redness and soreness of the eyes

redness of the skin

sore throat

sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips

stomach cramps

stomach pain or tenderness

swelling of the feet or lower legs

swollen, painful, or tender lymph glands in the neck, armpit, or groin

tightness in the chest

unusual tiredness or weakness

unusual weight loss

vomiting

yellow eyes or skin

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Incidence not known

Back, leg, or stomach pains

black, tarry stools

bleeding gums

blood in the urine or stools

blurred vision

bulging soft spot on the head of an infant

change in the ability to see colors, especially blue or yellow

chest pain, discomfort, or burning

cracks in the skin

decrease in vision

difficulty breathing

discoloration of the thyroid glands

double vision

general body swelling

heartburn

increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight

loss of heat from the body

lower back or side pain

nosebleeds

pain or burning in the throat

pain with swallowing

painful or difficult urination

pale skin

pinpoint red spots on the skin

rash with flat lesions or small raised lesions on the skin

red, swollen skin

redness or other discoloration of the skin

redness, swelling, or soreness of the tongue

scaly skin

severe nausea

severe stomach pain

severe sunburn

tooth discoloration

unusual bleeding or bruising

vomiting blood

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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

Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while using this medicine, tell your doctor right away.

This medicine may darken the color of your skin, nails, eyes, teeth, gums, or scars. Talk with your doctor if you have any concerns.

Doxycycline may cause diarrhea, and in some cases it can be severe. It may occur 2 months or more after you stop taking this medicine. Do not take any medicine to treat diarrhea without first checking with your doctor. Diarrhea medicines may make the diarrhea worse or make it last longer. If you have any questions about this or if mild diarrhea continues or gets worse, check with your doctor.

Birth control pills (containing estrogen) may not work properly while you are using doxycycline. To keep from getting pregnant, use other forms of birth control. These include condoms, a diaphragm, or a contraceptive foam or jelly.

Doxycycline may cause your skin to be more sensitive to sunlight than it is normally. Exposure to sunlight, even for short periods of time, may cause skin rash, itching, redness or other discoloration of the skin, or a severe sunburn. When you begin taking this medicine:

Stay out of direct sunlight, especially between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., if possible.
Wear protective clothing, including a hat. Also, wear sunglasses.
Apply a sunblock product that has a sun protection factor (SPF) number of at least 15. Some patients may require a product with a higher SPF number, especially if they have a fair complexion. If you have any questions about this, check with your doctor.
Apply a sunblock lipstick that has an SPF of at least 15 to protect your lips.
Do not use a sun lamp or tanning bed or booth.
If you have a severe reaction from the sun, check with your doctor.

Serious skin reactions, including drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms can occur with this medicine. Check with your doctor right away if you have blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, red skin lesions, severe acne or a skin rash, sores or ulcers on the skin, fever or chills, cough, sore throat, swollen, painful, or tender lymph glands in the neck, armpit, or groin, or yellow skin or eyes while using this medicine.

This medicine may cause increased pressure inside the head (intracranial hypertension). This is more likely to occur in women of childbearing age who are overweight or have a history of intracranial hypertension. Tell your doctor right away if you have a headache, blurred vision, or changes in vision.

Contact your doctor immediately if fever, rash, joint pain, or tiredness occurs. These could be symptoms of an autoimmune syndrome where the body attacks itself.

You should not take antacids that contain aluminum, calcium or magnesium, or any product that contains iron, such as vitamin or mineral supplements.

If you are using this medicine to prevent malaria, take extra care not to get bitten by mosquitoes. Use protective clothing, mosquito netting or screens, and an insect repellent.

Before you have any medical tests, tell the medical doctor in charge that you are taking this medicine. The results of some tests may be affected by this medicine.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.