Inflammation

TARGETS:

BENEFITS:

Helps get active acne under control while topical treatments kick in

Reduces acne located on the chest and back

Improves moderate-to-severe acne and rosacea

SIDE EFFECTS:

The most common side effects of doxycycline are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. This medication will make you more sensitive to the sun. Doxycycline can become lodged in the esophagus if not taken with sufficient water where it can cause esophagitis and ulceration. Allergic reaction to this medication is rare. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching/swelling (especially of face/tongue/throat), dizziness and trouble breathing. Women who are pregnant should not use this medication.

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

• What is Doxycycline hyclate used for?
  Doxycycline hyclate is used to prevent malaria due to the parasite Plasmodium falciparum and to treat many different infections caused by bacteria. Some examples include:
  Respiratory tract infections, including in the nose, throat, and lungs
  Infections caused by ticks, mites, or fleas (Rocky Mountain spotted fever or typhus fever)
  Sexually-transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia, gonorrhea, chancroid, and syphilis
  Lyme disease
  Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
  Severe acne
  Anthrax
  Plague
  Cholera

• How Doxycycline hyclate works?
  Doxycycline hyclate is a tetracycline antibiotic. It prevents some bacteria and parasites from making certain proteins, which stops them from multiplying and spreading in your body.

• What is the difference between doxycycline hyclate and doxycycline monohydrate?
  Doxycycline hyclate and doxycycline monohydrate are two different forms of the same antibiotic. The antibiotic component ("doxycyline") is the same in both medications, but the salt forms ("hyclate" and "monohydrate") are different. These salt forms might affect how quickly the medication dissolves in your body, but they both appear to work as well as each other to fight infections. Both medications treat the same bacterial infections, but they might differ in price. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best option for you.

• How long does doxycycline hyclate take to work?
  Even though doxycycline hyclate is absorbed into your body as quickly as 15 minutes after you take your dose, you might not notice improvement in your symptoms for a few days. Doxycycline hyclate stops bacteria from growing, which helps your body get rid of them. But this takes time. How soon you notice improvement will depend on the type of infection you have and how severe it is. For many types of infection, it can take 1 to 2 weeks, and sometimes longer, for doxycycline hyclate to fight off the infection. For acne, you might notice improvement in your skin within 2 weeks, but it can take up to 3 months to see the full effects.

• Why can't I lie down after taking doxycycline hyclate?
  Doxycycline hyclate can irritate the esophagus, which is the tube that moves food and medications down into your stomach. If you lie down too soon after taking doxycycline hyclate, the medication is more likely to go back up the esophagus and cause irritation. It's best to stay sitting or standing upright after taking each dose. Avoid taking your dose too close to bedtime, so you'll be less likely to lie down too soon. Drinking lots of water with each dose also helps to prevent this problem.

• Can I drink alcohol while taking doxycycline hyclate?
  The manufacturers of doxycycline hyclate don't warn of any direct interactions that doxycycline hyclate might have with alcohol. But it's possible that drinking alcohol could worsen some side effects of the medication. Alcohol is known to cause stomach upset, which is a common side effect of doxycycline hyclate. Additionally, drinking alcohol regularly long-term could weaken your immune system. This could make it harder for you to recover from your infection, even while taking doxycycline hyclate. In general, it's best to avoid alcohol until you've recovered from your infection and when your provider says it's okay. Ask your provider if you've questions about doxycycline hyclate and alcohol.

• Is doxycycline hyclate used for sinus infections?
  Many sinus infections are due to viruses, so antibiotics won't work against them. If a sinus infection is caused by bacteria, doxycycline hyclate is a possible option, according to infectious disease experts. Ask your provider about the best treatment options for your sinus infection.

• What's the difference between Doryx and Doryx MPC?
  Doryx and Doryx MPC are both delayed-release forms of doxycycline hyclate, meaning they slowly dissolve in your body over time. Doryx MPC tablets contain small pellets that have a modified polymer coat (or MPC), and this coating helps protect your stomach and delay the release of the medication even more. Both medications are used to treat the same bacterial infections, but they can't be interchanged since the dosing is different. For example, Doryx 100 mg is equal to Doryx MPC 120 mg. Don't switch between products or adjust your dose without discussing with your healthcare provider first.

• Is doxycycline calcium the same as doxycycline hyclate?
  Both Vibramycin calcium (doxycycline calcium) and doxycycline hyclate contain the active medication doxycycline, but in different salt forms ("calcium" and "hyclate"). The main difference between them is the formulation they come in. Doxycycline hyclate comes in tablets or capsules. Vibramycin calcium (doxycycline calcium) is a liquid syrup, so it might be more suitable for children or people who have a hard time swallowing pills. If you're not sure which medication is most appropriate for you, talk with your healthcare provider.