Doxycycline (Capsules)

Doxycycline belongs to the tetracycline class of antibiotics. It treats various bacterial infections such as acne, urinary tract infections, gastrointestinal infections, eye infections, some sexually transmitted infections, and gum disease.

1) Precautions Before Using Doxycycline: Do not use Doxycycline if you:

• Are allergic to doxycycline or other tetracycline antibiotics.
• Are pregnant.
• Are a child under 8 years old, unless a doctor has prescribed it for a specific reason. Tetracycline antibiotics can permanently stain teeth that are still developing.

Tell your dentist before taking Doxycycline if you:

• Are breastfeeding.
• Have liver disease.
• Take antacids, iron, calcium, magnesium or zinc supplements, warfarin or another blood thinner, or isotretinoin for acne.

 2)  How to use the medication:

• Dosage should be strictly under the doctor’s guidance due to potential side effects.
• Do not take more or less than the prescribed amount.
• Check the expiration date on the label carefully.
• Expired Doxycycline can be directly harmful to the kidneys.
• Take this medicine exactly as your dentist prescribed. The dose, how often to take it and for how many days are printed on your medicine label. Do not take more than prescribed.
• Swallow the capsule with a full glass of water while sitting or standing, and do not lie down straight after taking it. Do not take it just before going to bed.
• Do not take it at the same time as milk or dairy products, antacids that contain aluminum, calcium or magnesium, or iron, zinc or other mineral supplements, as these stop it from working properly. Leave a gap of at least 2 hours between them.
• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose.

 3) Precautions while using the medication:

• Avoid alcohol consumption while using Doxycycline.
• Doxycycline can make your skin burn more easily in the sun. Avoid strong sunlight and sunbeds while taking it.
• Inform the doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medications.
• Do not exceed the prescribed dosage.
• Keep out of reach of children.

4) Potential risks from the medication:

• Digestive system: abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dark or clay-colored stools, frequent flatulence, bloody stools, decreased appetite, weight loss, and jaundice.
• Urinary system: dark urine.
• Respiratory system: cough, sore throat, difficulty swallowing.
• Heart and blood vessels: chest pain, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, swelling of the legs and feet.
• Immune system: fever, toxic shock symptoms, swelling around the eyes, face, and tongue.
• Nervous system: headache.
• Skin: toxic shock symptoms, itching, rash, mouth or tongue ulcers, red spots on the skin, photosensitivity.
• Bones and joints: joint or muscle pain and swelling.

5) Storage: How to store the medication:

• Store at room temperature.
• Keep out of reach of children.
• Store in a tightly closed container.

Note: This information is a general summary. Please read the medication label carefully before use and consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Doxycycline in Dental Treatment

Why this medicine is prescribed

Doxycycline is an antibiotic. Your dentist has prescribed it for the treatment of gum disease.

An antibiotic is not a painkiller — it does not relieve pain. It is prescribed to treat an infection, or to reduce the risk of one after a dental procedure. Please take every dose, for as many days as your dentist prescribed, even after the pain and swelling have gone.

Medicine alone does not repair the tooth or the gum where the infection started — that still needs treatment.

Which dental procedures it is prescribed for

• Gum Surgery — Periodontics, Post-Operative Care

If pain persists or worsens, please contact the clinic.