Oracea (doxycycline monohydrate)

(dox i sye' kleen)

Doxycycline injection is used to treat or prevent bacterial infections, including pneumonia and other respiratory tract infections. It is also used to treat certain skin, genital, intestine, and urinary system infections. Doxycycline injection may be used to treat or prevent anthrax (a serious infection that may be spread on purpose as part of a bioterror attack) in people who may have been exposed to anthrax in the air. Doxycycline injection is in a class of medications called tetracycline antibiotics. It works by killing bacteria that cause infections. Antibiotics such as doxycycline injection will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections. Taking or using antibiotics when they are not needed increases your risk of getting an infection later that resists antibiotic treatment.

Doxycycline injection comes as a powder to be mixed with liquid to be injected intravenously (into a vein). It is usually given every 12 or 24 hours over a period of 1 to 4 hours. The length of your treatment depends on the type of infection you have and how your body responds to the medication. You may receive doxycycline injection in a hospital or you may administer the medication at home. If you will be receiving doxycycline injection at home, your healthcare provider will show you how to use the medication. Be sure that you understand these directions, and ask your healthcare provider if you have any questions. You should begin to feel better during the first few days of treatment with doxycycline injection. If your symptoms do not improve or get worse, call your doctor. If you still have symptoms of infection after you finish doxycycline injection, tell your doctor. Use doxycycline injection until you finish the prescription, even if you feel better. If you stop using doxycycline injection too soon or skip doses, your infection may not be completely treated and the bacteria may become resistant to antibiotics.

Before receiving doxycycline injection,
• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to doxycycline, minocycline (Dynacin, Minocin, Solodyn), tetracycline (Achromycin V), any other medications, or any of the ingredients in doxycycline injection. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven) or penicillin (Bicillin, PfizerPen). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had lupus (a disease in which the body attacks many of its own organs).
• you should know that doxycycline injection may decrease the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives (birth control pills, patches, rings, or injections). Talk to your doctor about using another form of birth control.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while receiving doxycycline injection, call your doctor.
• plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and to wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Doxycycline injection may make your skin sensitive to sunlight.
• you should know that when doxycycline is used during pregnancy or in babies or children up to age 8, it can cause the teeth to become permanently stained. Doxycycline injection should not be used in children under age 8 unless your doctor decides it is needed.

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

Doxycycline injection may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• nausea
• loss of appetite
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• difficulty or pain when swallowing
• swollen tongue

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• severe diarrhea (watery or bloody stools) that may occur up to 2 months or more after your treatment
• headache
• blurred vision
• stomach cramps
• fever
• rash
• hives
• itching
• swelling of the face, eyes, mouth, throat, tongue, or lips
• difficulty breathing or swallowing

Doxycycline injection may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while receiving this medication.

Keep all appointments with your doctor. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your body's response to doxycycline injection. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about doxycycline injection. It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.