Doxy-1 Capsule: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Doxy-1 Capsule contains doxycycline, a tetracycline antibiotic that treats infections caused by bacteria. It is used for a range of bacterial infections, certain sexually transmitted infections, malaria prevention, and infections caused by mites, ticks, or lice. It does not treat colds, the flu, or other viral illnesses, and it works by killing bacteria or stopping their growth.

What is Doxy-1 Capsule

Doxy-1 Capsule contains doxycycline, an antibiotic that treats infections caused by bacteria. It does not treat colds, the flu, or other infections caused by viruses.

Doxy-1 Capsule uses

• Bacterial infections, including acne, rosacea, urinary and respiratory tract infections, eye infections, and gum disease
• Gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis
• Preventing malaria
• Infections caused by mites, ticks, or lice
• Anthrax infection after possible exposure

Benefits of Doxy-1 Capsule

• Kills bacteria or stops them from growing, helping clear the infection
• Can help prevent malaria when traveling to areas where it is common
• May reduce inflammation associated with certain skin conditions like rosacea

How Doxy-1 Capsule works

Doxycycline works by killing bacteria or stopping them from growing. It is also thought to reduce inflammation.

Doxy-1 Capsule dosage

Take by mouth with a full glass of water, and drink plenty of liquids while using it. Take it at the same time every day, as directed on your prescription label. It is best taken without food, but you can take it with food or milk if it upsets your stomach, unless your doctor says otherwise for your specific brand. Swallow capsules whole; do not break, crush, open, dissolve, or chew them. Do not take it right before lying down or going to bed, since it may cause throat irritation.

Keep taking it for the full length of time your doctor prescribed, even if you start feeling better. If using to prevent malaria, start it 1 to 2 days before entering the area, continue daily during the stay, and keep taking it for at least 4 weeks after leaving. Take antacids, and products containing iron, calcium, magnesium, or zinc at a different time of day than this medicine. Avoid taking other antibiotics at the same time unless your doctor has told you to.

Available forms and strengths

• Capsule
• Tablet
• Suspension

Side effects of Doxy-1 Capsule

Common

• Nausea and vomiting
• Upset stomach
• Loss of appetite
• Mild diarrhea
• Skin rash or itching
• Darkened skin color
• Vaginal itching or discharge
• Change in tooth color
• Headache
• Heartburn

Serious

• Signs of an allergic reaction such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face or throat
• Severe skin reaction with fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, or a red or purple rash that spreads and blisters or peels
• A serious drug reaction affecting many parts of the body, with rash, fever, swollen glands, flu-like symptoms, muscle aches, severe weakness, unusual bruising, or yellowing of skin or eyes (may occur weeks after starting the medicine)
• Severe stomach pain or watery or bloody diarrhea
• Throat irritation or trouble swallowing
• Chest pain, irregular heartbeat, or feeling short of breath
• Little or no urination
• Signs of low white blood cell count such as fever, chills, swollen glands, body aches, weakness, pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding
• Severe headaches, ringing in the ears, dizziness, nausea, vision problems, or pain behind the eyes
• Signs of liver problems such as loss of appetite, upper stomach pain, tiredness, nausea or vomiting, fast heart rate, dark urine, or yellowing of skin or eyes

Warnings and precautions

• Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any tetracycline antibiotic.
• Children younger than 8 years old should only use this medicine for severe or life-threatening conditions, because it can cause permanent yellowing or graying of the teeth and affect bone growth in children.
• This medicine can make birth control pills containing estrogen less effective. Use a non-hormonal method of birth control, such as a condom or diaphragm with spermicide, to prevent pregnancy.
• This medicine can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Avoid sun exposure and tanning beds, and use protective clothing and sunscreen when outdoors.
• Serious skin reactions can occur with this medicine, including conditions that cause blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin.
• This medicine may cause increased pressure inside the head, which is more likely in women of childbearing age who are overweight or have a history of this condition.
• Using this medicine during pregnancy could harm the unborn baby or cause permanent tooth discoloration later in the baby's life.
• This medicine can pass into breast milk and may affect bone and tooth development in a nursing infant. Do not breastfeed while taking this medicine and for 5 days after your last dose.
• Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, since caution and dose adjustment may be needed.
• Tell your doctor if you have liver disease before taking this medicine.
• Discuss the use of alcohol with your healthcare professional while taking this medicine, since interactions may occur.
• Use sun protection because doxycycline may increase sensitivity to sunlight.

Storage

• Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light
• Keep the container tightly closed
• Keep out of the reach of children and pets
• Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date has passed; using expired doxycycline can make you seriously ill or damage your kidneys

When to see a doctor

• Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face or throat, or a severe skin reaction with fever, sore throat, burning eyes, or a rash that blisters and peels.
• Call your doctor right away if you have severe stomach pain, watery or bloody diarrhea, trouble swallowing, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, little or no urination, or signs of low white blood cell count.
• Check with your doctor right away if you notice blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, a severe rash, sores on the skin, fever or chills, or yellowing of the skin or eyes.
• Tell your doctor right away if you get a headache, blurred vision, or other vision changes, as this could be a sign of increased pressure inside the head.
• Contact your care team if you have diarrhea that lasts more than 2 days or is severe and watery, since this could be a sign of a new infection.

Alternatives

• Amoxicillin
• Clarithromycin
• Azithromycin
• Minocycline