Doxycycline
(docks-ee-sye-kleen)
Other names for this medication: Doryx, Monodox, TargaDOX, Vibramycin
Doxycycline is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections.
•Tablets and capsules must be given with food or water.
‐This medication can damage the throat or esophagus if it gets stuck before reaching the stomach, especially in cats.
‐Contact your veterinarian immediately if your animal has trouble swallowing or eating.
•Do not give multivitamins, calcium or iron supplements, antacids, dairy products, or laxatives within 2 hours of giving doxycycline. These products can prevent doxycycline from working well.
•Common side effects include diarrhea, vomiting, and decreased appetite.
•This medication can cause sensitivity to sunlight and increase risk for sunburn. Prevent direct or prolonged sun exposure, especially in animals with thin or light-colored coats.
•It is important to finish the entire course of treatment, even if your animal starts feeling better.
Description
•Tetracycline antibiotic
•Available as tablets, capsules, and oral suspensions
Uses
This medication is not FDA-approved specifically for animals, but it is approved for use in humans. At the discretion of your veterinarian, this medication may be used extra-label for:
•Bacterial infections in dogs, cats, and other species. Doxycycline is commonly used for respiratory infections and infections carried by ticks.
•Helping to treat heartworm in dogs
•Treatment of inflammation in dental disease in dogs
Before this medication is given
No medication is 100% safe in all patients. Discuss with your veterinarian:
•Any other medications or supplements your animal is taking
•Any conditions or diseases your animal currently has or has had in the past
•Any side effects your animal has had to medications in the past
•The risks of using this medication if your animal is pregnant or nursing
Warnings for animals
Do not use:
•In animals that are allergic to it or other tetracycline antibiotics
Use with caution in:
•Animals that have liver problems
•Young animals that still have developing bones and teeth
•Pregnant or nursing animals
Certain medications are not allowed in some animal competitions. Check rules and regulations when your animal is taking a medication.
Warnings for humans
•Wash your hands after handling any medication.
•Wear gloves or avoid handling if you are allergic to tetracycline antibiotics.
How do I give this medication?
•Tablets and capsules must be given with food or water.
‐This medication can damage the throat or esophagus if it gets stuck before reaching the stomach, especially in cats.
‐Give with a moist treat and follow each dose with food or water.
‐Applying butter to a cat’s lips can cause salivation, which may help the drug pass to the stomach.
‐If your animal has trouble swallowing or eating, contact your veterinarian immediately.
•Giving with food may help prevent stomach upset, but do not give with dairy products such as cheese.
•Do not give doxycycline 2 hours before or 2 hours after any multivitamins, calcium or iron supplements, antacids, dairy products, or laxatives. These products can prevent doxycycline from working well.
•Shake liquids well before each dose.
•Measure liquids using an oral syringe, medicine cup, or dosing spoon. Do not use household measuring devices.
Give exactly as your veterinarian has prescribed. Always follow the instructions on the prescription label.
Side effects
Common – contact your veterinarian if any of these signs are severe, continue to occur, or worsen over time:
•Diarrhea
•Vomiting
•Decreased appetite
Doxycycline can also cause sensitivity to sunlight. This can increase risk for sunburn, especially on hairless areas like the nose, eyelids, and ears. Prevent direct or prolonged sun exposure when your animal is taking this medication, especially animals with thin or light-colored coats.
Severe – stop the medication and contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice any of these signs:
•Blood in the vomit or stool
•Yellowing of eyes, skin, or gums (jaundice)
•Loss of appetite
•Trouble swallowing or eating
How will I know it's working?
•Your animal should start feeling better within 1 to 2 days.
Contact your veterinary clinic if your animal’s signs worsen or do not improve.
How long will the medication effects last?
•This medication will stop working within 24 hours of the last dose.
How long do I give it for?
This medication can be given for different lengths of time. Give it for as long as your veterinarian tells you. You may need to refill the prescription.
•It is important to finish the entire course of treatment, even if your animal starts feeling better.
Overdose
If you witness or suspect an overdose, call your veterinarian or an animal-specific poison control center (consultation fee applies):
•ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435
•Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661
Have the product or label with you if possible.
Missed dose
In most cases, if you miss a dose:
•Give it when you remember, then return to the regular dosing schedule.
If it is close to the time for the next dose:
•Skip the missed dose.
•Give the next dose at the next scheduled time.
•Continue the regular dosing schedule.
If you are unsure, call your veterinary clinic. Do not double-up doses or give extra doses.
Storage
•Store in the original container at room temperature.
•Protect from light.
•Keep out of reach of children and animals.
Disposal
Do not use expired doxycycline. It can be harmful after the expiration date.
Liquid suspensions should be thrown away 14 days after mixing with water.
Do not flush this medication down the toilet or wash it down the sink. Options for disposing of unused or expired medications include:
•Drug take-back sites: This is preferred whenever possible. To find a site near you, contact your local law enforcement or waste management authorities.
•Home disposal: Mix the medication in with coffee grounds or kitty litter, seal the mixture in a plastic bag, and throw it away in the trash.
Do not save leftover medication or give it to others to use.