Manufacturer Product Information

DOXYCYCLINE HYCLATE- doxycycline hyclate capsule, gelatin coated
West-Ward Pharmaceuticals Corp

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DOXYCYCLINE HYCLATE CAPSULES, USP
Rev. 08/17
Rx Only

To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of doxycycline hyclate capsules and other antibacterial drugs, doxycycline hyclate capsules should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by bacteria.

DESCRIPTION

Doxycycline Hyclate Capsules, USP, are an antibacterial drug synthetically derived from oxytetracycline. The structural formula of doxycycline monohydrate is

with a molecular formula of C22H24N2O8•H2O and a molecular weight of 462.46. The chemical designation for doxycycline is 4-(Dimethylamino)-1,4,4a,5,5a,6,11,12a-octahydro-3,5,10,12,12a-pentahydroxy-6-methyl-1,11-dioxo-2-naphthacenecarboxamide monohydrate. The molecular formula for doxycycline hydrochloride hemiethanolate hemihydrate is (C22H24N2O8•HCl)2•C2H6O•H2O and the molecular weight is 1025.89. Doxycycline is a light yellow crystalline powder. Doxycycline hyclate is soluble in water, while doxycycline monohydrate is very slightly soluble in water.

Doxycycline has a high degree of lipoid solubility and a low affinity for calcium binding. It is highly stable in normal human serum. Doxycycline will not degrade into an epianhydro form.

Each capsule for oral administration contains doxycycline hyclate equivalent to 50 mg or 100 mg of doxycycline (anhydrous). Inactive ingredients: lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate.

The 50 mg and 100 mg capsule shells contain: gelatin, diacetylated monoglycerides, sucrose fatty acid esters, glacial acetic acid, sodium lauryl sulfate, colloidal silicon dioxide, FD&C Blue #1 and titanium dioxide. The printing ink may contain: Shellac Glaze, Iron Oxide Black, N-Butyl Alcohol, Propylene Glycol, SDA 3A Alcohol, FD&C Blue #2, FD&C Red #40, FD&C Blue #1, D&C Yellow #10.

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

Tetracyclines are readily absorbed and are bound to plasma proteins in varying degree. They are concentrated by the liver in the bile, and excreted in the urine and feces at high concentrations and in a biologically active form. Doxycycline is virtually completely absorbed after oral administration.

Following a 200 mg dose, normal adult volunteers averaged peak serum levels of 2.6 mcg/mL of doxycycline at 2 hours, decreasing to 1.45 mcg/mL at 24 hours. Excretion of doxycycline by the kidney is about 40% per 72 hours in individuals with normal function (creatinine clearance about 75 mL/min). This percentage excretion may fall as low as 1 to 5% per 72 hours in individuals with severe renal insufficiency (creatinine clearance below 10 mL/min). Studies have shown no significant difference in serum half-life of doxycycline (range 18 to 22 hours) in individuals with normal and severely impaired renal function.

Hemodialysis does not alter serum half-life.

Results of animal studies indicate that tetracyclines cross the placenta and are found in fetal tissues.

Microbiology

Mechanism of Action

Doxycycline inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 30S ribosomal subunit. Doxycycline has bacteriostatic activity against a broad range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.

Resistance

Cross resistance with other tetracyclines is common.

Antimicrobial Activity

Doxycycline has been shown to be active against most isolates of the following microorganisms, both in vitro and in clinical infections as described in the INDICATIONS AND USAGE section of the package insert for doxycycline hyclate capsules.

Gram-Negative Bacteria

Acinetobacter species

Bartonella bacilliformis

Brucella species

Klebsiella species

Klebsiella granulomatis

Campylobacter fetus

Enterobacter aerogenes

Escherichia coli

Francisella tularensis

Haemophilus ducreyi

Haemophilus influenzae

Neisseria gonorrhoeae

Shigella species

Vibrio cholerae

Yersinia pestis

Gram-Positive Bacteria

Bacillus anthracis

Listeria monocytogenes

Streptococcus pneumoniae

Anaerobic Bacteria

Clostridium species

Fusobacterium fusiforme

Propionibacterium acnes

Other Bacteria

Nocardiae and other aerobic Actinomyces species

Borrelia recurrentis

Chlamydophila psittaci

Chlamydia trachomatis

Mycoplasma pneumoniae

Rickettsiae

Treponema pallidum

Treponema pallidum subspecies pertenue

Ureaplasma urealyticum

Parasites

Balantidium coli

Entamoeba species

Plasmodium falciparum*

*Doxycycline has been found to be active against the asexual erythrocytic forms of Plasmodium falciparum, but not against the gametocytes of P. falciparum. The precise mechanism of action of the drug is not known.

Susceptibility Testing Methods

When available, the clinical microbiology laboratory should provide cumulative reports of in vitro susceptibility test results for antimicrobial drugs used in local hospitals and practice areas to the physician as periodic reports that describe the susceptibility profile of nosocomial and community-acquired pathogens. These reports should aid the physician in selecting the most effective antimicrobial.

Dilution Techniques

Quantitative methods are used to determine antimicrobial minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs). These MICs provide estimates of the susceptibility of bacteria to antimicrobial compounds. The MICs should be determined using a standardized test method1,2,4 (broth or agar). The MIC values should be interpreted according to criteria provided in Table 1.

Diffusion Techniques

Quantitative methods that require measurement of zone diameters can also provide reproducible estimates of the susceptibility of bacteria to antimicrobial compounds. The zone size should be determined using a standardized test method.1,3,4 This procedure uses paper disks impregnated with 30 mcg doxycycline to test the susceptibility of microorganisms to doxycycline. The disk diffusion interpretive criteria are provided in Table 1.

Anaerobic Techniques

For anaerobic bacteria, the susceptibility to doxycycline can be determined by a standardized test method5. The MIC values obtained should be interpreted according to the criteria provided in Table 1.

Table 1: Susceptibility Test Interpretive Criteria for Doxycycline and Tetracycline
Bacteriaa	Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (mcg/mL)			Zone Diameter (mm)			Agar Dilution (mcg/mL)
	S	I	R	S	I	R	S	I	R
Acinetobacter spp. Doxycycline Tetracycline	≤4 ≤4	8 8	≥16 ≥16	≥13 ≥15	10-12 12-14	≤9 ≤11	- -	- -	- -
Anaerobes Tetracycline	-	-	-	-	-	-	≤4	8	≥16
Bacillus anthracisb Doxycycline Tetracycline	≤1 ≤1	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -
Brucella speciesb Doxycycline Tetracycline	≤1 ≤1	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -
Enterobacteriaceae Doxycycline Tetracycline	≤4 ≤4	8 8	≥16 ≥16	≥14 ≥15	11-13 12 -14	≤10 ≤11	- -	- -	- -
Franciscella tularensisb Doxycycline Tetracycline	≤ 4 ≤ 4	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -
Haemophilus influenzae Tetracycline	≤2	4	≥8	≥29	26-28	≤25	-	-	-
Mycoplasma pneumoniaeb Tetracycline	-	-	-	-	-	-	≤2	-	-
Nocardiae and other aerobic Actinomyces speciesb Doxycycline	≤1	2-4	≥8	-	-	-	-	-	-
Neisseria gonorrhoeaec Tetracycline	-	-	-	≥38	31-37	≤30	≤0.25	0.5-1	≥2
Streptococcus pneumoniae Doxycycline Tetracycline	≤0.25 ≤1	0.5 2	≥1 ≥4	≥28 ≥28	25-27 25-27	≤24 ≤24	-	-	-
Vibrio cholerae Doxycycline Tetracycline	≤4 ≤4	8 8	≥16 ≥16	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -
Yersinia pestis Doxycycline Tetracycline	≤4 ≤4	8 8	≥16 ≥16	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -	- -
Ureaplasma urealyticum Tetracycline	-	-	-	-	-	-	≤1	-	≥2
a Organisms susceptible to tetracycline are also considered susceptible to doxycycline. However, some organisms that are intermediate or resistant to tetracycline may be susceptible to doxycycline. b The current absence of resistance isolates precludes defining any results other than “Susceptible”. If isolates yielding MIC results other than susceptible, they should be submitted to a reference laboratory for further testing. c Gonococci with 30 mcg tetracycline disk zone diameters of <19 mm usually indicate a plasmid-mediated tetracycline resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolate. Resistance in these strains should be confirmed by a dilution test (MIC ≥ 16 mcg/mL).

A report of Susceptible (S) indicates that the antimicrobial drug is likely to inhibit growth of the microorganism if the antimicrobial drug reaches the concentration usually achievable at the site of infection. A report of Intermediate (I) indicates that the result should be considered equivocal, and, if the microorganism is not fully susceptible to alternative, clinically feasible drugs, the test should be repeated. This category implies possible clinical applicability in body sites where the drug product is physiologically concentrated or in situations where high dosage of drug can be used. This category also provides a buffer zone that prevents small uncontrolled technical factors from causing major discrepancies in interpretation. A report of Resistant (R) indicates that the antimicrobial drug is not likely to inhibit growth of the microorganism if the antimicrobial drug reaches the concentrations usually achievable at the infection site; other therapy should be selected.

Quality Control

Standardized susceptibility test procedures require the use of laboratory controls to monitor and ensure the accuracy and precision of the supplies and reagents used in the assay, and the techniques of the individuals performing the test1,2,3,4,5,6,7. Standard doxycycline and tetracycline powders should provide the following range of MIC values noted in Table 2. For the diffusion technique using the 30 mcg doxycycline disk the criteria noted in Table 2 should be achieved.

Table 2: Acceptable Quality Control Ranges for Susceptibility Testing for Doxycycline and Tetracycline
QC Strain	Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (mcg/mL)	Zone Diameter (mm)	Agar Dilution (mcg/mL)
Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212 Doxycycline Tetracycline	2 - 8 8 - 32	- -	- -
Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 Doxycycline Tetracycline	0.5 - 2 0.5 - 2	18 - 24 18 - 25	- -
Eggerthella lenta ATCC 43055 Doxycycline	2 - 16	-	-
Haemophilus influenzae ATCC 49247 Tetracycline	4 - 32	14 - 22	-
Neisseria gonorrhoeae ATCC 49226 Tetracycline	-	30 - 42	0.25 - 1
Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 Doxycycline Tetracycline	- -	23 - 29 24 - 30	- -
Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213 Doxycycline Tetracycline	0.12 - 0.5 0.12 - 1	- -	- -
Streptococcus pneumoniae ATCC 49619 Doxycycline Tetracycline	0.015 - 0.12 0.06 - 0.5	25 - 34 27 - 31	- -
Bacteroides fragilis ATCC 25285 Tetracycline	-	-	0.12 - 0.5
Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron ATCC 29741 Doxycycline Tetracycline	2 - 8 -	- -	- 8 - 32
Mycoplasma pneumoniae ATCC 29342 Tetracycline	0.06 - 0.5	-	0.06 - 0.5
Ureaplasma urealyticum ATCC 33175 Tetracycline	-	-	≥8

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain effectiveness of Doxycycline Hyclate Capsules, USP and other antibacterial drugs, Doxycycline Hyclate Capsules, USP should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria. When culture and susceptibility information are available, they should be considered in selecting or modifying antibacterial therapy. In the absence of such data, local epidemiology and susceptibility patterns may contribute to the empiric selection of therapy.

Treatment

Doxycycline is indicated for the treatment of the following infections:

Rocky Mountain spotted fever, typhus fever and the typhus group, Q fever, rickettsialpox, and tick fevers caused by Rickettsiae.
Respiratory tract infections caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae.
Lymphogranuloma venereum caused by Chlamydia trachomatis.
Psittacosis (ornithosis) caused by Chlamydophila psittaci.
Trachoma caused by Chlamydia trachomatis, although the infectious agent is not always eliminated, as judged by immunofluorescence.
Inclusion conjunctivitis caused by Chlamydia trachomatis.
Uncomplicated urethral, endocervical, or rectal infections in adults caused by Chlamydia trachomatis.
Nongonococcal urethritis caused by Ureaplasma urealyticum.
Relapsing fever due to Borrelia recurrentis.

Doxycycline is also indicated for the treatment of infections caused by the following gram-negative microorganisms:

Chancroid caused by Haemophilus ducreyi.
Plague due to Yersinia pestis.
Tularemia due to Francisella tularensis.
Cholera caused by Vibrio cholerae.
Campylobacter fetus infections caused by Campylobacter fetus.
Brucellosis due to Brucella species (in conjunction with streptomycin).
Bartonellosis due to Bartonella bacilliformis.
Granuloma inguinale caused by Klebsiella granulomatis.

Because many strains of the following groups of microorganisms have been shown to be resistant to doxycycline, culture and susceptibility testing are recommended.

Doxycycline is indicated for treatment of infections caused by the following gram-negative bacteria, when bacteriologic testing indicates appropriate susceptibility to the drug:

Escherichia coli.
Enterobacter aerogenes.
Shigella species.
Acinetobacter species.
Respiratory tract infections caused by Haemophilus influenzae.
Respiratory tract and urinary tract infections caused by Klebsiella species.

Doxycycline is indicated for treatment of infections caused by the following gram-positive microorganisms when bacteriologic testing indicates appropriate susceptibility to the drug:

Upper respiratory infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Anthrax due to Bacillus anthracis, including inhalational anthrax (post-exposure): to reduce the incidence or progression of disease following exposure to aerosolized Bacillus anthracis.

When penicillin is contraindicated, doxycycline is an alternative drug in the treatment of the following infections:

Uncomplicated gonorrhea caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
Syphilis caused by Treponema pallidum.
Yaws caused by Treponema pallidum subspecies pertenue.
Listeriosis due to Listeria monocytogenes.
Vincent’s infection caused by Fusobacterium fusiforme.
Actinomycosis caused by Actinomyces israelii.
Infections caused by Clostridium species.

In acute intestinal amebiasis, doxycycline may be a useful adjunct to amebicides.

In severe acne, doxycycline may be useful adjunctive therapy.

Prophylaxis

Doxycycline is indicated for the prophylaxis of malaria due to Plasmodium falciparum in short-term travelers (<4 months) to areas with chloroquine and/or pyrimethamine-sulfadoxine resistant strains (See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION section and Information for Patients subsection of the PRECAUTIONS section).

CONTRAINDICATIONS

This drug is contraindicated in persons who have shown hypersensitivity to any of the tetracyclines.

WARNINGS

The use of drugs of the tetracycline class during tooth development (last half of pregnancy, infancy and childhood to the age of 8 years) may cause permanent discoloration of the teeth (yellow-gray-brown). This adverse reaction is more common during long-term use of the drugs, but it has been observed following repeated short-term courses. Enamel hypoplasia has also been reported. Use doxycycline in pediatric patients 8 years of age or less only when the potential benefits are expected to outweigh the risks in severe or life-threatening conditions (e.g., anthrax, Rocky Mountain spotted fever), particularly when there are no alternative therapies.

Clostridium difficile associated diarrhea (CDAD) has been reported with use of nearly all antibacterial agents, including doxycycline hyclate capsules, and may range in severity from mild diarrhea to fatal colitis. Treatment with antibacterial agents alters the normal flora of the colon leading to overgrowth of C. difficile.

C. difficile produces toxins A and B which contribute to the development of CDAD. Hypertoxin producing strains of C. difficile cause increased morbidity and mortality, as these infections can be refractory to antimicrobial therapy and may require colectomy. CDAD must be considered in all patients who present with diarrhea following the use of antibacterial drugs. Careful medical history is necessary since CDAD has been reported to occur over two months after the administration of antibacterial agents.

If CDAD is suspected or confirmed, ongoing use of antibacterial drugs not directed against C. difficile may need to be discontinued. Appropriate fluid and electrolyte management, protein supplementation, antibacterial treatment of C. difficile, and surgical evaluation should be instituted as clinically indicated.

Severe skin reactions such as exfoliative dermatitis, erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, and drug reaction with eosinophilia and systematic symptoms (DRESS) have been reported in patients receiving doxycycline (see ADVERSE REACTIONS). If severe skin reactions occur, doxycycline should should be discontinued immediately and appropriate therapy should be instituted.

Intracranial hypertension (IH, pseudotumor cerebri) has been associated with the use of tetracyclines including doxycycline hyclate capsules. Clinical manifestations of IH include headache, blurred vision, diplopia, and vision loss; papilledema can be found on fundoscopy. Women of childbearing age who are overweight or have a history of IH are at greater risk for developing tetracycline associated IH. Concomitant use of isotretinoin and doxycycline hyclate capsules should be avoided because isotretinoin is also known to cause pseudotumor cerebri.

Although IH typically resolves after discontinuation of treatment, the possibility for permanent visual loss exists. If visual disturbance occurs during treatment, prompt ophthalmologic evaluation is warranted. Since intracranial pressure can remain elevated for weeks after drug cessation patients should be monitored until they stabilize.

All tetracyclines form a stable calcium complex in any bone-forming tissue. A decrease in fibula growth rate has been observed in prematures given oral tetracycline in doses of 25 mg/kg every 6 hours. This reaction was shown to be reversible when the drug was discontinued.

Results of animal studies indicate that tetracyclines cross the placenta, are found in fetal tissues, and can have toxic effects on the developing fetus (often related to retardation of skeletal development). Evidence of embryotoxicity has also been noted in animals treated early in pregnancy. If any tetracycline is used during pregnancy or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to the fetus.

The antianabolic action of the tetracyclines may cause an increase in BUN. Studies to date indicate that this does not occur with the use of doxycycline in patients with impaired renal function.

Photosensitivity manifested by an exaggerated sunburn reaction has been observed in some individuals taking tetracyclines. Patients apt to be exposed to direct sunlight or ultraviolet light should be advised that this reaction can occur with tetracycline drugs, and treatment should be discontinued at the first evidence of skin erythema.

PRECAUTIONS

General

As with other antibacterial drugs, use of doxycycline hyclate capsules may result in overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms, including fungi. If superinfection occurs, doxycycline hyclate capsules should be discontinued and appropriate therapy instituted.

Incision and drainage or other surgical procedures should be performed in conjunction with antibacterial therapy, when indicated.

Doxycycline offers substantial but not complete suppression of the asexual blood stages of Plasmodium strains.

Doxycycline does not suppress P. falciparum’s sexual blood stage gametocytes. Subjects completing this prophylactic regimen may still transmit the infection to mosquitoes outside endemic areas.

Prescribing doxycycline hyclate capsules in the absence of proven or strongly suspected bacterial infection or a prophylactic indication is unlikely to provide benefit to the patient and increases the risk of the development of drug-resistant bacteria.

Information for Patients

Patients taking doxycycline for malaria prophylaxis should be advised:
- that no present-day antimalarial agent, including doxycycline, guarantees protection against malaria.
- to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes by using personal protective measures that help avoid contact with mosquitoes, especially from dusk to dawn (e.g., staying in well-screened areas, using mosquito nets, covering the body with clothing, and using an effective insect repellent).
- that doxycycline prophylaxis:
- should begin 1 to 2 days before travel to the malarious area,
- should be continued daily while in the malarious area and after leaving the malarious area,
- should be continued for 4 further weeks to avoid development of malaria after returning from an endemic area,
- should not exceed 4 months.

All patients taking doxycycline should be advised:
- to avoid excessive sunlight or artificial ultraviolet light while receiving doxycycline and to discontinue therapy if phototoxicity (e.g., skin eruption, etc.) occurs. Sunscreen or sunblock should be considered (See WARNINGS).
- to drink fluids liberally along with doxycycline to reduce the risk of esophageal irritation and ulceration (See ADVERSE REACTIONS).
- that the absorption of tetracyclines is reduced when taken with foods, especially those which contain calcium. However, the absorption of doxycycline is not markedly influenced by simultaneous ingestion of food or milk (See Drug Interactions).
- that the absorption of tetracyclines is reduced when taking bismuth subsalicylate (See Drug Interactions).
- that the use of doxycycline might increase the incidence of vaginal candidiasis.

Patients should be counseled that antibacterial drugs, including doxycycline hyclate capsules should only be used to treat bacterial infections. They do not treat viral infections (e.g., the common cold). When doxycycline hyclate capsules are prescribed to treat a bacterial infection, patients should be told that although it is common to feel better early in the course of therapy, the medication should be taken exactly as directed. Skipping doses or not completing the full course of therapy may (1) decrease the effectiveness of the immediate treatment and (2) increase the likelihood that bacteria will develop resistance and will not be treatable by doxycycline hyclate capsules or other antibacterial drugs in the future.

Diarrhea is a common problem caused by antibacterial drugs, which usually ends when the antibacterials are discontinued. Sometimes after starting treatment with antibacterial drugs, patients can develop watery and bloody stools (with or without stomach cramps and fever) even as late as two or more months after having taken the last dose of the antibacterial drug. If this occurs, patients should contact their physician as soon as possible.

Laboratory Tests

In venereal disease, when co-existent syphilis is suspected, dark field examinations should be done before treatment is started and the blood serology repeated monthly for at least 4 months.

In long-term therapy, periodic laboratory evaluation of organ systems, including hematopoietic, renal, and hepatic studies, should be performed.

Drug Interactions

Because tetracyclines have been shown to depress plasma prothrombin activity, patients who are on anticoagulant therapy may require downward adjustment of their anticoagulant dosage.

Since bacteriostatic drugs may interfere with the bactericidal action of penicillin, it is advisable to avoid giving tetracyclines in conjunction with penicillin.

Absorption of tetracyclines is impaired by antacids containing aluminum, calcium, or magnesium, and iron-containing preparations.

Absorption of tetracyclines is impaired by bismuth subsalicylate.

Barbiturates, carbamazepine, and phenytoin decrease the half-life of doxycycline.

The concurrent use of tetracycline and Penthrane® (methoxyflurane) has been reported to result in fatal renal toxicity.

Concurrent use of tetracycline may render oral contraceptives less effective.

Drug/Laboratory Test Interactions

False elevations of urinary catecholamine levels may occur due to interference with the fluorescence test.

Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

Long-term studies in animals to evaluate carcinogenic potential of doxycycline have not been conducted. However, there has been evidence of oncogenic activity in rats in studies with the related antibacterial drugs, oxytetracycline (adrenal and pituitary tumors), and minocycline (thyroid tumors).

Likewise, although mutagenicity studies of doxycycline have not been conducted, positive results in in vitro mammalian cell assays have been reported for related antibacterial drugs (tetracycline, oxytetracycline).

Doxycycline administered orally at dosage levels as high as 250 mg/kg/day had no apparent effect on the fertility of female rats. Effect on male fertility has not been studied.

Pregnancy

Teratogenic Effects

There are no adequate and well-controlled studies on the use of doxycycline in pregnant women. The vast majority of reported experience with doxycycline during human pregnancy is short-term, first trimester exposure. There are no human data available to assess the effects of long-term therapy of doxycycline in pregnant women, such as that proposed for treatment of anthrax exposure. An expert review of published data on experiences with doxycycline use during pregnancy by TERIS – the Teratogen Information System – concluded that therapeutic doses during pregnancy are unlikely to pose a substantial teratogenic risk (the quantity and quality of data were assessed as limited to fair), but the data are insufficient to state that there is no risk.8 A case-control study (18,515 mothers of infants with congenital anomalies and 32,804 mothers of infants with no congenital anomalies) shows a weak but marginally statistically significant association with total malformations and use of doxycycline anytime during pregnancy. Sixty-three (0.19%) of the controls and fifty-six (0.30%) of the cases were treated with doxycycline. This association was not seen when the analysis was confined to maternal treatment during the period of organogenesis (i.e., in the second and third months of gestation) with the exception of a marginal relationship with neural tube defect based on only two exposed cases.9

A small prospective study of 81 pregnancies describes 43 pregnant women treated for 10 days with doxycycline during early first trimester. All mothers reported their exposed infants were normal at 1 year of age.10

Nonteratogenic Effects

See WARNINGS.

Labor and Delivery

The effect of tetracyclines on labor and delivery is unknown.

Nursing Mothers

Tetracyclines are excreted in human milk; however, the extent of absorption of tetracyclines, including doxycycline, by the breastfed infant is not known. Short-term use by lactating women is not necessarily contraindicated; however, the effects of prolonged exposure to doxycycline in breast milk are unknown.11 Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from doxycycline, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother (See WARNINGS).

Pediatric Use

Because of the effects of drugs of the tetracycline-class on tooth development and growth, use doxycycline in pediatric patients 8 years of age or less only when the potential benefits are expected to outweigh the risks in severe or life-threatening conditions (e.g., anthrax, Rocky Mountain spotted fever), particularly when there are no alternative therapies (see WARNINGS and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).

ADVERSE REACTIONS

Due to oral doxycycline’s virtually complete absorption, side effects of the lower bowel, particularly diarrhea, have been infrequent. The following adverse reactions have been observed in patients receiving tetracyclines:

Gastrointestinal: anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, glossitis, dysphagia, enterocolitis, and inflammatory lesions (with monilial overgrowth) in the anogenital region, and pancreatitis. Hepatotoxicity has been reported rarely. These reactions have been caused by both the oral and parenteral administration of tetracyclines. Superficial discoloration of the adult permanent dentition, reversible upon drug discontinuation and professional dental cleaning has been reported. Permanent tooth discoloration and enamel hypoplasia may occur with drugs of tetracycline class when used during tooth development (see WARNINGS).Rare instances of esophagitis and esophageal ulcerations have been reported in patients receiving capsule and tablet forms of the drugs in the tetracycline class. Most of these patients took medications immediately before going to bed (See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).

Skin: toxic epidermal necrolysis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, erythema multiforme, maculopapular and erythematous rashes. Exfoliative dermatitis has been reported but is uncommon. Photosensitivity is discussed above (See WARNINGS).

Renal toxicity: Rise in BUN has been reported and is apparently dose related (See WARNINGS).

Immune: Hypersensitivity reactions including urticaria, angioneurotic edema, anaphylaxis, anaphylactoid purpura, serum sickness, pericarditis, exacerbation of systemic lupus erythematosus, and drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS).

Blood: Hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, and eosinophilia have been reported.

Other: Bulging fontanels in infants and intracranial hypertension in adults (See WARNINGS).

When given over prolonged periods, tetracyclines have been reported to produce brown-black microscopic discoloration of the thyroid gland. No abnormalities of thyroid function studies are known to occur.

To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact West-Ward Pharmaceuticals Corp. at 1-877-233-2001, or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

OVERDOSAGE

In case of overdosage, discontinue medication, treat symptomatically and institute supportive measures. Dialysis does not alter serum half-life and thus would not be of benefit in treating cases of overdosage.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

The usual dosage and frequency of administration of doxycycline differs from that of the other tetracyclines. Exceeding the recommended dosage may result in an increased incidence of side effects.

Adults:

The usual dose of oral doxycycline is 200 mg on the first day of treatment (administered 100 mg every 12 hours) followed by a maintenance dose of 100 mg/day. In the management of more severe infections (particularly chronic infections of the urinary tract), 100 mg every 12 hours is recommended.

Pediatric Patients:

For all pediatric patients weighing less than 45 kg with severe or life-threatening infections (e.g., anthrax, Rocky Mountain spotted fever), the recommended dosage is 2.2 mg/kg of body weight administered every 12 hours. Children weighing 45 kg or more should receive the adult dose (see WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS).

For pediatric patients with less severe disease (greater than 8 years of age and weighing less than 45 kg), the recommended dosage schedule is 4.4 mg/kg of body weight divided into two doses on the first day of treatment, followed by a maintenance dose of 2.2 mg/kg of body weight (given as a single daily dose or divided into twice daily doses). For pediatric patients weighing over 45 kg, the usual adult dose should be used.

The therapeutic antibacterial serum activity will usually persist for 24 hours following recommended dosage.

When used in streptococcal infections, therapy should be continued for 10 days.

Administration of adequate amounts of fluid along with capsule and tablet forms of drugs in the tetracycline class is recommended to wash down the drugs and reduce the risk of esophageal irritation and ulceration (See ADVERSE REACTIONS).

If gastric irritation occurs, it is recommended that doxycycline be given with food or milk. The absorption of doxycycline is not markedly influenced by simultaneous ingestion of food or milk.

Studies to date have indicated that administration of doxycycline at the usual recommended doses does not lead to excessive accumulation of doxycycline in patients with renal impairment.

Uncomplicated gonococcal infections in adults (except anorectal infections in men): 100 mg, by mouth, twice a day for 7 days. As an alternate single visit dose, administer 300 mg stat followed in one hour by a second 300 mg dose. The dose may be administered with food, including milk or carbonated beverage, as required.

Uncomplicated urethral, endocervical, or rectal infection in adults caused by Chlamydia trachomatis: 100 mg, by mouth, twice a day for 7 days.

Nongonococcal urethritis (NGU) caused by C. trachomatis or U. urealyticum: 100 mg, by mouth, twice a day for 7 days.

Syphilis - early: Patients who are allergic to penicillin should be treated with doxycycline 100 mg, by mouth, twice a day for 2 weeks.

Syphilis of more than one year’s duration: Patients who are allergic to penicillin should be treated with doxycycline 100 mg, by mouth, twice a day for 4 weeks.

Acute epididymo-orchitis caused by N. gonorrhoeae: 100 mg, by mouth, twice a day for at least 10 days.

Acute epididymo-orchitis caused by C. trachomatis: 100 mg, by mouth, twice a day for at least 10 days.

For prophylaxis of malaria: For adults, the recommended dose is 100 mg daily. For children over 8 years of age, the recommended dose is 2 mg/kg given once daily up to the adult dose. Prophylaxis should begin 1 to 2 days before travel to the malarious area. Prophylaxis should be continued daily during travel in the malarious area and for 4 weeks after the traveler leaves the malarious area.

Inhalational anthrax (post-exposure):

ADULTS: 100 mg of doxycycline, by mouth, twice a day for 60 days.

CHILDREN: weighing less than 45 kg; 2.2 mg/kg of body weight by mouth, twice a day for 60 days. Children weighing 45 kg or more should receive the adult dose.

HOW SUPPLIED

Doxycycline Hyclate Capsules, USP equivalent to 50 mg doxycycline: No. 2 Blue/White Opaque Hard Gelatin Capsule Printed “West-ward 3141” in Black Ink.

Bottles of 50 capsules NDC 0143-3141-50

Bottles of 500 capsules NDC 0143-3141-05

Doxycycline Hyclate Capsules, USP equivalent to 100 mg doxycycline: No. 0 Blue/Blue Opaque Hard Gelatin Capsule Printed “West-ward 3142” in Black Ink.

Bottles of 50 capsules NDC 0143-3142-50

Bottles of 500 capsules NDC 0143-3142-05

Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Protect from light and moisture.

Dispense in a tight, light-resistant container as defined in the USP using a child-resistant closure.

ANIMAL PHARMACOLOGY AND ANIMAL TOXICOLOGY

Hyperpigmentation of the thyroid has been produced by members of the tetracycline class in the following species: in rats by oxytetracycline, doxycycline, tetracycline PO4, and methacycline; in minipigs by doxycycline, minocycline, tetracycline PO4, and methacycline; in dogs by doxycycline and minocycline; in monkeys by minocycline.

Minocycline, tetracycline PO4, methacycline, doxycycline, tetracycline base, oxytetracycline HCl, and tetracycline HCl were goitrogenic in rats fed a low iodine diet. This goitrogenic effect was accompanied by high radioactive iodine uptake. Administration of minocycline also produced a large goiter with high radioiodine uptake in rats fed a relatively high iodine diet.

Treatment of various animal species with this class of drugs has also resulted in the induction of thyroid hyperplasia in the following: in rats and dogs (minocycline); in chickens (chlortetracycline); and in rats and mice (oxytetracycline). Adrenal gland hyperplasia has been observed in goats and rats treated with oxytetracycline.

REFERENCES

Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). Performance Standards for Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing; Twenty-Sixth Informational Supplement, CLSI document M100-S26 [2016]. Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute, 950 West Valley Road, Suite 2500, Wayne, Pennsylvania 19087, USA.
Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). Methods for Dilution Antimicrobial Susceptibility Tests for Bacteria that Grow Aerobically; Approved Standard – Tenth Edition. CLSI document M07-A10 [2015]. Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute, 950 West Valley Road, Suite 2500, Wayne, Pennsylvania 19087, USA.
Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). Performance Standards for Antimicrobial Disk Diffusion Susceptibility Tests; Approved Standard – Twelfth Edition. CLSI document M02-A12 [2015]. Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute, 950 West Valley Road, Suite 2500, Wayne, Pennsylvania 19087, USA.
Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). Methods for Antimicrobial Dilution and Disk Susceptibility Testing of Infrequently Isolated or Fastidious Bacteria; Approved Guideline – Third Edition. CLSI document M45-A3 [2015]. Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute, 950 West Valley Road, Suite 2500, Wayne, Pennsylvania 19087, USA.
Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). Methods for Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing of Anaerobic Bacteria; Approved Standard - Eighth Edition. CLSI document M11-A8 [2012]. Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute, 950 West Valley Road, Suite 2500, Wayne, Pennsylvania 19087, USA.
Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. Susceptibility Testing of Mycobacteria, Nocardiae, and Other Aerobic Actinomycetes; Approved Standard—Second Edition. CLSI document M24-A2 [2011]. Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute, 950 West Valley Road, Suite 2500, Wayne, Pennsylvania 19087, USA.
Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. Methods for Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing for Human Mycoplasmas; Approved Guideline. CLSI document M43-A [2011]. Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute, 950 West Valley Road, Suite 2500, Wayne, Pennsylvania 19087, USA.
Friedman JM and Polifka JE. Teratogenic Effects of Drugs. A Resource for Clinicians (TERIS). Baltimore, MD: The Johns Hopkins University Press, 2000: 149–195.
Cziezel AE and Rockenbauer M. Teratogenic study of doxycycline. Obstet Gynecol 1997; 89: 524–528.
Horne HW Jr and Kundsin RB. The role of mycoplasma among 81 consecutive pregnancies: a prospective study. Int J Fertil 1980; 25: 315–317.
Hale T. Medications and Mothers Milk. 9th edition. Amarillo, TX: Pharmasoft Publishing, 2000: 225–226.

Manufactured by:

West-Ward Pharmaceuticals Corp.

Eatontown, NJ 07724 USA

Revised August 2017

Shellie Mahr Strope

2018-10-23T03:04:34+0000

Fast service. Helpful phone staff. Decent prices. Beagle that feels MUCH better!

Tiff Bindi

2018-10-19T19:00:45+0000

This place is Great!!! Much lower prices for my dog's meds than anywhere else! This place is a hidden gem!

Heidi Nino de Rivera

2018-09-14T15:34:16+0000

Outstanding service ! If there's ever an issue with your order they call you right away and shipping is fast. Thanks for being so awesome !

Mary Koester

2018-08-21T04:01:53+0000

I have been using Express Vet for a few months now. Their service is fast! I also needed something that I did not see on their website. I asked them about it and they were able to get it for me at a much lower cost than anywhere else. And it took less than a week to receive the special order. I've already recommended them a few times.

Susan Goldman

2018-07-23T19:28:13+0000

I found Express Vet while looking for a way to keep costs down on medications for my dogs. My previous source raised their shipping, just shipping, costs to $35..for a $35 product. buh bye. I found Express Vet online, called, the only thing better that their price, which was cheaper than my previous source, was the customer service! Tatti answered the phone with a smile. I could truly hear it in her voice. You guys are my new place! Thank you for being there. Highly recommended!

Danielle Farr Veasy

2018-06-26T18:37:24+0000

Easy to order— they will call your vet— & they ship priority!! Great prices too!! My new go to Pharmacy!!

2018-06-22T18:15:31+0000

I used ExpressVet for the first time this week. I placed a new order requiring them to contact my vet. They were able to do this, fill my order and ship it on the same day I placed it. I'm very impressed. When I have used other online vet pharmacies, it has taken days to get a new order processed. I will be a customer of ExpressVet for a long time. Thanks so much!

Barbara Bissell Wood

2018-06-09T17:22:21+0000

Great experience. I had my vet fax Picasso's prescriptions and was able to order right away. The woman on the phone was very nice, cheerful, and knowledgeable. The order arrived 3 days later. And I saved a bunch of money by getting the generic Heartgard. I got 30 Previcox tablets for $52 less than my vet charges - $78 vs. $130. I won't be getting meds from the vet any longer. Thanks, Express Vet.

Dorothy Sidebotham-Boraski

2018-05-17T22:18:38+0000

Great prices, fast delivery, will continue to do business with them!

Sam Hersh

2018-05-17T21:43:59+0000

I absolutely love this pharmacy for my pets. From the ease of ordering to receiving my products very timely the entire process could not have been better! Their prices simply cannot be beat and the customer service is amazing.

Shelley Morgan

2018-04-21T20:53:33+0000

I needed a supplement that is only available through a vet. Express Vet Pharmacy had it for much cheaper than it was available through my vet and this is including shipping and taxes! My package arrived sooner than I thought and was exactly what I wanted. I will be ordering from here again!

Lu Ann Ford

2018-04-18T23:13:39+0000

Got my first order of Apoquil from Express Vet Pharmacy. This will be a monthly thing now and I highly recommend them. The pharmacist was very helpful and friendly. I told her I had been trying to get my RX going for three days so my dog could get these pills before she ran out. She was very sympathetic and informed me it was the vet that was slowing things up. And it was!! I had to pay shipping on a free shipping order to be sure it would be here ASAP but I didn't care at that point!! She must have gotten the order going on a Saturday because they got here just in time!! Thank you Brenda (pharmacist)you said you would do your best and you certainly did!! 5 stars right off the bat!! Give them a try, they are half if not more the price of the vets pills!! Very happy Lu Ann Ford p.s. If mama ain't happy ain't nobody happy and mamas HAPPY!!

Lil Galasso Teifer

2018-04-16T19:10:19+0000

I purchased products for my cat and dog and everything was perfect with the transaction. I will definitely be dealing with you again!

DawnandLarry Ziller

2018-03-30T15:52:33+0000

Great customer service when I called with questions regarding my dogs medication and getting a prescription from my vet. Quick shipping. Very good price. Thank you and I will be reordering when ready.

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Doxycycline Hyclate Capsules

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