Doryx
® (
doxycycline hyclate delayed release) is a prescription antibiotic approved to treat and prevent a number of different conditions. Notably, some of the approved uses of Doryx include treating and preventing
anthrax, preventing
malaria, and treating acne.
Currently, this medication is made by Mayne Pharma International Pty Ltd for Warner Chilcott (US), LLC.
Doryx belongs to a class of drugs called
tetracyclines. It decreases bacteria's ability to make protein, which bacteria need to live. This activity does not directly kill the bacteria, but it does inhibit their growth and multiplication, which gives the immune system a chance to fight the infection.
Doryx tablets are unique in that they contain "enteric coated" pellets of doxycycline. This coating prevents the medication from dissolving in the stomach, where it might cause stomach upset. Instead, the medication dissolves in the small intestine, where it is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream.
When and How Do I Take It?
Considerations for people taking Doryx include the following:
- The medication comes as a tablet that is usually taken once daily.
- Doryx can be taken with or without food.
- It is important to take the tablets with plenty of water (or other fluids) while in an upright position, in order to prevent the medication from irritating the throat. Do not lie down immediately after taking this medication.
- Do not chew or crush the tablets, as this may destroy the delayed-release mechanism of Doryx. However, a tablet may be carefully broken up, and the contents (the pellets) may be sprinkled on a spoonful of applesauce. The applesauce should be swallowed (without chewing) immediately and followed with a glass of water.
- You can take this medication at any time of the day. However, it should be taken at the same time each day to maintain an even level of the medication in your system.
- For the drug to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. It will not work adequately if you stop taking it too soon.
Dosing Information for Doryx
The dosage that your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- The condition being treated
- Your weight (for children)
- Other medical conditions you may have
- Other medications you are currently taking.
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Doryx. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor, meaning that they require no treatment or are easily treated by your healthcare provider.
Possible side effects of this drug include, but are not limited to:
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking This Medication?
You should talk to your healthcare provider prior to taking Doryx if you have:
- Liver disease or liver failure
- Kidney disease such as kidney failure (renal failure)
- Frequent yeast infections
- Any other allergies, including allergies to food, dyes, or preservatives.
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
Tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What If I Take an Overdose of Doryx?
People who take too much of this medication may have overdose symptoms that could include, but are not limited to:
Doryx tablets should be stored at room temperature and kept protected from light and moisture. Keep this and all other medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you do not take your dosage as scheduled, take the missed dose as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, simply skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
Doryx tablets come in the following strengths:
- Doryx 75 mg
- Doryx 100 mg
- Doryx 150 mg.
This medication is not available in generic form
(see Generic Doryx).
