What is the most important information I should know about Doxycycline: Do not give doxycycline to a pregnant animal as it could cause harm to the offspring. Doxycycline should not be given to nursing animals since this medication may cause slowing of bone growth and discoloration of teeth. Do not give multivitamins, calcium supplements, antacids, or laxatives within 2 hours before or after giving doxycycline. These products can reduce the effectiveness of doxycycline. Doxycycline may make a pet's skin more sensitive to sunlight and sunburn may occur. Throw away any unused doxycycline when it expires or when it is no longer needed. Do not give any doxycycline after the expiration date printed on the bottle. Expired doxycycline can cause a dangerous syndrome that can result in damage to the kidneys.
What is Doxycycline: Doxycycline is a tetracycline antibiotic used to fight bacterial infections in dogs and cats. Doxycycline is available by prescription as 100mg tablets and 100mg capsules. The usual dose of doxycycline in dogs is 2-5mg/pound every 12 to 24 hours. The usual dose of doxycycline in cats is 2mg/pound every 12 hours. When giving the medication to a cat, follow the dose with a moist treat. Doxycycline is used to treat many different bacterial infections, such as Lyme disease, chlamydia, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and others. Doxycycline may be used for purposes other than those listed in this guide.
What should I discuss with my veterinarian before giving Doxycycline to my pet: Tell your veterinarian if your pet is allergic to doxycycline or to similar medicines such as demeclocycline (Declomycin), minocycline (Minocin, Dynacin), or tetracycline (Sumycin, Panmycin). Tell your veterinarian if your pet has liver or kidney disease. Tell your veterinarian if your pet is pregnant, lactating, or if you plan to breed your pet. Do not give doxycycline to a pregnant animal as it could cause harm to the offspring. Doxycycline should not be given to nursing animals since this medication may cause slowing of bone growth and discoloration of teeth.
How should Doxycycline be given: Give this medication exactly as directed by your veterinarian. Do not give the medication in larger amounts or give for longer than recommended by your veterinarian. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Allow plenty of drinking water for your pet. Doxycycline may be given with or without food. Do not give this medication with milk or dairy products unless your veterinarian has told you to do so. Dairy products reduce the absorption of doxycycline. Give this medication for the entire length prescribed by your veterinarian. Symptoms may improve before the infection is completely treated. If your pet needs surgery tell your veterinarian that your pet is being given doxycycline. Throw away any unused doxycycline when it expires or when it is no longer needed. Do not give any doxycycline after the expiration date printed on the bottle. Expired doxycycline can cause a dangerous syndrome that can result in damage to the kidneys. Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose: Give the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and give the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not give a double dose of the medication.
What happens if I overdose the pet: Seek emergency veterinary medical attention if you think your pet has been given too much of this medicine. Symptoms of doxycycline overdose may include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
What should I avoid while giving Doxycycline: Antibiotic medications can cause diarrhea. If your pet develops diarrhea that is watery, or has blood in it, call your veterinarian. Do not use any medicine to stop the diarrhea unless told to do so by your veterinarian. Doxycycline may make your pet's skin more sensitive to sunlight and sunburn may occur. Do not give multivitamins, calcium supplements, antacids, or laxatives within 2 hours before or after giving doxycycline.
What are the possible side effects of Doxycycline: If any of the following serious side effects occur, stop giving doxycycline and seek emergency veterinary medical attention: an allergic reaction (hives; difficulty breathing; or swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat); severe headache; dizziness or blurred vision; fever; hair loss; bull's-eye lesions; vesicles (small bubble of liquid in a cell) around the mouth, ears, or groin; urinating less than normal or not at all; dark colored urine; confusion or weakness; loss of appetite; or jaundice. Continue giving doxycycline and talk to your veterinarian if any of these less serious side effects occur: mild nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Side effects other than those listed in this guide may also occur. Talk to your veterinarian about any side effect that is unusual or seems especially bothersome to your pet.
What other drugs will affect Doxycycline: Tell your veterinarian if your pet is being given an antacid (Milk of Magnesia or Maalox), bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol), minerals such as iron, zinc, calcium, magnesium, or over-the-counter vitamin and mineral supplements, warfarin (Coumadin), a penicillin antibiotic (Amoxil, Trimox, Pen VK, dicloxacillin (Dynapen), carbenicillin (Geocillin), oxacillin (Bactocill), or others. There may be other medications that are not listed that can affect doxycycline. Tell your veterinarian about prescription and over-the-counter medications that are being given to your pet. This includes vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.
Where can I get more information: Your pharmacist has information written for health professionals that you may read.
Call your veterinarian for medical advice about any side effects to your pet. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. |
