Doxycycline (Generic)

What is Doxycycline?
Doxycycline is an antibiotic commonly used to treat many diseases carried by ticks. Doxycycline is used to treat susceptible infections such as erlichiosis, Lyme Disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, salmon poisoning, toxoplasmosis and leptospirosis.

Who is it for?
Doxycycline is for multiple species including dogs and cats.

What are the benefits?

Doxycycline is a prescription antibiotic. It is a broad-spectrum antibiotic related to other tetracyclines. Doxycycline is used to treat susceptible infections, such as erlichiosis, Lyme Disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, salmon poisoning, toxoplasmosis and leptospirosis.

How does Doxycycline work?
It works by preventing bacteria from producing proteins that are essential to the growth and reproduction of the bacteria. It therefore stops the spread of infection, allowing the body's immune system to kill the existing bacteria.

Is there a generic equivalent available?
Doxycycline is the generic medication.

How is it given?
Doxycycline is given by mouth. It may be given with food to decrease side effects. If using a tablet or pill form, you must make sure your pet swallows some water after taking the medication, or the medication may cause damage to the esophagus. Do not use milk. Cats should have at least a teaspoon of water. Try offering your cat water flavored with tuna water or other liquid your cat likes. For small mammals, try fruit juices.

Always follow the dosage instructions provided by your veterinarian. If you have difficulty giving the medication, contact your veterinarian. Use all of the medication prescribed, even if your pet appears well. If the entire course of treatment is not given, the infection may recur or worsen.

What results can I expect?
Doxycycline is well absorbed from the intestinal tract and is carried by the blood stream to many tissues of the body. It will prevent bacteria from reproducing, which will eventually eliminate them from the body. To be effective, Doxycycline must be given for many days in a row. If doses are missed or the entire treatment regimen is not completed, the infection could recur or worsen. Consult your veterinarian if the animal's condition does not improve or worsens after beginning treatment with Doxycycline.

What form(s) does it come in?
Capsule and tablet forms.

Please click on "More Information" for possible drug and food interactions with this medication.

Brand Name
Doxirobe

Pronunciation
Doc-see-SIGH-kleen

Common Drug Name
Doxycycline

What should I discuss with my veterinarian while considering Doxycycline?
Talk to your veterinarian about what tests and exams may be necessary while your pet is taking tetracycline. Also discuss how long the treatment period will be and what type of outcome is expected.

Tell your veterinarian if your pet has liver or kidney diseases, or may be pregnant or is nursing, or if you intend to breed your pet.

Notify your veterinarian of any other medications or supplements your pet is taking, and also if your pet has had any reactions to previous medications.

What should I do if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, give it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to the regular schedule. Do not give two doses at once.

What is the most important information I should know?
If using a tablet or pill form, you must make sure your pet swallows some water after taking the medication.

Tell your veterinarian if your pet could be pregnant or may be bred while taking Doxycycline.

Follow your veterinarian's directions and give the full course of Doxycycline as prescribed. Consult your veterinarian if the animal's condition does not improve or worsens after beginning treatment with Doxycycline.

Who should not take it?
Not for use in animals hypersensitive (allergic) to it or other tetracyclines.

Can slow the growth, alter the skeleton, and yellow the teeth of unborn animals. Give only during the second half of pregnancy if benefits outweigh the risks. Do not give during the first half of pregnancy.

This medication should only be given to the pet for which it was prescribed.

What side effects may be seen when taking Doxycycline?
Possible side effects include nausea, loss of appetite, diarrhea and vomiting. Contact your veterinarian if you observe any of these effects in your pet.

Tetracycline may cause photosensitivity, with pustules or blisters on skin exposed to the sun. Protect your pet from the sun.

Long-term therapy may result in the growth of unwanted bacteria or fungi. May stain the teeth in immature animals.

If your pet experiences an allergic reaction to the medication, signs may include facial swelling, hives, scratching, sudden onset of diarrhea, vomiting, shock, seizures, pale gums, cold limbs, or coma. If you observe any of these signs, contact your veterinarian immediately.

How is it stored?
Unless otherwise stated by the manufacturer, store in tightly closed container at room temperature (60-86°F), protected from light, heat, and moisture (not in the bathroom). Keep out of reach of children and pets.

What should I do if I know of or suspect there has been an overdose?
If overdose should occur, you may see serious vomiting or diarrhea. If you know or suspect your pet has had an overdose, contact your veterinarian immediately.

What should I avoid when giving my pet Doxycycline?
Consult your veterinarian before using Doxycycline with vitamins and supplements, oral antacids, minerals (especially iron), Pepto-Bismol or Kaopectate, warfarin, phenobarbital, and penicillins, since interactions may occur.

Where is more information available?
Ask your veterinarian, consult with one of our pharmacists at 1-800-447-3021, or see the Patient Information Sheet on this medication.