Drug Uses

Periostat (DOXYCYCLINE) is a tetracycline antibiotic. It kills certain bacteria or stops their growth. This medicine is used to treat a dental infection called periodontitis. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

How To Use

Take this medicine by mouth with a full glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take this medicine at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Take all of your medicine as directed even if you think you are better. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine early. Talk to your
pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Possible Side Effects

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
• Allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Fever.
• Itching in the rectal or genital area.
• Pain on swallowing.
• Redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth.
• Severe stomach pain or cramps.
• Unusual bleeding or bruising.
• Unusually weak or tired.
• Yellowing of the eyes or skin.

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• Diarrhea.
• Loss of appetite.
• Nausea, vomiting.

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

Precautions

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve. Do not treat diarrhea with over the counter products. Contact your doctor if you have diarrhea that lasts more than 2 days or if it is severe and watery. Do not take this medicine just before going to bed. It may not dissolve properly when you lay down and can cause pain in your throat. Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medicine to also help reduce irritation in your throat. This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths. Birth control pills may not work properly while you are taking this medicine. Talk to your doctor about using an extra method of birth control. If you are being treated for a sexually transmitted infection, avoid sexual contact until you have finished your treatment. Your sexual partner may also need treatment. Avoid antacids, aluminum, calcium, magnesium, and iron products for 4 hours before and 2 hours after taking a dose of this medicine.

Overdose

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Missed dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Storage

Keep out of the reach of children. Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Taking this medicine after the expiration date can make you seriously ill.