Uses
What is Apo-doxy (doxycycline) used for?
Apo-doxy is known as a tetracycline antibiotic. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria.
It is commonly used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections, including lung infections (e.g., pneumonia, bronchitis), urinary tract infections (e.g., cystitis), throat infections (e.g., tonsillitis), skin infections, and sexually transmitted infections. This medication is also used to prevent malaria.
Apo-doxy may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
How should I take Apo-doxy (doxycycline)?
The medication should be taken with plenty of water while standing or sitting upright to reduce the risk of injury to the esophagus.
Do not lie down for at least 1 to 2 hours after taking the medication.
This medication should not be taken with antacids or iron preparations, as these may interfere with its effectiveness.
How do I store Apo-doxy (doxycycline)?
Apo-doxy is best stored at room temperature away from direct light and moisture. To prevent drug damage, you should not store Apo-doxy in the bathroom or the freezer. There may be different brands of Apo-doxy that may have different storage needs. It is important to always check the product package for instructions on storage, or ask your pharmacist. For safety, you should keep all medicines away from children and pets.
You should not flush Apo-doxy down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. It is important to properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist for more details about how to safely discard your product.
Precautions & warnings
What should I know before using Apo-doxy (doxycycline)?
Consult with your doctor or pharmacist, if:
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding. This is because, while you are expecting or feeding a baby, you should only take medicines on the recommendation of a doctor.
- You are taking any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, such as herbal and complementary medicines.
- You have allergy with any of active or inactive ingredients of Apo-doxy or other medications.
- You have any other illnesses, disorders, or medical conditions.
Is it safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
There are no adequate studies in women for determining risk when using this medication during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Please always consult with your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before taking this medication. This medication is pregnancy risk category D, according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
FDA pregnancy risk category reference below:
- A=No risk
- B=No risk in some studies
- C=There may be some risk
- D=Positive evidence of risk
- X=Contraindicated
- N=Unknown
Side effects
What side effects can occur from Apo-doxy (doxycycline)?
Apo-doxy may cause following side effects, such as:
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea (mild)
- Flushing
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Pain or difficulty swallowing
- Stomach upset
- Tooth discoloration
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight
- Ringing or buzzing noise in the ears
- Signs of bowel inflammation (e.g., fever that appears after starting the medication and watery and severe diarrhea, which may also be bloody)
- Skin rash
- Sore mouth or tongue
- Vision changes
- Yellowing skin or eyes
Not everyone experiences these side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have any concerns about a side-effect, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Interactions
What drugs may interact with Apo-doxy (doxycycline)?
Apo-doxy may interact with other drugs that you are currently taking, which can change how your drug works or increase your risk for serious side effects. To avoid any potential drug interactions, you should keep a list of all the drugs you are using (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. For your safety, do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any drugs without your doctor’s approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug include:
- Retinoid medications taken by mouth (such as acitretin, isotretinoin)
- Barbiturates (such as phenobarbital)
- Blood thinners (such as warfarin)
- Digoxin
- Anti-seizure medications (such as carbamazepine, phenytoin)
- Strontium
- Live bacterial vaccines
Does food or alcohol interact with Apo-doxy (doxycycline)?
Apo-doxy may interact with food or alcohol by altering the way the drug works or increase the risk for serious side effects. Please discuss with your doctor or pharmacist any potential food or alcohol interactions before using this drug.
What health conditions may interact with Apo-doxy (doxycycline)?
Apo-doxy may interact with your health condition. This interaction may worsen your health condition or alter the way the drug works. It is important to always let your doctor and pharmacist know all the health conditions you currently have
Especially if you have trouble swallowing or esophagus problems (such as hiatal hernia or reflux/heartburn).
Dosage
The information provided is not a substitute for any medical advice. You should ALWAYS consult with your doctor or pharmacist before using this medication.
What is the dose of Apo-doxy (doxycycline) for an adult?
Initial dose is 200 mg/day divided twice daily on first day.
Maintenance dose is 100-200 mg/day every day or divided 2 times a day.
What is the dose of Apo-doxy (doxycycline) for a child?
≤8 years: Not recommended for middle-to-moderate infections; may cause tooth discoloration and enamel hypoplasia during tooth development.
>8 years, <45 Kg
- Load dose is 4.4 mg/kg/day every 12 hours; on first day.
- Maintenance dose is 2.2-4.4 mg/kg/day every day.
>8 years, ≤45 kg
- 100 mg every 12 hours or 50 mg every 6 hours; on first day.
- Maintenance dose is 100 mg/day as single dose or as 50 mg every 12 hours.
How is Apo-doxy (doxycycline) available?
Apo-doxy is available in the following dosage forms and strengths:
- Apo-doxy Capsule 100mg
- Apo-doxy Tablet 100mg
What should I do in case of an emergency or overdose?
In case of an emergency or an overdose, call your local emergency services or go to your nearest emergency room.
What should I do if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose of Apo-doxy, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your regular dose as scheduled. Do not take a double dose.
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