Below are the general guidelines for dosing doxycycline. Note that these dosages may be adjusted on a case-by-case basis for individual patients by a provider. Always follow your prescribing physician’s instructions for taking doxycycline.
The following information comes from DailyMed, the official FDA label information provider for drugs.
What if I miss a dose of Doxycycline?
If you miss a dose of doxycycline, take it as soon as you can. If it’s almost time for your next dose, however, skip the missed dose and revert back to your regular schedule. Be sure not to double your doses.
What if I overdose on Doxycycline?
In case of overdosage, discontinue medication, treat symptomatically and institute supportive measures. Dialysis does not alter serum half-life, and it would not be of benefit in treating cases of overdosage.
How is Doxycycline administered?
THE USUAL DOSAGE AND FREQUENCY OF ADMINISTRATION OF DOXYCYCLINE DIFFERS FROM THAT OF THE OTHER TETRACYCLINES. EXCEEDING THE RECOMMENDED DOSAGE MAY RESULT IN AN INCREASED INCIDENCE OF SIDE EFFECTS.
Adults: The usual dose of oral doxycycline is 200 mg on the first day of treatment (administered 100 mg every 12 hours or 50 mg every 6 hours) followed by a maintenance dose of 100 mg/day. The maintenance dose may be administered as a single dose or as 50 mg every 12 hours. In the management of more severe infections (particularly chronic infections of the urinary tract), 100 mg every 12 hours is recommended.
Pediatric Patients: (in general not recommended for children < 8 years old)
For all pediatric patients weighing less than 45 kg with severe or life-threatening infections (e.g. anthrax, Rocky Mountain spotted fever), the recommended dosage is 2.2 mg/kg of body weight administered every 12 hours. Children weighing 45 kg or more should receive the adult dose.
For pediatric patients with less severe disease (greater than 8 years of age and weighing less than 45 kg), the recommended dosage schedule is 4.4 mg/kg of body weight divided into two doses on the first day of treatment, followed by a maintenance dose of 2.2 mg/kg of body weight (given as a single daily dose or divided into twice daily doses). For pediatric patients weighing over 45 kg, the usual adult dose should be used.
The therapeutic antibacterial serum activity will usually persist for 24 hours following recommended dosage.
When used in streptococcal infections, therapy should be continued for 10 days.
Administration of adequate amounts of fluid along with capsule and tablet forms of drugs in the tetracycline class is recommended to wash down the drugs and reduce the risk of esophageal irritation and ulceration.
If gastric irritation occurs, it is recommended that doxycycline be given with food The absorption of doxycycline is not markedly influenced by simultaneous ingestion of food. However, avoid eating anything with high amounts of calcium or iron before or after administration of doxycycline as this will inhibit the absorption and effectiveness of doxycycline.
Studies to date have indicated that administration of doxycycline at the usual recommended doses does not lead to excessive accumulation of doxycycline in patients with renal impairment.
Uncomplicated gonococcal infections in adults (except anorectal infections in men): 100 mg, by mouth, twice a day for 7 days. As an alternate single visit dose, administer 300 mg stat followed in one hour by a second 300 mg dose.
Acute epididymo-orchitis caused by N. gonorrhoeae: 100 mg, by mouth, twice a day for at least 10 days.
Primary and secondary syphilis: 300 mg a day in divided doses for at least 10 days.
Uncomplicated urethral, endocervical, or rectal infection in adults caused by Chlamydia trachomatis: 100 mg, by mouth, twice a day for at least 7 days.
Nongonococcal urethritis caused by C. trachomatis and U. urealyticum: 100 mg, by mouth, twice a day for at least 7 days.
Acute epididymo-orchitis caused by C. trachomatis: 100 mg, by mouth, twice a day for at least 10 days.
Inhalational anthrax (post-exposure):
ADULTS: 100 mg of doxycycline, by mouth, twice a day for 60 days.
CHILDREN: weighing less than 45 kg 2.2 mg/kg of body weight, by mouth, twice a day for 60 days. Children weighing 45 kg or more should receive the adult dose.
How is Doxycycline supplied?
Doxycycline Capsules USP 100 mg have a brown opaque cap printed “par 727” in white ink/white opaque body printed “par 727” in brown ink. Each capsule contains doxycycline monohydrate equivalent to 100 mg of doxycycline. They are supplied as follows:
Unit dose packages of 20 (5 x 4) NDC 68084-743-32
Unit dose packages of 30 (3 x 10) NDC 68084-743-21
Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F). [See USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Protect from light.
FOR YOUR PROTECTION: Do not use if blister is torn or broken.
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