Doxycycline 100mg Capsule UK - 1

For the prevention of malaria in adults (and children over 12):

One doxycycline 100mg capsule to be taken daily for 2-3 days before departure

(or 7 days if doxycycline has not been taken before. Prevention is effective if started 2-3 days prior to departure. The 7 day recommendation is to allow for a different drug to be started if Doxycycline proves unsuitable for you.)

One doxycycline 100mg capsule daily for each day you are in the malaria zone.

One doxycycline 100mg capsule daily for four weeks on return from malaria zone.

If the doxycycline capsules irritate your stomach take them with food or milk. You should take doxycycline 100mg with a full glass of fluids either sitting or standing up and well before you go to bed for the night to stop doxycycline causing irritation and ulceration of your gullet. It is important not to lie down for at least thirty minutes after taking Doxycycline Capsules, so that the capsule can move as swiftly as possible into the stomach and prevent irritation of the throat (canal taking food from the mouth to the stomach).

Doxycycline is an antibiotic from the tetracycline group of antibiotics used in the prevention of malaria in certain regions of the world. It must be taken in the correct region, as directed by the doctor as a course of treatment, for doxycycline to be effective.

Doxycycline is also prescribed in the UK for the treatment of bacterial infections. The course of treatment for bacterial infections would usually be 7 to 14 days. For the prevention of contracting malaria, doxycycline is taken for a much longer course, starting 2 days before entering the malaria zone and continuing for 4 weeks after leaving.

PATIENT INFORMATION LEAFLET - Doxycycline 100mg Capsules
Please read this leaflet carefully before you start to take this medicine.
If you have further questions, please ask your doctor or your pharmacist.
This medicine has been prescribed for you personally and you should not pass it on to others. It may harm them, even if their symptoms are the same as yours.
Keep this leaflet; you may need to read it again.
IN THIS LEAFLET:
1.What your medicine is and what it is used for
2.Before you take your medicine
3.How to take your medicine
4.Possible side effects
5.Storing your medicine
6.More information
1.WHAT YOUR MEDICINE IS AND WHAT IT IS USED FOR:
The name of your medicine is Doxycycline 100mg Capsules. It belongs to
a group of medicines called tetracycline antibiotics. It may be used to treat a wide range of infections caused by bacteria, these include:
o Chest, lung or nasal infections e.g. bronchitis, pneumonia, sinusitis
o Infections of the kidneys and bladder e.g. cystitis, urethritis
o Infections of the skin such as acne
o Eye infections
o Sexually transmitted diseases e.g. gonorrhoea, syphilis, chlamydia
o Rickettsial infections such as Q fever or fevers associated with louse or tick bites
o Malaria, when chloroquine is not effective
o Other infections such as cholera, brucellosis, leptospirosis and psittacosis
Doxycycline capsules are also used to prevent certain infections developing such as scrub typhus, traveller's diarrhoea, malaria and leptospirosis (a bacterial infection caused by exposure to bacteria in fresh water contaminated by animal urine).
2.BEFORE YOU TAKE YOUR MEDICINE
Do not take your medicine and tell your doctor, if you:
- have taken Doxycycline or any other antibiotic before and suffered an allergic reaction (e.g. rash, itching, swelling of the face, fainting and breathing problems) are allergic to any of the other ingredients in Doxycycline Capsules (see section 6 More information)
- are pregnant or trying to become pregnant
- are breast-feeding

-are giving it to a child under 12 years of age
DOXYCYCLINE 100mg CAPSULES
Important information about one of the ingredients in this medicine
Doxycycline 100mg Capsules contain sucrose. If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking this medicinal product.
Take special care with your medicine
You should let your doctor know and ask their advice, if you:

are likely to be exposed to strong sunlight or ultraviolet light (e.g. on a
sunbed)
have liver problems or are taking medicines which affect your liver
have severe kidney problems
have myasthenia gravis (a disease which causes unusual tiredness and weakness of certain muscles, particularly in the eyelid, difficulty chewing and swallowing and slurred speech)
have porphyria (a rare genetic disease of blood pigments)
have systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) a condition characterised by a rash (especially on the face), hair loss, fever, malaise and joint pain. This condition may be worsened by taking Doxycycline.
Taking other medication
Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription. Especially:
Penicillin antibiotics (used to treat infections)
Rifampicin (used to treat tuberculosis)
Anticoagulants (used to thin the blood, e.g. warfarin)
Quinapril (used to lower high blood pressure)
Kaolin (used to treat diarrhoea)
Sucralfate (used to treat and prevent stomach ulcers)
Oral contraceptives („The Pill?). This medicine may make the oral contraceptive pill less effective. You should use additional contraceptive precautions whilst taking this medicine and for 7 days after stopping.
Barbiturates (strong sleeping tablets, e.g. phenobarbital)
Ergotamine or methysergide (used to treat migraines or headaches)
Typhoid vaccine (used to prevent typhoid fever if travelling to infected areas of the world)
Carbamazepine, phenytoin, primidone or other drugs used to control epilepsy
Ciclosporin (used to affect the body?s immune response following organ transplants)
Methoxyflurane (an anaesthetic). If you need an operation, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking Doxycycline.
Methotrexate (used to treat cancer, psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis)
Medicines such as antacids (indigestion tablets or liquids) containing aluminium, calcium, magnesium or other medicines containing iron, bismuth or zinc salts, should not be taken at the same time as your medicine, as absorption of your medicine may be reduced
Retinoids (used to treat various skin conditions)
Alcohol
Alcohol may reduce the effect of your medicine. It is therefore advisable to avoid drinking any alcohol.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or are breast-feeding ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking any medicine as Doxycycline could harm the baby.
Driving and using machines
Do not drive or use machines if you suffer from visual disturbances such as blurring of vision while taking Doxycycline.
3.HOW TO TAKE YOUR MEDICINE
Always take your medicine exactly as your doctor has instructed you. You should check with your doctor or pharmacist, if you are unsure. Do not take more than your doctor has recommended.
Your medicine should be taken by mouth as follows:
You must take your capsules as your doctor has told you to.
It is important to swallow each doxycycline capsule whole with a glass of water.
It is best to take your capsules at the same time(s) each day, when standing or while sitting.
It is important not to lie down for at least thirty minutes after taking Doxycycline capsules, so that the capsule can move as swiftly as possible into the stomach and prevent irritation of the throat or oesophagus (canal taking food from the mouth to the stomach).
If your stomach is upset, Doxycycline capsules can be taken with milk or a meal.
DOSAGE
Adults and the elderly
Respiratory, urinary tract, ophthalmic and other infections
The usual dose is 200mg on the first day as a single dose or two 100mg doses, followed by 100mg daily.
For severe infections your doctor may increase the dose to 200mg a day.
The duration of treatment is
dependent on the infection being treated.
Acne 50mg daily for 6-12 weeks, with food or fluid.
Sexually transmitted diseases 100mg twice daily for 7-10 days.
Primary and secondary syphilis
300mg daily in divided doses for at least 10 days.
Fevers associated with louse or tick bites:
Single dose of 100mg or 200mg depending on severity.
Treatment of malaria, when chloroquine is not effective
200mg daily for at least 7 days.
Prevention of malaria
100mg daily for 1-2 days before travelling until 4 weeks after returning.
Prevention of scrub typhus
Single dose of 200mg.
Prevention of travellers' diarrhoea 100mg twice daily on the first day of travel, followed by 100mg daily throughout the stay in the area. If you are planning to take these capsules for more than 21 days, please consult your doctor.
Prevention of leptospirosis
200mg once each week during the stay in the area; 200mg on completion of the trip. If you are planning to take these capsules for more than 21 days, please consult your doctor.
Doctors may prescribe different doses to these depending on the infection being treated. Check with your doctor if you are not sure why you have been prescribed the medicine.
The label on the pack will tell you what dose YOU should take, how often and for how long to take it. If you are still not sure, as
k your doctor or pharmacist.
Children over 12 years of age
The recommended dosage schedule for children over 12 years of age, weighing 50 kg or less is 4 mg/kg
of body weight on the first day of treatment (given as a single dose or divided into two equal doses with a 12 hour interval), followed by 2 mg/kg of body weight on subsequent days. For more severe infections up
to 4 mg/kg of body weight may be used daily.
For children over 50 kg the usual adult dose should be used.
Children under 12 yearsof age
Doxycycline capsules are not recommended for use in children under 12 years of age as it can cause permanent discolouration of tooth enamel and affect bone development.
Overdose: If you take more of your medicine than you should
If you (or someone else) swallow a lot of capsules at the same time, or you think a child may have swallowed any, contact your nearest hospital casualty department or tell your doctor immediately.
If you forget to take your medicine
Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose. If you forget to take a dose take it as soon as you remember it and then take the next dose at the right time.
If you stop taking your medicine
Do not stop treatment early as your infection may return if you do not finish the course of capsules.
4. POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS
Like all medicines, Doxycycline can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
Stop taking your medicine and tell your doctor immediately, or go to accident and emergency if you notice any of the following
symptoms. Although the symptoms are very rare, they may be severe.
Symptoms of an allergic reaction -sudden wheeziness, difficulty in breathing, chest pain, fever, sudden swellings of the face, lips,
tongue, throat, hands or feet, rash or itching (especially affecting the whole body), pericarditis (inflammation of the membrane surrounding the heart),
worsening of systemic lupus erythematosus (autoimmune disease)
If you experience any of the side effects listed below, tell your doctor as soon as possible:
Severe skin reactions such as erythema multiforme (circular, irregular red patches), Stevens-Johnson syndrome (rash with flushing, fever, blisters or ulcers), toxic epidermal necrolysis (reddening, peeling and swelling that resembles burns)
Sensitivity to sunlight-you may get a skin rash, itching, redness or severe sunburn when out in sunlight or after using a sun bed
Increased pressure in the skull (severe headaches, blurred and/or double vision, blind spots, permanent loss of vision)
Bulging fontanelles (soft spot on head) of infants
Swollen tongue, severe watery or bloody diarrhoea, fever and cramps (pseudomembranous colitis)
Low blood pressure
Aches in the joints or muscles
Unusual rapid heart beats (palpitations), fainting
Blood disorders (symptoms may include tiredness, weakness, easy bruising or susceptibility to infection)
Porphyria (sensitivity of the skin to sunlight, inflammation of nerves and stomach pains)
Discolouration of thyroid tissue (does not affect thyroid function)
Changes in liver function tests
Hepatitis (inflammation of the liver)
Liver failure
An increase in urea in the blood
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or white of the eyes) has rarely been reported
Pancreatitis (manifested by severe upper abdominal pain) has rarely been
reported
Discolouration or underdevelopment of teeth
Loosening of the nail from the nail bed after exposure to the sun
Most of these side effects are infrequent but if they persist or are troublesome you should see your doctor.
Inflammation and/or ulcers of the gastrointestinal tract (symptoms may include sore mouth, indigestion and difficulty swallowing)
Feeling or being sick, diarrhoea
Loss of appetite
A ringing or buzzing noise in the ear
Soreness and itching of the rectal and/or genital area
Yeast infection around the anus or genitals
The list of side effects mentioned above is not complete. If you should suffer from any of these side effects or any other undesired effect please
tell your doctor or pharmacist. Do not be alarmed by this list
of possible side effects. You may not experience any of them.
5. STORING YOUR MEDICINE
Do not use your medicine after the expiry date shown on the blister and carton. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
KEEP OUT OF THE REACH AND SIGHT OF CHILDREN.
Store below 25°C. Store in the original package.
Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. These measures will help to protect the environment.
6. MORE INFORMATION
What your medicine contains
The active substance (the ingredient that make the capsules work) is doxycycline hyclate.
The other ingredients in the capsule are sucrose, maize starch, crospovidone, polymethacrylate and talc.
The capsule shell contains gelatin and the colourings E171, E132 and E172.
The white printing contains shellac, propylene glycol, ammonium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide and the colour E171.
What your medicine looks like
Doxycycline capsules are opaque green capsules with "100mg" printed in white ink.
The capsules are available in packs of 8, 10, 14 and 50 capsules. Not all pack sizes may be marketed.
Marketing Authorisation Holder
Kent Pharmaceuticals Ltd,
Repton Road, Measham, DE12
7DT, U.K.
Distributor
Kent Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Repton Road, Measham, DE12 7DT, U.K.
Company responsible for release of this medicine
Kent Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Crowbridge Road, Ashford, Kent, TN24 0GR, U.K.
Kent Pharmaceuticals Limited, Repton Road, Measham, DE12 7DT, U.K.PL 08215/0009
This leaflet was last revised in June 2013.

Each capsule contains Doxycycline hyclate (formerly hydrochloride) equivalent to 100mg of Doxycycline.

Inactive ingredients will vary according to manufacturer. If you wish to know all ingredients in the doxycycline make we will be supplying, please contact us before purchasing online. 

Like many medicines, doxycycline may occasionally cause side-effects in some patients, particularly when you first start taking it. These effects may include the following:

Allergic reactions: All medicines can cause allergic reactions. Serious allergic reactions are very rare. Any sudden wheeziness, difficulty in breathing, chest pain, fever, sudden swellings, rash or itching (especially affecting the whole body) when taking doxycycline should be reported to a doctor immediately.

Particular effects of antibiotics in general including doxycycline: Sore or swollen tongue and diarrhoea may occur. A diarrhoeal disease (pseudomembranous colitis) has been reported which may show as watery diarrhoea, fever and cramps. You should contact a doctor immediately if this occurs. Soreness and itching around the back passage and/or genital areas, inflammation around the vagina, or thrush of the vagina or mouth may also occur.

Effects on the blood: Doxycycline may alter the numbers of certain types of blood cells. If you notice that you are bruising easily, have more nose bleeds, or suffer from an increased number of infections and sore throats, you should contact your doctor. Porphyria has been reported with doxycycline and may appear as sensitivity of the skin to sunlight, inflammation of nerves and stomach pains.

Effects on glands and hormones: When doxyxycline has been taken for a long time, discolouration of thyroid tissue has been reported. However, this medicine does not impair thyroid function.

Effects on the central nervous system (CNS): Headache. Increased pressure in the skull resulting in severe headaches together with blurred and/or double vision and blind spots have been reported. These effects usually disappear upon stopping the medicine, however, permanent loss of vision has been reported. Bulging fontanelles (soft spot on head) of infants has been reported and usually disappears rapidly on stopping the capsules.

Effects on the ears: Tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ears) has been reported.

Effects on the heart: Pericarditis (inflammation of the membrane surrounding the heart).

Effects on the gastrointestinal tract: Stomach pain, loss of appetite, feeling or being sick, heartburn, diarrhoea. Difficulty swallowing, sore or painful tongue or mouth, inflammation and/or ulcers of the gullet have been reported. These are very unlikely if you take the capsules with water while standing or sitting (see "Taking your medicine"). Discolouration of teeth has been reported after long term use.

Effects on the liver: Changes in liver function tests, hepatitis and jaundice (yellowing of the skin or white of the eyes) has been reported rarely. Liver failure and pancreatitis has been reported rarely. If you suffer from severe stomach pains, you should contact your doctor.

Effects on the skin of doxycycline: Severe skin reactions that make you feel unwell, which may be red, and flaking or peeling of skin. You may notice that your skin is very sensitive to light. If you get a skin rash, itching, redness or severe sunburn when out in sunlight or after using a sun bed stop taking the medicine and seek immediate medical advice from your doctor. If you suffer from systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) you may notice that your condition gets worse.

Effects on the muscles and bones: Aching muscles or joints have been reported. Underdevelopment of teeth.

Effects on the kidneys: an increase in the amount of urea in the blood has been reported. This is detected by a blood test.

If these effects are troublesome or you have any other unusual effects, seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist.

www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.4063.pdf

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