Doxylin Doxycyline Tablets 100mg (Bottle of 7)

Doxylin

doxycycline (hydrochloride)
CONSUMER MEDICINE INFORMATION (CMI)

What is in this CMI

This CMI answers some common questions about Doxylin. It does not contain all the available information.

It does not take the place of talking to your doctor or pharmacist.

If you have any concerns about taking this medicine, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Keep this information with the medicine.

You may need to read it again.

What Doxylin is used for

Doxylin is used to:

  • treat certain infections caused by bacteria
  • control acne
  • prevent certain types of malaria.
  • Doxylin is an antibiotic that belongs to a group of medicines called tetracyclines. It works by killing or stopping the growth of bacteria, which cause infections or make acne worse.

    Doxylin also works against parasites that cause malaria. It is sometimes used in combination with other anti-malarial medicines.

    Doxylin will not work against infections caused by viruses, such as colds or flu.

    Ask your doctor if you have any questions about why Doxylin has been prescribed for you.

  • Your doctor may have prescribed Doxylin for another reason.

    Before you take it

    When you must not take it

    Do not take Doxylin if you are allergic to medicines containing:

  • doxycycline (e.g. Doryx, Vibramycin)
  • other tetracycline antibiotics (e.g. Minomycin, Tetrex)
  • any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet.
  • If you are not sure if you are allergic to any of the above, ask your doctor.

    Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include skin rash, itching or hives; swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the body; asthma, shortness of breath, wheezing or troubled breathing and fainting.

    Do not take Doxylin if you are taking preparations containing:

  • vitamin A
  • isotretinoin (e.g. Roaccutane, Accure), etretinate (Tigason)
  • Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure if you are taking any of the above medicines.

    Do not take Doxylin after the expiry date printed on the pack or if the packaging is torn or show signs of tampering.

    If it has expired or is damaged, return it to your pharmacist for disposal.

    If you are not sure whether you should start taking this medicine, talk to your doctor.

    Before you start to take it

    You must tell your doctor if:

  • you are allergic to any other medicines, or other substances such as foods, dyes or preservatives
  • you have or have ever had any other health problems
  • you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant
  • you are breastfeeding or plan to breast-feed
  • you are scheduled to have surgery under general anaesthetic
  • you work outdoors or you are exposed to direct sunlight or ultra-violet light.
  • If you have not told your doctor about any of the above, tell them before you start taking Doxylin.

    Doxylin is not recommended during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, nor for children eight years and under.

    Doxylin, like other tetracyclines, may cause enamel loss and staining in developing teeth or increase the pressure on your child`s brain. High doses of tetracyclines may also cause liver problems in pregnant women.

    Taking other medicines

    Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, including any that you buy without a prescription from a pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop.

  • Some medicines and Doxylin may interfere with each other. These include:

  • preparations containing vitamin A, including vitamin supplements
  • some medicines used for skin problems such as isotretinoin (Roaccutane, Accure) or etretinae (Tigason)
  • warfarin, a medicine used to prevent blood clots such as Coumadin, Marevan
  • another group of antibiotics called penicillins
  • anticonvulsant medicines that are used to treat seizures, such as phenytoin, carbamazepine
  • barbiturates such as phenobarbitone
  • sodium bicarbonate
  • acetazolamide, a medicine used to treat glaucoma
  • methoxyflurane, an inhaled anaesthetic
  • the contraceptive pill (birth control pill).
  • Doxylin may decrease the effectiveness of some birth control pills. Your doctor may advise you to use an additional method of contraception while are taking Doxylin.

    These medicines may be affected by Doxylin or may affect how well it works. You may need different amounts of your medicine or you may need to take different medicines. Your doctor will advise you.

    Alcohol and some medicines may interfere with the absorption of Doxylin . These include:

  • iron preparations including vitamin preparations that contain iron
  • antacids used for indigestion.
  • Do not drink alcohol or take any of these medicines if you are taking Doxylin.

    Your doctor and pharmacist have more information on medicines to be careful with or avoid while taking Doxylin.

    How to take it

    Follow all directions given to you by your doctor or pharmacist carefully.

    They may differ from the information contained in this leaflet.

    Ask your doctor or pharmacist for help, if you do not understand the instructions on the label.

    How much to take

    For treating infections, the usual dose for adults is 200 mg on the first day, followed by 100 mg each day from then on.

    For controlling acne, the usual dose for adults is 50 mg a day.

    For the prevention of malaria, the usual dose for adults is 100 mg each day, starting two days before entering the malarious area, continuing during the visit, and for 2 weeks after leaving the area. Doxylin is normally used in combination with another antimalarial medicine.

    Children over 8 years of age may need smaller doses, depending on their weight.

    Depending on your condition and how you react to the medicine, your doctor may ask you to take a different dose.

    How to take it

    Swallow the tablets whole with a full glass of water or milk while sitting or standing upright.

    Do not lie down immediately after taking Doxylin.

    It is important to stay upright, for example sitting, standing or walking around for at least half an hour after swallowing your tablet. This is to help avoid irritation to your oesophagus (food pipe).

  • When to take it

    Take Doxylin during or immediately after a meal, preferably in the morning.

    This will reduce the chances of stomach upset.

    Take your medicine at about the same time each day.

    Taking it at the same time each day will have the best effect. It will also help you remember when to take it.

    How long to take it

    Do not stop taking Doxylin, even if you begin to feel better after a few days, unless advised by your doctor.

    Your infection may not clear completely if you stop taking your medicine too soon.

    For treating infections, Doxylin is usually taken for one or two weeks. For controlling acne, Doxylin is normally taken for a few months.

    For preventing malaria, Doxylin is normally recommended to be taken for up to maximum of 8 weeks. However, your doctor may prescribe Doxylin for longer periods.

    If you are not sure how long you should be taking Doxylin, talk to your doctor.

    Continue taking Doxylin until you finish the pack or until your doctor recommends.

    If you forget to take it

    If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose when you are meant to. Otherwise, take the missed dose as soon as you remember, and then go back to taking your tablets as you would normally.

    Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose you missed.

    If you are not sure what to do, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

    If you take too much (overdose)

    Immediately telephone your doctor or Poisons Information Centre (telephone 13 11 26) for advice , or go to Accident and Emergency at the nearest hospital, if you think you or anyone else may have taken too much Doxylin. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.

    You may need urgent medical attention.

    While you are taking it

    Things you must do

    If you become pregnant while taking Doxylin, tell your doctor immediately.

    If you are taking Doxylin for an infection and your symptoms do not improve within a few days, or if they become worse, tell your doctor.

    If you get severe diarrhoea, tell your doctor or pharmacist immediately. Do this even if it occurs several weeks after you have stopped taking Doxylin.

    Diarrhoea may mean that you have a serious condition affecting your bowel. You may need urgent medical care.

    Do not take any medicines for diarrhoea without checking with your doctor.

    If you are taking Doxylin for a long time, visit your doctor regularly so that they can check on your progress.

    Your doctor may want you to have some blood tests from time to time. This helps to prevent unwanted side effects.

    Tell all the doctors, dentists and pharmacists who are treating you that you are taking Doxylin.

  • Before starting any new medicine, tell your doctor or pharmacist that you are taking Doxylin.

    If you are taking iron preparations (including vitamins that contain iron) or antacids, you must take them at least two hours before or two hours after your Doxylin to make sure there is no problem with absorption.

    If you are about to have any blood tests, tell your doctor that you are taking this medicine.

    Doxylin may interfere with the results of some tests.

    Things you must not do

    Do not stop taking your tablets because you are feeling better, unless advised by your doctor.

    If you do not complete the full course prescribed by your doctor, all the bacteria causing your infection may not be killed. These bacteria may continue to grow and multiply so that your infection may not clear completely or may return.

    Do not use Doxylin to treat any other medical complaints unless your doctor tells you to.

    Do not give Doxylin to anyone else, even if they have the same condition as you.

    Things to be careful of

    Protect your skin when you are in the sun, especially between 10am and 3pm.

    Do not use a sun lamp while taking Doxylin.

    Doxylin may cause your skin to be much more sensitive to sunlight than it is normally. Exposure to sunlight may cause a skin rash, itching, redness, or severe sunburn.

    If outdoors, wear protective clothing and use a 30+ sunscreen.

    If your skin does appear to be burning, tell your doctor before you take your next dose of Doxylin.

    Side effects

    Tell your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible if you do not feel well while you are taking Doxylin.

    Doxylin is generally well tolerated. However, like all other medicines, Doxylin may have side effects. Sometimes hey are serious, most of the time they are not. You may need medical attention if you get some of side effects.

    Do not be alarmed by this list of possible side effects. You may not experience any of them.

    Ask your doctor or pharmacist to answer any questions you may have.

    While taking Doxylin

    Tell your doctor if you notice any of the following and they worry you:

  • feeling sick, vomiting, diarrhoea
  • taste loss, sore mouth or tongue
  • loss of appetite
  • stomach (belly) pain
  • oral thrush (white, furry sore tongue and mouth)
  • vaginal thrush (sore and itchy vagina, vaginal discharge)
  • staining of the teeth, loss of tooth enamel
  • nail changes from exposure to sunlight
  • irritation of the food
  • The above side effects are usually mild.

    See your doctor immediately or go to Accident and Emergency at the nearest hospital if you notice any of the following:

  • severe diarrhoea
  • bleeding or bruising more easily than normal
  • difficulty breathing dizziness, looking pale, and
  • yellowing of the skin and/or eyes (jaundice).
  • passing little or no urine
  • severe sunburn
  • rash or itching
  • flaking of the skin
  • swelling of the face, lips or tongue
  • The side effects listed above are serious and you may need urgent medical attention or hospitalisation. However, these side effects are rare.

    Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. Tell your doctor if you notice any other effects.

    After finishing it

    See your doctor immediately if you notice any of the following, even if they occur several weeks after stopping treatment with Doxylin:

  • watery and severe diarrhoea, which may also be bloody
  • severe stomach cramps.
  • fever in combination with one or both of the above.
  • These are rare but serious side effects. You may need urgent medical attention. Doxylin can cause some bacteria that are normally harmless and present in the bowel to multiply and cause the above symptoms.

    Do not take any medicine for diarrhoea without first checking with your doctor.

    Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you don`t understand anything in this list.

    Do not be alarmed at this list of possible side effects.

    You may not experience any of them.

    After taking it

    Storage

    Keep Doxylin where children cannot reach it.

    A locked cupboard at least one-and-a-half metres above the ground is a good place to store medicines.

    Keep your tablets in a cool dry place where the temperature stays below 30 degrees C.

    Do not store Doxylin or any other medicine in the bathroom or near a sink.

    Do not leave Doxylin in the car or on window sills.

    Heat and dampness can destroy some medicines.

    Disposal

    Return any unused medicine to your pharmacist if your doctor tells you to stop taking Doxylin, or your tablets have passed their expiry date.

    Product description

    What it looks like

    Doxylin is available in two strengths:

  • Doxylin 50 mg – round, yellow tablet marked “DE” over “50” one side and “G” on the reverse.
  • Doxylin 100 mg – round, yellow tablet marked “DE” over “100” one side and “G” on the reverse.
  • Doxylin 50 is available in bottles of 25 tablets.

    Doxylin 100 is available in packs of 7 tablets.

    Ingredients

    The active ingredient in Doxylin tablets is doxycycline (as doxycycline hydrochloride).

    Doxylin 50 tablets contain 50 mg of doxycycline and Doxylin 100 tablets contain 100 mg of doxycycline.

    Doxylin tablets also contain the following inactive ingredients:

  • microcrystalline cellulose
  • pregelatinised maize starch
  • colloidal anhydrous silica
  • magnesium stearate
  • lactose
  • hypromellose
  • macrogol 4000
  • titanium dioxide CI77891 (171)
  • quinoline yellow CI47005 (104)
  • sunset yellow FCF CI15985 (110)
  • indigo carmine CI73015 (132).
  • Doxylin tablets are gluten free.

    Manufacturer

  • Doxylin is made in Australia by:
  • Alphapharm Pty Limited
  • (ABN 93 002 359 739)
  • Chase Building 2
  • Wentworth Park Road
  • Glebe NSW 2037
  • Phone: (02) 9298 3999
  • www.alphapharm.com.au
  • Medical Information
  • Phone: 1800 028 365
  • Do not throw this leaflet away.
  • You may need to read it again.
  • Australian registration numbers:
  • Doxylin 50 – AUST R 63512
  • Doxylin 100 – AUST R 63509
  • This leaflet was prepared on
  • 19 December 2006.
  • ENQUIRE

    1800 200 736