Generic Name: DOXYCYCLINE 20 MG - ORAL
Pronounced: (dox-ee-SYE-kleen)

Periostat Oral Uses

This medication is used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections, including those that cause acne. This medication is also used to prevent malaria. This medication is known as a tetracycline antibiotic. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria.

This antibiotic treats only bacterial infections. It will not work for viral infections (such as common cold, flu). Unnecessary use or misuse of any antibiotic can lead to its decreased effectiveness.

How To Use Periostat Oral

This medication is best taken by mouth on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal, usually 1 or 2 times daily or as directed by your doctor. Take this medication with a full glass of water (8 ounces/240 milliliters) unless directed otherwise. If stomach upset occurs, taking it with food or milk may help. However, doxycycline may not work as well if you take it with food or milk (or anything high in calcium - more details below ), so ask your doctor or pharmacist if you may take it that way. Do not lie down for 10 minutes after taking this medication.

Take this medication 2 to 3 hours before or after taking any products containing aluminum, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, or bismuth subsalicylate. Some examples include antacids, certain forms of didanosine (chewable/dispersible buffered tablets or pediatric oral solution), quinapril, vitamins/minerals, dairy products (such as milk, yogurt), and calcium-enriched juice. These products bind with doxycycline, preventing your body from fully absorbing the drug.

When using to prevent malaria, this medication is usually taken once daily. Take the first dose of this medication 1 to 2 days before travel or as directed by your doctor. Continue to take this medication daily while in the malarious area. Upon returning home, you should keep taking this medication for 4 more weeks. If you are unable to finish this course of doxycycline, contact your doctor.

Swallow this medication whole. Do not crush or chew the medication. If you have difficulty swallowing the capsule, the capsule may be opened and the contents sprinkled onto cool applesauce and taken immediately as directed. If you have difficulty swallowing the tablet, the tablet may be broken up carefully and the contents (pellets) sprinkled onto cool applesauce and taken immediately as directed. Make sure not to crush or damage the pellets when breaking up the tablet. Do not prepare a supply in advance. Do not chew the food/medication mixture because doing so may cause the drug to be released too quickly, increasing side effects. Drink a glass of cool water after each dose to ensure complete swallowing of the medication.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. For children, the dosage may also be based on weight.

Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, take this drug at evenly spaced intervals.

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