Doxycycline (Regular Dose)
Common brand names: Vibramycin, Doxy-Caps.
Description: Doxycycline is a broad-spectrum, tetracycline-type antibiotic.
Dental uses: Doxycycline typically is prescribed for up to two weeks for different types of periodontal (gum) diseases, including periodontal disease in adolescents (juvenile periodontitis).
Dosages for dental purposes: The typical adult dose is 50 milligrams to 100 milligrams every 12 hours for up to two weeks. Doxycycline (and all tetracyclines) must not be ingested with dairy products (milk, yogurt), antacids (Tums, Rolaids, Maalox, Mylanta, Pepto-Bismol), or iron and zinc supplements, because these products greatly inhibit the absorption of tetracyclines from the gastrointestinal tract into the bloodstream.
Concerns and possible side effects: Doxycycline, like all tetracyclines, has a much higher incidence of side effects such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea and yeast infections (in women)compared with penicillin VK. Occasionally, doxycycline temporarily turns the tongue a black color, a condition known as black hairy tongue.
In addition, doxycycline and all tetracyclines should not be prescribed to children under 8 years or to pregnant women, because they can permanently stain the teeth of the growing child or fetus. Also, severe sunburn (photosensitivity) can occur in up to 10 percent of patients prescribed tetracyclines, including doxycycline, if adequate measures of sun protection (avoiding prolonged sun exposure and using sunscreens) are not undertaken
