To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of Doxycycline Monohydrate Capsules and other antibacterial drugs, Doxycycline Monohydrate Capsules should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by bacteria.

Doxycycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic synthetically derived from oxytetracycline. Doxycycline Monohydrate Capsules 100 mg, 75 mg, and 50 mg contain doxycycline monohydrate equivalent to 100 mg, 75 mg, or 50 mg of doxycycline for oral administration. The chemical designation of the light-yellow crystalline powder is alpha-6-deoxy-5-oxytetracycline.

Structural formula:

C22H24N2O8 • H2O         M.W. = 462.45

Doxycycline has a high degree of lipid solubility and a low affinity for calcium binding. It is highly stable in normal human serum. Doxycycline will not degrade into an epianhydro form.

Inert ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide; magnesium stearate; microcrystalline cellulose; sodium starch glycolate; and a hard gelatin capsule which contains black iron oxide, red iron oxide, titanium dioxide, and yellow iron oxide for the 100 mg and 75 mg strengths, titanium dioxide and yellow iron oxide for the 50 mg strength. The capsules are printed with edible ink containing black iron oxide, red iron oxide, and yellow iron oxide for the 50 mg and 100 mg strengths and black iron oxide, FD&C Blue No. 2, FD&C Red No. 40, FD&C Blue No. 1, and D&C Yellow No. 10 for the 75 mg strength.

Tetracyclines are readily absorbed and are bound to plasma proteins in varying degrees. They are concentrated by the liver in the bile and excreted in the urine and feces at high concentrations in a biologically active form. Doxycycline is virtually completely absorbed after oral administration.

Following a 200 mg dose of doxycycline monohydrate, 24 normal adult volunteers averaged the following serum concentration values:

Excretion of doxycycline by the kidney is about 40%/72 hours in individuals with normal function (creatinine clearance about 75 mL/min). This percentage excretion may fall as low as 1-5%/72 hours in individuals with severe renal insufficiency (creatinine clearance below 10 mL/min). Studies have shown no significant difference in serum half-life of doxycycline (range 18-22 hours) in individuals with normal and severely impaired renal function.

Hemodialysis does not alter serum half-life.

Microbiology: The tetracyclines are primarily bacteriostatic and are thought to exert their antimicrobial effect by the inhibition of protein synthesis. The tetracyclines, including doxycycline, have a similar antimicrobial spectrum of activity against a wide range of gram-positive and gram-negative microorganisms. Cross-resistance of these microorganisms to tetracyclines is common.

Doxycycline has been shown to be active against most strains of the following microorganisms, both in vitro and in clinical infections as described in the INDICATIONS AND USAGE section.

Aerobic Gram-Positive Microorganisms:

Because many strains of the following groups of gram-positive microorganisms have been shown to be resistant to tetracyclines, culture and susceptibility testing are recommended.

Bacillus anthracis
Listeria monocytogenes
Staphylococcus aureus*

*Doxycycline is not the drug of choice in the treatment of any type of staphylococcal infection.

Up to 44 percent of strains of Streptococcus pyogenes and 74 percent of Streptococcus faecalis have been found to be resistant to tetracycline drugs. Therefore, tetracyclines should not be used to treat streptococcal infections unless the microorganism has been demonstrated to be susceptible.

Streptococcus pneumoniae

Aerobic Gram-Negative Microorganisms:

Because many strains of the following groups of gram-negative microorganisms have been shown to be resistant to tetracyclines, culture and susceptibility testing are recommended:

Anaerobic Microorganisms:

Other Microorganisms:

Susceptibility Tests:

Dilution Techniques:

Quantitative methods are used to determine antimicrobial minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC’s). These MIC’s provide estimates of the susceptibility of bacteria to antimicrobial compounds. The MIC’s should be determined using a standardized procedure. Standardized procedures are based on a dilution method1,3 (broth or agar) or equivalent with standardized inoculum concentrations and standardized concentrations of tetracycline powder. The MIC values should be interpreted according to the following criteria:

Microorganisms that are susceptible to tetracycline are generally susceptible to doxycycline.

Interpretive criteria for Haemophilus spp. are applicable only to tests performed by broth microdilution method using Haemophilus Test Medium (HTM).1,3

Microorganisms that are susceptible to tetracycline are generally susceptible to doxycycline.

Interpretive criteria for Neisseria gonorrhoeae are applicable only to tests performed by agar dilution method using GC agar base with 1% defined growth supplement.1,3

Microorganisms that are susceptible to tetracycline are generally susceptible to doxycycline.

Interpretive criteria for Streptococcus pneumoniae are applicable only to tests performed by broth microdilution method using Cation-Adjusted Mueller-Hinton broth with 2.5% - 5% lysed horse blood.1,3

Microoganisms that are susceptible to tetracycline are generally susceptible to doxycycline.

Broth Microdilution performed in unsupplemented Brucella broth pH adjusted to 7.1 ± 0.1 for Brucella spp.5

For some organism/antimicrobial agent combinations, the absence or rare occurrence of resistant strains precludes defining results for categories other than “susceptible.”  For strains yielding results suggestive of a “nonsusceptible” category, organism identification and antimicrobial susceptibility test results should be confirmed.5

Incubation in 5% CO2 may be required for growth of some strains of Brucella spp. especially B. abortus. 
Incubation broth MIC tests in CO2 may decrease the MIC of tetracyclines, usually by one doubling dilution.5

Microorganisms that are susceptible to tetracycline are generally susceptible to doxycycline.

Microorganisms that are susceptible to tetracycline are generally susceptible to doxycycline.

Broth Microdilutions performed in Cation-Adjusted Mueller-Hinton broth with 2% defined growth supplement for Franciscella tularensis5

For some organism/antimicrobial agent combinations, the absence or rare occurrence of resistant strains precludes defining results for categories other than “susceptible.”  For strains yielding results suggestive of a “nonsusceptible” category, organism identification and antimicrobial susceptibility test results should be confirmed.5

Microorganisms that are susceptible to tetracycline are generally susceptible to doxycycline.

A report of “Susceptible” indicates that the pathogen is likely to be inhibited if the antimicrobial compound in the blood reaches the concentrations usually achievable. A report of “Intermediate” indicates that the result should be considered equivocal, and, if the microorganism is not fully susceptible to alternative, clinically feasible drugs, the test should be repeated. This category implies possible clinical applicability in body sites where the drug is physiologically concentrated or in situations where high dosage of drug can be used. This category also provides a buffer zone which prevents small uncontrolled technical factors from causing major discrepancies in interpretation. A report of “Resistant” indicates that the pathogen is not likely to be inhibited if the antimicrobial compound in the blood reaches the concentrations usually achievable; other therapy should be selected.

Standardized susceptibility test procedures require the use of laboratory control microorganisms to control the technical aspects of the laboratory procedures. Standard tetracycline powder should provide the following MIC values:

Diffusion Techniques:

Quantitative methods that require measurement of zone diameters also provide reproducible estimates of the susceptibility of bacteria to antimicrobial compounds. One such standardized procedure2,3 requires the use of standardized inoculum concentrations. This procedure uses paper disks impregnated with 30-μg tetracycline or 30-μg doxycycline to test the susceptibility of microorganisms to doxycycline.

Reports from the laboratory providing results of the standard single-disk susceptibility test with a 30-μg tetracycline-class disk or the 30-μg doxycycline disk should be interpreted according to the following criteria:

 

Interpretive criteria applicable only to tests performed by disk diffusion method using a 30-μg tetracycline-class disk and using Haemophilus Test Medium (HTM).2,3

Microorganisms that are susceptible to tetracycline are generally susceptible to doxycycline.

Interpretive criteria applicable only to tests performed by disk diffusion method using a 30-μg tetracycline-class disk and using GC agar base with 1% defined growth supplement.2,3
Zone diameters ≤ 19 mm may indicate a plasmid-mediated tetracycline-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae (TRNG) isolate. These TRNG strains should be confirmed by the dilution test (MIC ≥ 16 μg/mL).

Microorganisms that are susceptible to tetracycline are generally susceptible to doxycycline.

Interpretative criteria applicable only to tests performed by disk diffusion method using a 30-μg tetracycline-class disk and using Mueller-Hinton agar with 5% defibrinated sheep blood and incubated in 5% CO2.2,3

Microorganisms that are susceptible to tetracycline are generally susceptible to doxycycline.

Interpretation should be as stated above for results using dilution techniques. Interpretation involves correlation of the diameter obtained in the disk test with the MIC for tetracycline or doxycycline, respectively.

As with standardized dilution techniques, diffusion methods require the use of laboratory control microorganisms that are used to control the technical aspects of the laboratory procedures. For the diffusion technique, the 30-μg tetracycline-class disk or the 30-μg doxycycline disk should provide the following zone diameters in these laboratory test quality control strains:

Anaerobic Techniques:

For anaerobic bacteria, the susceptibility to tetracycline as MIC’s can be determined by standardized test methods.3,4 The MIC values obtained should be interpreted according to the following criteria:

Microorganisms that are susceptible to tetracycline are generally susceptible to doxycycline.

Interpretation is identical to that stated above for results using dilution techniques.

As with other susceptibility techniques, the use of laboratory control microorganisms is required to control the technical aspects of the laboratory standardized procedures. Standardized tetracycline powder should provide the following MIC values:

Range applicable only to tests performed by the reference agar dilution method.

To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain effectiveness of Doxycycline Monohydrate Capsules and other antibacterial drugs, Doxycycline Monohydrate Capsules should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria. When culture and susceptibility information are available, they should be considered in selecting or modifying antibacterial therapy. In the absence of such data, local epidemiology and susceptibility patterns may contribute to the empiric selection of therapy.

Doxycycline is indicated for the treatment of the following infections:
    Rocky mountain spotted fever, typhus fever and the typhus group, Q fever, rickettsialpox, and tick fevers caused by Rickettsiae.
    Respiratory tract infections caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae.
    Lymphogranuloma venereum caused by Chlamydia trachomatis.
    Psittacosis (ornithosis) caused by Chlamydia psittaci.
    Trachoma caused by Chlamydia trachomatis, although the infectious agent is not always eliminated as judged by immunofluorescence.
    Inclusion conjunctivitis caused by Chlamydia trachomatis.
    Uncomplicated urethral, endocervical or rectal infections in adults caused by Chlamydia trachomatis.
    Nongonococcal urethritis caused by Ureaplasma urealyticum.
    Relapsing fever due to Borrelia recurrentis.

Doxycycline is also indicated for the treatment of infections caused by the following gram-negative microorganisms:   
    Chancroid caused by Haemophilus ducreyi. 
    Plague due to Yersinia pestis (formerly Pasteurella pestis).
    Tularemia due to Francisella tularensis (formerly Pasteurella tularensis).
    Cholera caused by Vibrio cholerae (formerly Vibrio comma).
    Campylobacter fetus infections caused by Campylobacter fetus (formerly Vibrio fetus).
    Brucellosis due to Brucella species (in conjunction with streptomycin).
    Bartonellosis due to Bartonella bacilliformis.
    Granuloma inguinale caused by Calymmatobacterium granulomatis.

Because many strains of the following groups of microorganisms have been shown to be resistant to doxycycline, culture and susceptibility testing are recommended.

Doxycycline is indicated for treatment of infections caused by the following gram-negative microorganisms, when bacteriologic testing indicates appropriate susceptibility to the drug:
    Escherichia coli
    Enterobacter aerogenes (formerly Aerobacter aerogenes)
    Shigella species
    Acinetobacter species (formerly Mima species and Herellea species)
    Respiratory tract infections caused by Haemophilus influenzae.
    Respiratory tract and urinary tract infections caused by Klebsiella species.

Doxycycline is indicated for treatment of infections caused by the following gram-positive microorganisms when bacteriologic testing indicates appropriate susceptibility to the drug:
    Upper respiratory infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae (formerly Diplococcus pneumoniae). 
    Skin and skin structure infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus.
    Anthrax due to Bacillus anthracis, including inhalational anthrax (post-exposure): to reduce the incidence or progression of disease following exposure to aerosolized Bacillus anthracis.

Doxycycline is not the drug of choice in the treatment of any type of staphylococcal infections.

When penicillin is contraindicated, doxycycline is an alternative drug in the treatment of the following infections:
    Uncomplicated gonorrhea caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
    Syphilis caused by Treponema pallidum.
    Yaws caused by Treponema pertenue.
    Listeriosis due to Listeria monocytogenes.
    Vincent’s infection caused by Fusobacterium fusiforme.
    Actinomycosis caused by Actinomyces israelii.
    Infections caused by Clostridium species.

In acute intestinal amebiasis, doxycycline may be a useful adjunct to amebicides.

In severe acne, doxycycline may be useful adjunctive therapy.

This drug is contraindicated in persons who have shown hypersensitivity to any of the tetracyclines.

THE USE OF DRUGS OF THE TETRACYCLINE CLASS DURING TOOTH DEVELOPMENT (LAST HALF OF PREGNANCY, INFANCY, AND CHILDHOOD TO THE AGE OF 8 YEARS) MAY CAUSE PERMANENT DISCOLORATION OF THE TEETH (YELLOW-GRAY-BROWN). This adverse reaction is more common during long-term use of the drugs but has been observed following repeated short-term courses. Enamel hypoplasia has also been reported. TETRACYCLINE DRUGS, THEREFORE, SHOULD NOT BE USED IN THIS AGE GROUP, EXCEPT FOR ANTHRAX, INCLUDING INHALATIONAL ANTHRAX (POST-EXPOSURE), UNLESS OTHER DRUGS ARE NOT LIKELY TO BE EFFECTIVE OR ARE CONTRAINDICATED.

Clostridium difficile associated diarrhea (CDAD) has been reported with use of nearly all antibacterial agents, including Doxycycline Monohydrate Capsules, and may range in severity from mild diarrhea to fatal colitis. Treatment with antibacterial agents alters the normal flora of the colon leading to overgrowth of C. difficile.

C. difficile produces toxins A and B which contribute to the development of CDAD. Hypertoxin producing strains of C. difficile cause increased morbidity and mortality, as these infections can be refractory to antimicrobial therapy and may require colectomy. CDAD must be considered in all patients who present with diarrhea following antibiotic use. Careful medical history is necessary since CDAD has been reported to occur over two months after the administration of antibacterial agents.

If CDAD is suspected or confirmed, ongoing antibiotic use not directed against C. difficile may need to be discontinued. Appropriate fluid and electrolyte management, protein supplementation, antibiotic treatment of C. difficile, and surgical evaluation should be instituted as clinically indicated.

All tetracyclines form a stable calcium complex in any bone-forming tissue. A decrease in the fibula growth rate has been observed in prematures given oral tetracycline in doses of 25 mg/kg every six hours. This reaction was shown to be reversible when the drug was discontinued.

Results of animal studies indicate that tetracyclines cross the placenta, are found in fetal tissues, and can have toxic effects on the developing fetus (often related to retardation of skeletal development). Evidence of embryo toxicity has been noted in animals treated early in pregnancy. If any tetracycline is used during pregnancy or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking these drugs, the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to the fetus.

The antianabolic action of the tetracyclines may cause an increase in BUN. Studies to date indicate that this does not occur with the use of doxycycline in patients with impaired renal function.

Photosensitivity manifested by an exaggerated sunburn reaction has been observed in some individuals taking tetracyclines. Patients apt to be exposed to direct sunlight or ultraviolet light should be advised that this reaction can occur with tetracycline drugs, and treatment should be discontinued at the first evidence of skin erythema.

Due to oral doxycycline’s virtually complete absorption, side effects to the lower bowel, particularly diarrhea, have been infrequent. The following adverse reactions have been observed in patients receiving tetracyclines.

Gastrointestinal: Anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, glossitis, dysphagia, enterocolitis, and inflammatory lesions (with monilial overgrowth) in the anogenital region. Hepatotoxicity has been reported. These reactions have been caused by both the oral and parenteral administration of tetracyclines. Rare instances of esophagitis and esophageal ulcerations have been reported in patients receiving capsule and tablet forms of drugs in the tetracycline class. Most of these patients took medications immediately before going to bed. (See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION.)

Skin: Maculopapular and erythematous rashes, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, and erythema multiforme have been reported. Exfoliative dermatitis has been reported but is uncommon. Photosensitivity is discussed above. (See WARNINGS.)

Renal Toxicity: Rise in BUN has been reported and is apparently dose related. (See WARNINGS.)

Hypersensitivity Reactions: Urticaria, angioneurotic edema, anaphylaxis, anaphylactoid purpura, serum sickness, pericarditis, and exacerbation of systemic lupus erythematosus.

Blood: Hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, and eosinophilia have been reported with tetracyclines.

Other: Bulging fontanels in infants and intracranial hypertension in adults. (See PRECAUTIONS-General.)

When given over prolonged periods, tetracyclines have been reported to produce brown-black microscopic discoloration of the thyroid gland. No abnormalities of thyroid function are known to occur.

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.

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.

For pediatric patients above eight years of age: The recommended dosage schedule for pediatric patients weighing 100 pounds or less is 2 mg/lb of body weight divided into two doses on the first day of treatment, followed by 1 mg/lb of body weight given as a single daily dose or divided into two doses, on subsequent days. For more severe infections up to 2 mg/lb of body weight may be used. For pediatric patients over 100 pounds the usual adult dose should be used.

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 100 pounds (45 kg); 1 mg/lb (2.2 mg/kg) of body weight, by mouth, twice a day for 60 days. Children weighing 100 pounds or more should receive the adult dose.

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. (See ADVERSE REACTIONS.) If gastric irritation occurs, doxycycline may be given with food. Ingestion of a high fat meal has been shown to delay the time to peak plasma concentrations by an average of one hour and 20 minutes. However, in the same study, food enhanced the average peak concentration by 7.5% and the area under the curve by 5.7%.

Doxycycline Monohydrate Capsules 100 mg have an ivory opaque body with a brown opaque cap. The capsule bears the inscription WATSON 411 in white and 100 mg in brown. Each capsule contains doxycycline monohydrate equivalent to 100 mg of doxycycline, supplied in

Store at 20° - 25°C (68° -77°F). [See USP controlled room temperature.]

Dispense in a tight light-resistant container as defined in the USP/NF.

Hyperpigmentation of the thyroid has been produced by members of the tetracycline class in the following species: in rats by oxytetracycline, doxycycline, tetracycline PO4, and methacycline; in minipigs by doxycycline, minocycline, tetracycline PO4, and methacycline; in dogs by doxycycline and minocycline; in monkeys by minocycline.

Minocycline, tetracycline PO4, methacycline, doxycycline, tetracycline base, oxytetracycline HCl and tetracycline HCl were goitrogenic in rats fed a low iodine diet. This goitrogenic effect was accompanied by high radioactive iodine uptake. Administration of minocycline also produced a large goiter with high radioiodine uptake in rats fed a relatively high iodine diet.

Treatment of various animal species with this class of drugs has also resulted in the induction of thyroid hyperplasia in the following: in rats and dogs (minocycline), in chickens (chlortetracycline) and in rats and mice (oxytetracycline). Adrenal gland hyperplasia has been observed in goats and rats treated with oxytetracycline.

1. Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. Methods for Dilution Antimicrobial Susceptibility Tests for Bacteria that Grow Aerobically – Seventh Edition. Approved Standard CLSI Document M07-A8, Vol. 29, No. 2, CLSI, Wayne, PA, January, 2009.

2. Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. Performance Standards for Antimicrobial Disk Susceptibility Tests – Ninth Edition. Approved Standard CLSI Document M02-A10, Vol. 29, No. 1, CLSI, Wayne, PA, January, 2009.

3. Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. Performance Standards for Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing – Twenty-First Informational Supplement. CLSI Document M100-S21, Vol. 31, No. 1, CLSI, Wayne, PA, January, 2011.

4. Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. Methods for Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing of Anaerobic Bacteria – Seventh Edition. Approved Standard CLSI Document M11-A7, Vol. 27, No. 2, CLSI, Wayne, PA, December 2007.

5. Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. Methods for Antimicrobial Dilution and Disk Susceptibility Testing of Infrequently Isolated or Fastidious Bacteria: Approved Guidelines - 2nd Edition. CLSI Document M45-A2. CLSI, Wayne, PA, 2011

6. Friedman JM and Polifka JE. Teratogenic Effects of Drugs. A Resource for Clinicians (TERIS). Baltimore, MD: The Johns Hopkins University Press: 2000: 149-195.

7. Cziezel AE and Rockenbauer M. Teratogenic study of doxycycline. Obstet Gynecol 1997;89:524-528.

8. Horne HW Jr. and Kundsin RB. The role of mycoplasma among 81 consecutive pregnancies: a prospective study. Int J Fertil 1980; 25:315-317.

9. Hale T. Medications and Mothers Milk. 9th edition. Amarillo, TX: Pharmasoft Publishing 2000; 225-226.

Rx only

For all medical inquiries contact:
WATSON
Medical Communications
Parsippany, NJ 07054
800-272-5525

Distributed By:
Watson Pharma, Inc.
Parsippany, NJ 07054 USA

Revised: January 2012
191157-4

Doxycycline Monohydrate Capsules
100 mg capsules