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

DESCRIPTION

Doxycycline hyclate, USP is an antibacterial drug synthetically derived from oxytetracycline. Its chemical name is 2-Naphthacenecarboxamide, 4-(dimethylamino)-1,4,4a,5,5a,6,11,12a-octahydro-3,5,10,12,12a-pentahydroxy-6-methyl-1,11-dioxo-, monohydrochloride, compound with ethanol (2:1), monohydrate, [4S-(4α,4aα,5α,5aα,6α,12aα)]. Its structural formula is as follows:

Molecular formula: [C22H24N2O8.HCl]2 C2H6O H2O

Molecular weight: 1025.88 g/mol

Doxycycline hyclate, USP is a yellow color crystalline powder. It is soluble in water and in solutions of alkali hydroxides and carbonates; slightly soluble in alcohol; practically insoluble in chloroform and in ether. Doxycycline has a high degree of lipoid solubility and a low affinity for calcium binding. It is highly stable in normal human serum.

Doxycycline for Injection USP, 100 mg/vial is a sterile yellow color lyophilized powder or cake filled in amber color glass vial with gray rubber stopper and orange flip off seal. Each vial contains doxycycline hyclate, USP equivalent to 100 mg doxycycline; ascorbic acid, 480 mg; and mannitol, 300 mg.

Tetracyclines are readily absorbed and are bound to plasma proteins in varying degree. They are concentrated by the liver in the bile and excreted in the urine and feces at high concentrations and in a biologically active form.

Following a single 100 mg dose administered in a concentration of 0.4 mg/mL in a one-hour infusion, normal adult volunteers average a peak of 2.5 mcg/mL, while 200 mg of a concentration of 0.4 mg/mL administered over two hours averaged a peak of 3.6 mcg/mL. Excretion of doxycycline by the kidney is about 40 percent/72 hours in individuals with normal function (creatinine clearance about 75 mL/min.). This percentage excretion may fall as low as 1 to 5 percent/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 hours to 22 hours) in individuals with normal and severely impaired renal function.

Hemodialysis does not alter this serum half-life of doxycycline.

Microbiology

Mechanism of Action

Doxycycline inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 30S ribosomal subunit. Doxycycline has bacteriostatic activity against a broad range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.

Resistance

Cross resistance with other tetracyclines is common.

Antimicrobial Activity

Doxycycline has been shown to be active against most isolates of the following microorganisms, both in vitro and in clinical infections (see INDICATIONS AND USAGE).

Gram-Negative Bacteria

Acinetobacter species

Bartonella bacilliformis

Brucella species

Klebsiella species

Klebsiella granulomatis

Campylobacter fetus

Enterobacter aerogenes

Escherichia coli

Francisella tularensis

Haemophilus ducreyi

Haemophilus influenzae

Neisseria gonorrhoeae

Shigella species

Vibrio cholerae

Yersinia pestis

Gram-Positive Bacteria

Bacillus anthracis

Listeria monocytogenes

Streptococcus pneumoniae

Anaerobic Bacteria

Clostridium species

Fusobacterium fusiforme

Propionibacterium acnes

Other Bacteria

Nocardiae and other aerobic Actinomyces species

Borrelia recurrentis

Chlamydophila psittaci

Chlamydia trachomatis

Mycoplasma pneumoniae

Rickettsiae

Treponema pallidum

Treponema pallidum subspecies pertenue

Ureaplasma urealyticum

Parasites

Balantidium coli

Entamoeba species

Plasmodium falciparum*

*Doxycycline has been found to be active against the asexual erythrocytic forms of Plasmodium falciparum but not against the gametocytes of P. falciparum. The precise mechanism of action of the drug is not known.

Susceptibility Testing

For specific information regarding susceptibility test interpretive criteria and associated test methods and quality control standards recognized by FDA for this drug, please see: https://www.fda.gov/STIC.

To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain effectiveness of doxycycline for injection and other antibacterial drugs, doxycycline for injection 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 in infections caused by the following microorganisms:

• Rickettsiae (Rocky Mountain spotted fever, typhus fever and the typhus group, Q fever, rickettsialpox and tick fevers).
• Mycoplasma pneumoniae (PPLO, Eaton Agent).
• Agents of psittacosis and ornithosis.
• Agents of lymphogranuloma venereum and granuloma inguinale.
• The spirochetal agent of relapsing fever (Borrelia recurrentis).

The following gram-negative microorganisms:

• Haemophilus ducreyi (chancroid)
• Yersinia pestis
• Francisella tularensis
• Bartonella bacilliformis
• Bacteroides species
• Vibrio cholerae and
• Campylobacte fetus
• Brucella species (in conjunction with streptomycin).

Because many strains of the following groups of microorganisms have been shown to be resistant to tetracyclines, 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
• Shigella species
• Acinetobacter species
• Haemophilus influenzae (respiratory infections)
• Klebsiella species (respiratory and urinary infections)

Doxycycline is indicated for treatment of infections caused by the following gram-positive microorganisms when bacteriologic testing indicates appropriate susceptibility to the drug:

• Streptococcus species: 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 for streptococcal disease unless the organism has been demonstrated to be sensitive.

  For upper respiratory infections due to group A beta-hemolytic streptococci, penicillin is the usual drug of choice, including prophylaxis of rheumatic fever.

• Streptococcus pneumoniae
• Staphylococcus aureus, respiratory, skin and soft tissue infections. Tetracyclines are not the drugs of choice in the treatment of any type of staphylococcal infections.
• Anthrax due to Bacillus anthracis, including inhalational anthrax (post-exposure): to reduce the incidence or progression of disease following exposure to aerosolized Bacillus anthracis.

When penicillin is contraindicated, doxycycline is an alternative drug in the treatment of infections due to:

• Neisseria gonorrhoeae and N. meningitidis
• Treponema pallidum and Treponema pallidum subspecies pertenue (syphilis and yaws)
• Listeria monocytogenes
• Clostridium species
• Fusobacterium fusiforme (Vincent’s infection)
• Actinomyces species.

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

Doxycycline is indicated in the treatment of trachoma, although the infectious agent is not always eliminated, as judged by immunofluorescence.

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. Use doxycycline in pediatric patients 8 years of age or less only when the potential benefits are expected to outweigh the risks in severe or life-threatening conditions (e.g., anthrax, Rocky Mountain spotted fever), particularly when there are no alternative therapies.

Clostridium difficile associated diarrhea (CDAD) has been reported with use of nearly all antibacterial agents, including doxycycline 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 the use of antibacterial drugs. 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 use of antibacterial drugs not directed against C. difficile may need to be discontinued. Appropriate fluid and electrolyte management, protein supplementation, antibacterial treatment of C. difficile and surgical evaluation should be instituted as clinically indicated.

Severe skin reactions, such as exfoliative dermatitis, erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis and drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) have been reported in patients receiving doxycycline (see ADVERSE REACTIONS). If severe skin reactions occur, doxycycline should be discontinued immediately and appropriate therapy should be instituted.

Intracranial hypertension (IH, pseudotumor cerebri) has been associated with the use of tetracyclines including doxycycline. Clinical manifestations of IH include headache, blurred vision, diplopia and vision loss; papilledema can be found on fundoscopy. Women of childbearing age who are overweight or have a history of IH are at greater risk for developing tetracycline associated IH. Concomitant use of isotretinoin and doxycycline should be avoided because isotretinoin is also known to cause pseudotumor cerebri.

Although IH typically resolves after discontinuation of treatment, the possibility for permanent visual loss exists. If visual disturbance occurs during treatment, prompt ophthalmologic evaluation is warranted. Since intracranial pressure can remain elevated for weeks after drug cessation patients should be monitored until they stabilize.

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.

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.

Gastrointestinal

Anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, glossitis, dysphagia, enterocolitis, inflammatory lesions (with monilial overgrowth) in the anogenital region and pancreatitis. Hepatotoxicity has been reported rarely. These reactions have been caused by both the oral and parenteral administration of tetracyclines. Superficial discoloration of the adult permanent dentition, reversible upon drug discontinuation and professional dental cleaning has been reported. Permanent tooth discoloration and enamel hypoplasia may occur with drugs of the tetracycline class when used during tooth development (see WARNINGS).

Skin

Maculopapular and erythematous rashes. 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).

Immune

Hypersensitivity reactions including urticaria, angioneurotic edema, anaphylaxis, anaphylactoid purpura, pericarditis, exacerbation of systemic lupus erythematosus and drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS).

Other

Bulging fontanels in infants and intracranial hypertension in adults (see WARNINGS).

Blood

Hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, neutropenia and eosinophilia have been reported.

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

Note: Rapid administration is to be avoided. Parenteral therapy is indicated only when oral therapy is not indicated. Oral therapy should be instituted as soon as possible. If intravenous therapy is given over prolonged periods of time, thrombophlebitis may result.

The usual dosage and frequency of administration of doxycycline for injection (100 mg/day to 200 mg/day) differs from that of the other tetracyclines (1 g/day to 2 g/day). Exceeding the recommended dosage may result in an increased incidence of side effects.

Studies to date have indicated that doxycycline for injection at the usual recommended doses does not lead to excessive accumulation of doxycycline in patients with renal impairment.

Adults

The usual dosage of doxycycline for injection is 200 mg on the first day of treatment administered in one or two infusions. Subsequent daily dosage is 100 mg to 200 mg depending upon the severity of infection, with 200 mg administered in one or two infusions.

In the treatment of primary and secondary syphilis, the recommended dosage is 300 mg daily for at least 10 days.

In the treatment of inhalational anthrax (post-exposure) the recommended dose is 100 mg of doxycycline, twice a day. Parenteral therapy is only indicated when oral therapy is not indicated and should not be continued over a prolonged period of time. Oral therapy should be instituted as soon as possible. Therapy must continue for a total of 60 days.

Pediatric Patients

For all pediatric patients weighing less than 45 kg with severe or life-threatening infections (e.g., anthrax, Rocky Mountain spotted fever), the recommended dosage is 2.2 mg/kg of body weight administered every 12 hours. Children weighing 45 kg or more should receive the adult dose (see WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS).

For pediatric patients with less severe disease (greater than 8 years of age and weighing less than 45 kg), the recommended dosage schedule is 4.4 mg/kg of body weight divided into two doses on the first day of treatment, followed by a maintenance dose of 2.2 mg/kg of body weight (given as a single daily dose or divided into twice daily doses). For pediatric patients weighing over 45 kg, the usual adult dose should be used.

In the treatment of inhalational anthrax (post-exposure) the recommended dose is 2.2 mg/kg of body weight, twice a day in children weighing less than 45 kg. Parenteral therapy is only indicated when oral therapy is not indicated and should not be continued over a prolonged period of time. Oral therapy should be instituted as soon as possible. Therapy must continue for a total of 60 days.

General

The duration of infusion may vary with the dose (100 mg per day to 200 mg per day) but is usually one to four hours. A recommended minimum infusion time for 100 mg of a 0.5 mg/mL solution is one hour. Therapy should be continued for at least 24 hours to 48 hours after symptoms and fever have subsided. The therapeutic antibacterial serum activity will usually persist for 24 hours following recommended dosage.

Intravenous solutions should not be injected intramuscularly or subcutaneously. Caution should be taken to avoid the inadvertent introduction of the intravenous solution into the adjacent soft tissue.

To prepare a solution containing 10 mg/mL, the contents of the vial should be reconstituted with 10 mL (for the 100 mg/vial container) of Sterile Water for Injection or any of the ten intravenous infusion solutions listed below. Each 100 mg of doxycycline for injection (i.e. withdraw entire solution from the 100 mg vial) is further diluted with 100 mL to 1,000 mL of the intravenous solutions listed below:

1.   Sodium Chloride Injection, USP

2.   5% Dextrose Injection, USP

3.   Ringer’s Injection, USP

4.   Invert Sugar, 10% in Water

5.   Lactated Ringer’s Injection, USP

6.   Dextrose 5% in Lactated Ringer’s

7.   Normosol-M® in D5-W (Abbott)

8.   Normosol-R® in D5-W (Abbott)

9.   Plasma-Lyte® 56 in 5% Dextrose (Travenol)

10.   Plasma-Lyte® 148 in 5% Dextrose (Travenol)

This will result in desired concentrations of 0.1 mg/mL to 1 mg/mL. Concentrations lower than 0.1 mg/mL or higher than 1 mg/mL are not recommended.

Stability

Doxycycline for injection is stable for 48 hours in solution when diluted with Sodium Chloride Injection, USP, or 5% Dextrose Injection, USP, to concentrations between 1 mg/mL and 0.1 mg/mL and stored at 25°C. Doxycycline for injection in these solutions is stable under fluorescent light for 48 hours but must be protected from direct sunlight during storage and infusion. Reconstituted solutions (1 mg/mL to 0.1 mg/mL) may be stored up to 72 hours prior to start of infusion if refrigerated and protected from sunlight and artificial light. Infusion must then be completed within 12 hours. Solutions must be used within these time periods or discarded.

Doxycycline for injection, when diluted with Ringer’s Injection, USP, or Invert Sugar, 10% in Water, or Normosol-M® in D5-W (Abbott), or Normosol-R® in D5-W (Abbott), or Plasma-Lyte® 56 in 5% Dextrose (Travenol), or Plasma-Lyte® 148 in 5% Dextrose (Travenol) to a concentration between 1 mg/mL and 0.1 mg/mL, must be completely infused within 12 hours after reconstitution to ensure adequate stability. During infusion, the solution must be protected from direct sunlight. Reconstituted solutions (1 mg/mL to 0.1 mg/mL) may be stored up to 72 hours prior to start of infusion if refrigerated and protected from sunlight and artificial light. Infusion must then be completed within 12 hours. Solutions must be used within these time periods or discarded.

When diluted with Lactated Ringer’s Injection, USP, or Dextrose 5% in Lactated Ringer’s, infusion of the solution (ca. 1 mg/mL) or lower concentrations (not less than 0.1 mg/mL) must be completed within six hours after reconstitution to ensure adequate stability. During infusion, the solution must be protected from direct sunlight. Solutions must be used within this time period or discarded.

Solutions of doxycycline for injection at a concentration of 10 mg/mL in Sterile Water for Injection, when frozen immediately after reconstitution are stable for 8 weeks when stored at -20°C. If the product is warmed, care should be taken to avoid heating it after the thawing is complete. Once thawed the solution should not be refrozen.

Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit.

Doxycycline for Injection USP, 100 mg/vial is a sterile yellow color lyophilized powder or cake filled in amber color glass vial with gray rubber stopper and orange flip off seal containing doxycycline hyclate, USP equivalent to 100 mg of doxycycline.

It is available as follows:

100 mg/vial

1 Single-Dose Vial:                                                     NDC 70121-1616-1

10 Vials in 1 Carton:                                                   NDC 70121-1616-7

Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Protect from light. Retain in carton until time of use.

To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Amneal Pharmaceuticals at 1-877-835-5472 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

This product’s label may have been updated. For current full prescribing information, please visit www.amneal.com.

All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Manufactured by:
Amneal Pharmaceuticals Private Limited
Parenteral Unit
Ahmedabad 382213, INDIA

Distributed by:
Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC
Bridgewater, NJ 08807

Rev. 10-2022-00

NDC 70121-1616-1

Doxycycline for Injection USP, 100 mg/vial

Vial label

Rx only

Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC

NDC 70121-1616-7

Doxycycline for Injection, USP

Carton label

Rx only

Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC