Antimicrobials
Doxycycline

Doxycycline

Low
Excellent (90 to 100%)
$0.12 (PO)

Dosing

General Information

  • Skin and soft tissue infection
  • Community acquired pneumonia
  • Malaria prophylaxis
  • Methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)infections
  • Sterile site S. aureus isolates such as blood should not be treated with doxycycline
  • GI upset and erosive esophagitis
  • Photosensitivity rash
  • Teeth staining
  • Divalent cations - decreased absorption
  • Increased digoxin levels
  • Increased INR with warfarin
  • Some anticonvulsants can decrease doxycycline levels

PO absorption of doxycycline is excellent. This route should be used in most cases.

Prescribing Restrictions

  • PO: None
  • IV doxycycline is available via Health Canada Special Access Program only.
  • For special access drug availability contact SAP program ((613) 941-2108 OR [email protected]) or your Pharmacy department.
  • No liquid formulation available
  • Capsules can be opened and given via NG route

OPEN BENEFIT (PO): No prescribing restrictions

Antimicrobial class: Tetracycline

Pregnancy category: D

Average serum half life: 18 hours

Urine penetration: Therapeutic

Lung penetration: Therapeutic

CSF penetration: Poor

Biliary penetration: Therapeutic