Periostat (Doxycycline Hyclate)

Do’s

• Take Periostat on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal, as directed by your doctor (usually 1-2 times daily).
• Take it with a full glass of water (8 ounces) unless your healthcare provider advises otherwise.
• If you experience stomach upset, talk to your doctor about taking it with food or milk. Be aware that this might reduce the medication's effectiveness.
• Take Periostat in a sitting or standing position and stay upright for at least 10 minutes after taking it.
• Take Periostat at evenly spaced times throughout the day for optimal effect.

Don'ts

• Don't take Periostat with any products containing aluminum, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, or bismuth subsalicylate within 2-3 hours before or after taking it. This includes antacids, some vitamins/minerals, dairy products, and certain medications. These substances can interfere with the absorption of Periostat.
• Don't tie down immediately after taking Periostat.

Common side effects:

• Mild stomach upset
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Skin rash
• Itching
• Swollen tongue
• Discoloration of the skin or eyes
• Difficulty swallowing
• Change in the amount of urine

Serious side effects that may require immediate medical attention include:

• Signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as fever, new or worsening lymph node swelling, rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, or trouble breathing
• Severe skin reactions, including blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, red skin lesions, severe acne or a skin rash, sores or ulcers on the skin, fever or chills, cough, sore throat, swollen, painful, or tender lymph glands in the neck, armpit, or groin, or yellow skin or eyes
• Symptoms of liver problems, such as yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or persistent nausea/vomiting
• Symptoms of increased pressure inside the skull (intracranial hypertension), such as severe headache, blurred vision, buzzing in the ears, dizziness, nausea, vision changes, and pain behind your eyes
• Diarrhea, colitis, and vaginal yeast infection, which may suggest overgrowth of non-susceptible microorganisms
• Symptoms of oesophageal irritation and ulceration, such as persistent bad breath, reddening of the gums, etc.

This is not an exhaustive list, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking Periostat,  contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Let your healthcare provider know if you have any allergies to doxycycline (the active ingredient in Periostat), other tetracyclines, or any of the inactive ingredients.

Inform your healthcare provider about any pre-existing health conditions, especially trouble swallowing or esophagus problems like hiatal hernia or reflux/heartburn.

Doxycycline may interfere with the effectiveness of live bacterial vaccines. Tell your healthcare provider you're taking Periostat before any vaccinations.

Inform your healthcare provider about all medications you take (including Periostat) before any surgery.

Periostat may increase sun sensitivity. Limit sun exposure, avoid tanning beds/lamps, use sunscreen, and wear protective clothing. Report sunburn or skin irritation to your healthcare provider.

Children under 8 are more susceptible to side effects, especially tooth discoloration. This can also occur in older children and young adults. Discuss risks and benefits with your healthcare provider.

Do not take Periostat if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It can harm the unborn baby. Discuss risks and benefits with your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking Periostat. Periostat passes into breast milk. Consult your healthcare provider before breastfeeding.