Doxycycline, Oral
(docks-ee-sye-kleen)
Category: Tetracycline Antibiotic
Other Names for this Medication: Vibramycin®, Doryx®, Oracea®, Monodox®

How is this medication useful? Doxycycline, given by mouth, can be useful in dogs, cats, horses, small mammals, birds, and reptiles to treat infections including Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Chlamydia spp infection, Psittacosis, and heartworm infection. This medication can also be used to reduce inflammation such as eye inflammation in horses. The FDA has approved this drug for use in humans, but it is not officially approved for use in animals (except as a dental gel to be administered by your veterinarian during dental procedures). The FDA allows veterinarians to prescribe products containing this drug in different species or for other conditions in certain situations. A veterinarian-applied gel product is available for treating periodontal disease in dogs. You and your veterinarian can discuss why this drug is the most appropriate choice.

Side effects that usually are not serious include: Stomach upset, vomiting (in small animals), reduced appetite. If any of these occur, try giving the dose with a small amount of food to see if it helps. Diarrhea. Reddening (sunburn) of hairless skin around nose, eyelids, and ears when exposed to sunlight.
You don’t have to be overly concerned if you see any of these unless they are severe, worsen, or continue to be a problem. Contact your veterinarian if this happens.

If you have any other questions or concerns about this medication, contact your veterinarian or pharmacist.