1.1 Rickettsial Infections

Doxycycline hyclate tablets are indicated for treatment of Rocky Mountain spotted fever, typhus fever and the typhus group, Q fever, rickettsial pox, and tick fevers caused by Rickettsiae. 

1.2 Sexually Transmitted Infections

Doxycycline hyclate tablets are indicated for treatment of the following sexually transmitted infections: 

• Uncomplicated urethral, endocervical or rectal infections caused by Chlamydia trachomatis.
• Nongonococcal urethritis caused by Ureaplasma urealyticum.
• Lymphogranuloma venereum caused by Chlamydia trachomatis.
• Granuloma inguinale caused by Klebsiella granulomatis.
• Uncomplicated gonorrhea caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
• Chancroid caused by Haemophilus ducreyi. 

1.3 Respiratory Tract Infections

Doxycycline hyclate tablets are indicated for treatment of the following respiratory tract infections:

• Respiratory tract infections caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae.
• Psittacosis (ornithosis) caused by Chlamydophila psittaci.
• 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 microorganisms, when bacteriological testing indicates appropriate susceptibility to the drug:
• Respiratory tract infections caused by Haemophilus influenzae.
• Respiratory tract infections caused by Klebsiella species.
• Upper respiratory infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae.  

1.4 Specific Bacterial Infections

Doxycycline hyclate tablets are indicated for treatment of the following specific bacterial infections:

• Relapsing fever due to Borrelia recurrentis.
• Plague due to Yersinia pestis.
• Tularemia due to Francisella tularensis.
• Cholera caused by Vibrio cholerae.
• Campylobacter fetus infections caused by Campylobacter fetus.
• Brucellosis due to Brucella species (in conjunction with streptomycin).
• Bartonellosis due to Bartonella bacilliformis.

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

Doxycycline hyclate tablets are indicated for treatment of infections caused by the following gram-negative microorganisms, when bacteriological testing indicates appropriate susceptibility to the drug:

• Escherichia coli
• Enterobacter aerogenes
• Shigella species
• Acinetobacter species
• Urinary tract infections caused by Klebsiella species.

1.5 Ophthalmic Infections

Doxycycline hyclate tablets are indicated for treatment of the following ophthalmic infections:

• Trachoma caused by Chlamydia trachomatis, although the infectious agent is not always eliminated as judged by immunofluorescence.
• Inclusion conjunctivitis caused by Chlamydia trachomatis.

1.6 Anthrax Including Inhalational Anthrax (Post-Exposure)

Doxycycline hyclate tablets are indicated for the treatment of Anthrax due to Bacillus anthracis, including inhalational anthrax (post-exposure); to reduce the incidence or progression of disease following exposure to aerosolized Bacillus anthracis.

1.7 Alternative Treatment for Selected Infections when Penicillin is Contraindicated

Doxycycline hyclate tablets are indicted as an alternative treatment for the following selected infections when penicillin is contraindicated:

• Syphilis caused by Treponema pallidum.
• Yaws caused by Treponema pallidum subspecies pertenue.
• Listeriosis due to Listeria monocytogenes.
• Vincent’s infection caused by Fusobacterium fusiforme.
• Actinomycosis caused by Actinomyces israelii.
• Infections caused by Clostridium species.

1.8 Adjunctive Therapy for Acute Intestinal Amebiasis and Severe Acne

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

In severe acne, doxycycline hyclate tablets may be useful adjunctive therapy.

1.9 Prophylaxis of Malaria

Doxycycline hyclate tablets are indicated for the prophylaxis of malaria due to Plasmodium falciparum in short-term travelers (less than 4 months) to areas with chloroquine and/or pyrimethamine-sulfadoxine resistant strains [see Dosage and Administration (2.4) and Patient Counseling Information (17)].

1.10 Usage

To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of doxycycline hyclate tablets and other antibacterial drugs, doxycycline hyclate tablets 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. 

2.1 Important Administration Instructions

·         The usual dosage and frequency of administration of doxycycline hyclate tablets differs from that of the other tetracyclines. Exceeding the recommended dosage may result in an increased incidence of adverse reactions.

·         Administer doxycycline hyclate tablets with adequate amounts of fluid to wash down the drugs and reduce the risk of esophageal irritation and ulceration [see Adverse Reactions (6)].

·         If gastric irritation occurs, doxycycline hyclate tablets may be given with food or milk [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]

·         Doxycycline hyclate tablets (150 mg) can be broken into two-thirds or one-third to provide a 100 mg and 50 mg strength, respectively [see FDA-approved patient labeling]. 

2.2 Dosage in Adult Patients

·         The usual dosage of doxycycline hyclate tablet is 200 mg on the first day of treatment (administered 100 mg every 12 hours) followed by a maintenance dose of 100 mg daily. 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 certain selected specific indications, the recommended duration or dosage and duration of doxycycline hyclate tablets in adult patients are as follows:

1.      Streptococcal infections, therapy should be continued for 10 days.

2.      Uncomplicated urethral, endocervical, or rectal infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis: 100 mg by mouth twice-a-day for 7 days.

3.      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.

4.      Nongonococcal urethritis (NGU) caused by C. trachomatis and U. urealyticum: 100 mg by mouth twice-a-day for 7 days.

5.      Syphilis – early: Patients who are allergic to penicillin should be treated with doxycycline 100 mg by mouth twice-a-day for 2 weeks.

6.      Syphilis of more than one year’s duration: Patients who are allergic to penicillin should be treated with doxycycline 100 mg by mouth twice-a-day for 4 weeks.

7.      Acute epididymo-orchitis caused by N. gonorrhoeae: 100 mg by mouth, twice-a-day for at least 10 days.

8.      Acute epididymo-orchitis caused by C. trachomatis: 100 mg, by mouth, twice-a-day for at least 10 days.

2.3 Dosage in 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 of doxycycline hyclate tablet is 2.2 mg per kg of body weight administered every 12 hours. Pediatric patients weighing 45 kg or more should receive the adult dose [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

·         For pediatric patients with less severe disease (greater than 8 years of age and weighing less than 45 kg), the recommended dosage schedule of doxycycline hyclate tablet is 4.4 mg per kg of body weight divided into two doses on the first day of treatment, followed by a maintenance dose of 2.2 mg per 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. 

2.4 Dosage for Prophylaxis of Malaria

For adults, the recommended dose of doxycycline hyclate tablet is 100 mg daily.

For pediatric patients 8 years of age and older, the recommended dosage of doxycycline hyclate tablet is 2 mg per kg of body weight administered once daily. Pediatric patients weighing 45 kg or more should receive the adult dose.

Prophylaxis should begin 1 or 2 days before travel to the malarious area. Prophylaxis should be continued daily during travel in the malarious area and for 4 weeks after the traveler leaves the malarious area.

2.5 Dosage for Inhalational Anthrax (Post-Exposure)

For adults, the recommended dosage is 100 mg, of doxycycline hyclate tablets, by mouth, twice-a-day for 60 days. For pediatric patients weighing less than 45 kg, the recommended dosage of doxycycline hyclate tablet is 2.2 mg per kg of body weight, by mouth, twice-a-day for 60 days. Pediatric patients weighing 45 kg or more should receive the adult dose.

5.1 Tooth Development

The use of doxycycline hyclate tablets 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 of the tetracycline-class, but it has been observed following repeated short-term courses. Enamel hypoplasia has also been reported with drugs of the tetracycline class. Advise the patient of the potential risk to the fetus if doxycycline hyclate tablet is used during pregnancy [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1, 8.4)].

Use doxycycline hyclate tablets 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.

5.2 Inhibition of Bone Growth

The use of doxycycline hyclate tablets during the second and third trimester of pregnancy, infancy and childhood up to the age of 8 years may cause reversible inhibition of bone growth. All tetracyclines form a stable calcium complex in any bone-forming tissue. A decrease in fibula growth rate has been observed in premature infants given oral tetracycline in doses of 25 mg/kg every 6 hours. This reaction was shown to be reversible when the drug was discontinued. Advise the patient of the potential risk to the fetus if doxycycline hyclate tablet is used during pregnancy [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1, 8.4)].

5.3 Clostridioides difficile Associated Diarrhea

Clostridioides difficile associated diarrhea (CDAD) has been reported with use of nearly all antibacterial agents, including doxycycline hyclate tablets, 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 antibacterial therapy and may require colectomy. CDAD must be considered in all patients who present with diarrhea following antibacterial 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 antibacterial use 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. 

5.4 Photosensitivity

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.  

5.5 Severe Skin Reactions

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 (6)]. If severe skin reactions occur, doxycycline should be discontinued immediately and appropriate therapy should be instituted.

5.6 Intracranial Hypertension

Intracranial hypertension (IH, pseudotumor cerebri) has been associated with the use of tetracyclines including doxycycline hyclate tablets. 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 hyclate tablets 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.  

5.7 Antianabolic Action

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.

5.8 Incomplete Suppression of Malaria

Doxycycline offers substantial but not complete suppression of the asexual blood stages of Plasmodium strains.

Doxycycline does not suppress P. falciparum’s sexual blood stage gametocytes. Subjects completing this prophylactic regimen may still transmit the infection to mosquitoes outside endemic areas. 

5.9 Development of Drug-Resistant Bacteria

Prescribing doxycycline hyclate tablets in the absence of a proven or strongly suspected bacterial infection or a prophylactic indication is unlikely to provide benefit to the patient and increases the risk of the development of drug-resistant bacteria.  

5.10 Potential for Microbial Overgrowth

Doxycycline hyclate tablets may result in overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms, including fungi. If such infections occur, discontinue use and institute appropriate therapy.

5.11 Laboratory Monitoring for Long-Term Therapy

In long-term therapy, periodic laboratory evaluation of organ systems, including hematopoietic, renal and hepatic studies should be performed.  

7.1 Anticoagulant Drugs

Because tetracyclines have been shown to depress plasma prothrombin activity, patients who are on anticoagulant therapy may require downward adjustment of their anticoagulant dosage.

7.2 Penicillin

Since bacteriostatic drugs may interfere with the bactericidal action of penicillin, it is advisable to avoid giving tetracyclines, including doxycycline hyclate tablets in conjunction with penicillin.

7.3 Antacids and Iron Preparations

Absorption of tetracyclines, including doxycycline hyclate tablet is impaired by antacids containing aluminum, calcium, or magnesium, bismuth subsalicylate, and iron-containing preparations.

7.4 Oral Contraceptives

Concurrent use of tetracyclines, including doxycycline hyclate tablets may render oral contraceptives less effective.

7.5 Barbiturates and Anti-Epileptics

Barbiturates, carbamazepine, and phenytoin decrease the half-life of doxycycline.

7.6 Penthrane®

The concurrent use of tetracycline and Penthrane® (methoxyflurane) has been reported to result in fatal renal toxicity.

7.7 Drug and Laboratory Test Interactions

False elevations of urinary catecholamines may occur due to interference with the fluorescence test.  

8.1 Pregnancy

Risk Summary

Doxycycline hyclate tablets, like other tetracycline-class antibacterial drugs, may cause discoloration deciduous teeth, and reversible inhibition of bone growth when administered during the second and third trimester of pregnancy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and (5.2)]. Available data from published studies over decades have not shown a difference in major birth defect risk compared to unexposed pregnancies with doxycycline exposure in the first trimester of pregnancy (see Data). There are no available data on the risk of miscarriage following exposure to doxycycline in pregnancy. Advise the patient of the potential risk to the fetus if doxycycline hyclate tablet is used during pregnancy.

The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively.

Data 

Human Data  

A retrospective cohort study of 1,690 pregnant patients who received doxycycline prescriptions in the first trimester of pregnancy compared to an unexposed pregnant cohort showed no difference in the major malformation rate. There is no information on the dose or duration of treatment, or if the patients actually ingested the doxycycline that was prescribed.

Other published studies on exposure to doxycycline in the first trimester of pregnancy have small sample sizes; however, these studies have not shown an increased risk of major malformations. 

The use of tetracyclines during tooth development (second and third trimester of pregnancy) may cause permanent discoloration of the teeth (yellow-gray-brown). This adverse reaction is more common during long-term use of the drug but has been observed following repeated short-term courses [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1, 5.2)].

Animal Data  

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 embryotoxicity also has been noted in animals treated early in pregnancy. 

8.2 Lactation

Risk Summary 

Based on available published data, doxycycline is present in human milk. There are no data that inform the levels of doxycycline in breastmilk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions, including tooth discoloration and inhibition of bone growth, advise patients that breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment with doxycycline hyclate tablets and for 5 days after the last dose.

8.3 Females and Males of Reproductive Potential 

Infertility 

Based on findings from a fertility study in animals, doxycycline may impair female and male fertility. The reversibility of this finding is unclear [see Nonclinical Toxicology (13.1)].

8.4 Pediatric Use

Because of the effects of drugs of the tetracycline-class on tooth development and growth, use doxycycline hyclate tablets 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 [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1, 1.1) and Dosage and Administration (2.1, 2.5)].

8.5 Geriatric Use

Clinical studies of doxycycline hyclate tablets did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients. Doxycycline hyclate tablet each contains less than 1 mg of sodium.   

12.1 Mechanism of Action

Doxycycline is a tetracycline-class antimicrobial drug [see Microbiology (12.4)].  

12.3 Pharmacokinetics

Absorption

Doxycycline hyclate tablets: Following administration of a single 300 mg dose to adult volunteers, average peak plasma doxycycline levels were 3 mcg per mL at 3 hours, decreasing to 1.18 mcg per mL at 24 hours. The mean Cmax and AUC0-∞ of doxycycline are 24% and 15% lower, respectively, following single dose administration of doxycycline hyclate tablets, 150 mg tablets with a high fat meal (including milk) compared to fasted conditions. The clinical significance of these decreases is unknown.

Excretion

Tetracyclines are concentrated in bile by the liver and excreted in the urine and feces at high concentrations and in a biologically active form.

Excretion of doxycycline by the kidney is about 40% per 72 hours in individuals with a creatinine clearance of about 75 mL per minute. This percentage may fall as low as 1% per 72 hours to 5% per 72 hours in individuals with a creatinine clearance below 10 mL per minute. Studies have shown no significant difference in the serum half-life of doxycycline (range 18 to 22 hours) in individuals with normal and severely impaired renal function. Hemodialysis does not alter the serum half-life.

Pediatric Patients

Population pharmacokinetic analysis of sparse concentration-time data of doxycycline following standard of care intravenous and oral dosing in 44 children (2 to 18 years of age) showed that allometrically-scaled clearance of doxycycline in children ≥2 to ≤8 years of age (median [range] 3.58 [2.27 to 10.82] L/h/70 kg, N=11) did not differ significantly from children >8 to 18 years of age (3.27 [1.11 to 8.12] L/h/70 kg, N=33). For pediatric patients weighing ≤45 kg, body weight normalized doxycycline CL in those ≥2 to ≤8 years of age (median [range] 0.071 [0.041 to 0.202] L/kg/h, N=10) did not differ significantly from those >8 to 18 years of age (0.081 [0.035-0.126] L/kg/h, N=8). In pediatric patients weighing >45 kg no clinically significant differences in body weight normalized doxycycline CL were observed between those ≥2 to ≤8 years (0.05 L/kg/h, N=1) and those >8 years of age (0.044 [0.014 to 0.121] L/kg/h, N=25). No clinically significant difference in CL differences between oral and IV were observed in the small cohort of pediatric patients who received the oral (N=19) or IV (N=21) formulation alone.

12.4 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 (1)].

Gram-negative bacteria  

Acinetobacter species

Bartonella bacilliformis

Brucella species

Campylobacter fetus

Enterobacter aerogenes

Escherichia coli

Francisella tularensis

Haemophilus ducreyi

Haemophilus influenzae

Klebsiella granulomatis

Klebsiella species

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 species

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: http://www.fda.gov/STIC. 

13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

Long-term studies in animals to evaluate carcinogenic potential of doxycycline hyclate tablets have not been conducted.

However, a 2 year carcinogenicity study with doxycycline administered daily by oral gavage to adult rats (20, 75, 200 mg/kg/day) demonstrated an increase in uterine polyps in female rats at 200 mg/kg/day (10 times the maximum recommended daily adult dose of doxycycline hyclate tablets based on body surface area comparison) with no change in tumor incidence in male rats at the same dose. A 2-year carcinogenicity study with doxycycline administered daily by oral gavage to adult male (maximum dose 150 mg/kg/day) and female (maximum dose 300 mg/kg/day) mice showed no changes in tumor incidence, at approximately 4 and 7 times the maximum recommended daily adult dose of doxycycline hyclate tablets, based on a body surface area comparison, respectively.

Mutagenesis and fertility studies have not been conducted with doxycycline hyclate tablets. Mutagenesis studies with doxycycline demonstrated no potential to cause genetic toxicity in an in vitro point mutation study with mammalian cells or in an in vivo micronucleus assay in CD-1 mice. However, data from an in vitro mammalian chromosomal aberration assay conducted in CHO cells suggest that doxycycline is a weak clastogen. Oral administration of doxycycline to Sprague-Dawley rats showed adverse effects on fertility and reproduction including increased time for mating, reduced sperm motility, velocity and concentration as well as increased pre and post implantation loss. Reduced sperm velocity was seen at the lowest dosage tested, 50 mg/kg/day which is 2.5 times the maximum recommended daily adult dose of doxycycline hyclate tablets. Although doxycycline impairs the fertility of rats when administered at sufficient dosages, the effect of doxycycline hyclate tablets on human fertility is unknown.

13.2 Animal Toxicology and/or Pharmacology

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.

Results of animal studies indicate that tetracyclines cross the placenta and are found in fetal tissues.