Doxycycline (Subgingival)

Introduction

Doxycycline (dox-i-SYE-kleen)

Treats periodontitis (inflammation or swelling of the tissue supporting the teeth) caused by a bacterial infection. This medicine is a tetracycline antibiotic.

Brand Name(s)

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

How to Use This Medicine

Kit

• A dentist or other trained oral health care professional will give you this medicine. This medicine is put just below your gum line. The treatment may be repeated four months later.
• Do not brush or use dental floss or any other cleaning tools that go between the teeth for 7 days after treatment.

If a dose is missed:

• You may need to return to your dentist again to have a repeat dose of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Birth control pills may not work while you are using doxycycline. To keep from getting pregnant, use one or more other forms of birth control such as condoms, diaphragms, or contraceptive foams or jellies.
• There may be other medicines that can interact with doxycycline. Make sure your doctor or dentist knows about all other medicines you are using.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

• Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.
• Make sure your doctor or dentist knows if you are breastfeeding, or if you have or had a yeast or fungus infection in your mouth (oral candidiasis or thrush) or a weak immune system (caused by diabetes, HIV infection, or patients receiving cancer or radiation treatments). Tell your doctor about any other medical or dental problems you may have.
• Check with your dentist as soon as possible if you have pain or swelling or other problems in the treated areas.
• This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Use a sunscreen when you are outdoors. Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds.
• Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you have received this medicine. This medicine may affect the results of certain medical tests.
• Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Severe discomfort or swelling in your mouth.
• Toothache or broken tooth.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, or loss of appetite.
• Fever, chills, cough, runny nose, or sore throat.
• Headache or muscle aches.
• Sore mouth, teeth, or gums.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088