Infectious Diseases What to Know About Vibramycin (doxycycline) A Common Antibiotic for Treating Bacterial Infections By Rachael Zimlich, BSN, RN Rachael is a freelance healthcare writer and critical care nurse based near Cleveland, Ohio. Learn about our editorial process Rachael Zimlich, BSN, RN Updated on October 01, 2020 Print Table of Contents View All Table of Contents Uses Before Taking Dosage Side Effects Warnings and Interactions Vibramycin is one of many brand names for doxycycline, a commonly used antibiotic prescribed to treat a wide range of bacterial infections, from acne to urinary tract infections (UTIs). It belongs to a class of antibiotics called tetracylines, which work either by killing the bacteria that caused the infection or by preventing it from growing. This medication comes in a variety of formulations, making it a versatile option: Powder for suspension (to be mixed with water)TabletsCapsulesDelayed-release tablets and capsulesInjections Syrup Besides being available as Vibramycin as well as generically, doxycycline is sold in the United States under other brand names: AdoxaAdoxa CKAdoxa PakAdoxa TTDoryxMonodoxOraceaPeriostatVibra-Tabs Uses The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Vibramycin to treat a wide range of infections: AcneActinomycosisAcute intestinal amebiasisCholeraClostridiumGram-negative infectionsListeriosisMalaria prophylaxisMycoplasma pneumoniaEye infectionsPeriodontitisChronic feverRespiratory tract infectionsRickettsial infectionsRosaceaSexually transmitted infectionsSkin infectionsVincent infectionZoonotic infections Off-Label Uses Vibramycin also has a number of off-label uses. It may be prescribed to treat: AnaplasmosisEhrlichiosisBite wound infectionsCellulitisChronic obstructive pulmonary disease, acute exacerbationsEpididymitisHidradenitis suppurativaLyme diseaseMalara, acute treatmentOtitis mediaPelvic inflammatory diseasePleurodesisProctitisProsthetic joint infectionSurgical prophylaxis for uterine evacuation Before Taking Your doctor is likely to prescribe Vibramycin for you if tests show you have a bacterial infection or, sometimes, if they suspect you have one based on symptoms such as a fever, sweating, and chills. When it is prescribed over another antibiotic, it will often be the first-line treatment for an infection. Share your medical history with them as well as any current health problems, allergies, or other medications or supplements you are taking. It will be especially important to alert your doctor if you've ever had a bad reaction to a tetracycline antibiotic. [Standard disclaimer: Talk to your doctor about all medications, supplements, and vitamins that you currently take. While some drugs pose minor interaction risks, others may outright contraindicate use or prompt careful consideration as to whether the pros of treatment outweigh the cons in your case.] Precautions and Contraindications Vibramycin is contraindicated for anyone who has ever had an allergic reaction to a tetracycline antibiotic in the past. If you know you have, tell your doctor so they can prescribe a better medication for you. Be aware that there are a number of chronic diseases and conditions that may preclude taking Vibramycin or dictate it be used with caution. Tell your doctor if you have: Candidiasis (yeast) infections Seniors may require special dosing of Vibramycin—typically, relatively small doses that can be adjusted carefully for effectiveness. Children younger than 8 years old and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not use Vibramycin or amoxicillin. It is not advisable to take Vibramycin if you also take Soriatane (acitretin), an oral retinoid used most often to treat psoriasis. Other Tetracycline Antibiotics Vibramycin isn't the only option if a doctor determines a tetracycline should be prescribed to treat an infection. Other such antibiotics include: BrodspecCleeravue-MDeclomycinDynacinMinocinNuzyraSeysaraSumycin Dosage There are a variety of adult formulations and dosages of Vibramycin for adults. The one your doctor chooses for you will depend on your size, why you're taking the medication, and perhaps your preference: Capsules of 50, 75, and 100 milligrams (mg)Delayed-release capsules of 40 mgIntravenous solutions of 100 mgOral solutions of 25 mg per 5 milliliters (mL)Tablets of 20, 50, 75, 100, and 150 mgDelayed-release capsules of 50, 75, 80, 100, 150, and 200 mg Typical dosing for adults formulations are 100 mg to 200 mg per day split between two doses. For children, the typical dosing for Vibramycin depends on a child's age and weight: For children over 8 who weigh more than 45 kilograms (kg)—around 99 pounds: 100 mg twice daily for the first day, then 50 mg or 100 mg once or twice dailyFor children over 8 who weigh less than 45 kg, the typical dose is 4.4 mg/kg/day, divided into two doses on the first day, then 2.2 mg/kg/day in one or two doses each day thereafterFor children under 8, a doctor will calculate an individualized dosage of Vibramycin. [Standard disclaimer: All listed dosages are according to the drug manufacturer. Check your prescription and talk to your doctor to make sure you are taking the right dose for you.] Modifications Seniors and people who have kidney disease may require specialized dosages of Vibramycin. How to Take and Store While you're taking Vibramycin or giving it to your child, there are few things to keep in mind to ensure the drug is safe and effective. Vibramycin can cause an upset stomach. This is nothing to worry about but can be prevented by taking the drug with food or a beverage.If you've been prescribed a tablet, swallow it whole: Do not crush or chew it.Capsules may be opened and sprinkled over food.Shake liquids and suspensions before taking Vibramycin or giving it to a child.If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you realize you've missed it, unless it's almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, don't worry about the missed dose and pick up your regular schedule with the next one. Do not double a dose of Vibramycin.Store Vibramycin in its original container to prevent mix-ups with other medications in your home. It should be kept out of sight and reach of children and away from moisture, heat, or direct light. A bathroom that can get steamy is not ideal.Do not stop taking Vibramycin without checking with your doctor first. Side Effects Vibramycin has been known to cause a number of side effects. Common Most of the common ones are mild and rarely something to worry about, but you should tell your doctor about them anyway. Upset stomachDiarrheaNauseaLoss of appetiteClay-colored stoolsSensitivity to sunlightTooth discoloration in childrenYeast infections, including oral thrushSkin discoloration Severe Call your doctor immediately if you experience any severe symptoms while taking Vibramycin such as: A spike in your temperatureRashTrouble swallowingThe feeling that your throat is closingHivesJoint painYellow (jaundice) skin or eyesDizzinessRacing heartbeatConfusion Warnings and Interactions While you're taking Vibramycin, it's advisable not to take medications that can interact with it, including: AmoxicillinAmpicillinAscorbic AcidBacampicillinBexaroteneCholera vaccine, liveCloxacillinDicloxacillinEtretinateIsotretinoinMethicillinMethotrexateMethoxyfluraneNafcillinOxacillinPenicillin of any typePiperacillinPivampicillinPorfimerSultamicillinTemocillinTretinoin You have an increased risk of side effects, or to absorption changes in one or both medications, if you take any of the following medications or substances while taking Vibramycin: AlcoholAluminum (all forms)Aminolevulinic acidBismuth subsalicylateCalciumDihydroxyaluminum amino acetate or sodium carbonateIronMagaldrateMagnesium (all forms)RifampinRifapentineTobacco Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Medline Plus. Doxycycline. Dec 15, 2017. Mayo Clinic. Doxycycline. Sept. 1, 2020. UpToDate. Doxycycline: Drug information. 2020. Mayo Clinic. (Sept. 1, 2020.) Tetracycline (class). Available at https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/tetracycline-class-oral-route-parenteral-route/description/drg-20069585.