Doxycycline Hyclate Tablets, USP Rx Only

Doxycycline hyclate tablets, USP are available as a 20 mg formulation of doxycycline for oral administration.
The structural formula of doxycycline hyclate is:
Structure
with an empirical formula of (C₂₂H₂₄N₂O₈•HCl)₂•C₂H₆O•H₂O and a molecular weight of 1025.89.

The chemical designation for doxycycline is 4-(dimethylamino)-1,4,4a,5,5a,6,11,12a–octahydro-3,5,10,12,12a–pentahydroxy-6-methyl-1,11-dioxo-2-naphthacenecarboxamide monohydrochloride, compound with ethyl alcohol (2:1), monohydrate.

Doxycycline hyclate, USP is a yellow to light-yellow powder which is freely soluble in water and in methanol; sparingly soluble in alcohol; practically insoluble in chloroform and in ether. It dissolves in aqueous solutions of alkali hydroxides and carbonates.

Inert ingredients in the formulation are: colloidal silicon dioxide, croscarmellose sodium, lactose anhydrous, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, polyvinyl alcohol, talc, and titanium dioxide. Each tablet contains 23 mg of doxycycline hyclate equivalent to 20 mg of doxycycline.

Doxycycline hyclate tablets, USP meets USP Dissolution Test 3.

After oral administration, doxycycline hyclate is rapidly and nearly completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Doxycycline is eliminated with a half-life of approximately 18 hours by renal and fecal excretion of unchanged drug.

Mechanism of Action

Doxycycline has been shown to inhibit collagenase activity in vitro.1 Additional studies have shown that doxycycline reduces the elevated collagenase activity in the gingival crevicular fluid of patients with adult periodontitis.^2,3  The clinical significance of these  findings  is not  known.

 Microbiology

Doxycycline is a member of the tetracycline class of antibiotics. The dosage of doxycycline achieved with this product during administration is well below the concentration required to inhibit microorganisms commonly associated with adult periodontitis. Clinical studies with this product demonstrated no effect on total anaerobic and facultative bacteria in plaque samples from patients administered this dose regimen for 9 to 18 months.

This product should not be used for reducing the numbers of or eliminating those microorganisms associated with periodontitis.

 Pharmacokinetics 

The pharmacokinetics of doxycycline following oral administration of doxycycline hyclate tablets were investigated in 4 volunteer studies involving 107 adults. Additionally, doxycycline pharmacokinetics have been characterized in numerous scientific publications.⁴  Pharmacokinetic parameters for doxycycline hyclate tablets following single oral doses and at steady-state in healthy subjects are   presented as follows:

 Pharmacokinetic Parameters for Doxycycline Hyclate Tablets 

^* Mean ± SD

^† Mean and range 

^‡ Steady-State data were obtained from normal volunteers administered a bioequivalent formulation.

Absorption

Doxycycline is well absorbed after oral administration. In a single-dose study, concomitant administration of doxycycline hyclate tablets with a 1000 calorie, high-fat, high-protein meal which included dairy products, in healthy volunteers, resulted in a decrease in the rate and extent of absorption and delay in the time to maximum concentrations.

Distribution

Doxycycline is greater than 90% bound to plasma proteins. Its apparent volume of distribution is variously reported as between 52.6 and 134 L.^4,6

Metabolism

Major metabolites of doxycycline have not been identified. However, enzyme inducers such as barbiturates, carbamazepine, and phenytoin decrease the half-life of doxycycline.

Excretion

Doxycycline is excreted in the urine and feces as unchanged drug. It is variously reported that between 29% and 55.4% of an administered dose can be accounted for in the urine by 72 hours.^5,6 Half-life averaged 18  hours in subjects receiving a single 20  mg  doxycycline  dose.

 Special Populations

Geriatric

Doxycycline pharmacokinetics have not been evaluated in geriatric patients. 

Pediatric

Doxycycline pharmacokinetics have not been evaluated in pediatric patients (See WARNINGS section). 

Gender

Doxycycline pharmacokinetics were compared in 9 men and 11 women under fed and fasted conditions. While female subjects had a higher rate (C_max) and extent of absorption (AUC), these differences are thought to be due to differences in body weight/lean body mass. Differences in other pharmacokinetic parameters were not significant.

Race

Differences in doxycycline pharmacokinetics among racial groups have not been evaluated.

 Renal Insufficiency

Studies have shown no significant difference in serum half-life of doxycycline in patients with normal and severely impaired renal function. Hemodialysis does not alter the half-life of   doxycycline.

Hepatic Insufficiency

Doxycycline pharmacokinetics have not been evaluated in patients with hepatic insufficiency.

Drug Interactions

(See PRECAUTIONS section)

 Clinical Study 

In a randomized, multi-centered, double-blind, 9-month Phase 3 study involving 190 adult patients with periodontal disease [at least two probing sites per quadrant of between 5 and 9 mm pocket depth (PD) and attachment level (ALv)], the effects of oral administration of 20 mg twice a day of doxycycline hyclate (using a bioequivalent capsule formulation) plus scaling and root planning (SRP) were compared to placebo control plus SRP. Both treatment groups were administered a course of scaling and root planing in 2 quadrants at Baseline. Measurements of ALv, PD and bleeding-on-probing (BOP) were obtained at Baseline, 3, 6, and 9 months from each site about each tooth in the two quadrants that received SRP using the UNC-15 manual probe. Each tooth site was categorized into one of three strata based on Baseline PD: 0 to 3 mm (no disease), 4 to 6 mm (mild/moderate disease), ≥ 7 mm (severe disease). For each stratum and treatment group, the following were calculated at month 3, 6, and 9: mean change in ALv from baseline, mean change in PD from baseline, mean percentage of tooth sites per patient  exhibiting attachment loss of ≥ 2 mm from baseline, and percentage of tooth sites with bleeding on probing. The results are summarized in the following table.

Clinical Results at Nine Months of Doxycycline Hyclate Capsules, 20 mg, as an Adjunct to SRP (Bioequivalent to Doxycycline Hyclate Tablets, 20 mg)

^* SD=Standard Deviation 

^† ALv=Clinical Attachment Level 

^‡ p<0.05 vs. the placebo control group.

^§ PD=Pocket Depth

^¶  p<0.01 vs. the placebo control group.

^# BOP=Bleeding on Probing 

Doxycycline hyclate tablets are indicated for use as an adjunct to scaling and root planing to promote attachment level gain and to reduce pocket depth in patients with adult periodontitis.

This drug is contraindicated in persons who have shown hypersensitivity to doxycycline or any of the other tetracyclines.

THE USE OF DRUGS OF THE TETRACYCLINE CLASS 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 but has been observed following repeated short-term courses. Enamel hypoplasia has also been reported. TETRACYCLINE DRUGS, THEREFORE, SHOULD NOT BE USED IN THIS AGE GROUP AND IN PREGNANT OR NURSING MOTHERS UNLESS THE POTENTIAL BENEFITS MAY BE ACCEPTABLE DESPITE THE POTENTIAL RISKS.

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 tetracyclines in doses of 25 mg/kg every 6 hours. This reaction was shown to be reversible when the drug was discontinued. Doxycycline can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. 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 has also been noted in animals treated early in pregnancy. If any tetracyclines are used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to the fetus. The catabolic action of the tetracyclines may cause an increase in BUN. Previous studies have not observed an increase in BUN with the use of doxycycline in patients with impaired renal function. 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.

Fixed drug eruptions have occurred with doxycycline and have been associated with worsening severity upon subsequent administrations, including generalized bullous fixed drug eruption (see ADVERSE REACTIONS for Tetracyclines). If severe skin reactions occur, discontinue doxycycline hyclate tablets immediately and institute appropriate therapy.

Adverse Reactions for Tetracyclines: Skin: Maculopapular and erythematous rashes, and fixed drug eruption have been reported. Exfoliative dermatitis has been reported but is uncommon. Photosensitivity is discussed above (see WARNINGS section).

While no overgrowth by opportunistic microorganisms such as yeast were noted during clinical studies, as with other antimicrobials, doxycycline hyclate tablets therapy may result in overgrowth of non-susceptible microorganisms including fungi. The use of tetracyclines may increase the incidence of vaginal candidiasis.

Doxycycline hyclate tablets should be used with caution in patients with a history or predisposition to oral candidiasis. The safety and effectiveness of doxycycline hyclate tablets has not been established for the treatment of periodontitis in patients with coexistant oral candidiasis. If superinfection is suspected, appropriate measures should be taken.

Adverse Reactions in Clinical Trials of a bioequivalent form of doxycycline hyclate capsules

In clinical trials of adult patients with periodontal disease 213 patients received 20 mg BID over a 9 to 12 month period. The most frequent adverse reactions occurring in studies involving treatment with a bioequivalent form of doxycycline hyclate capsules or placebo are listed below:

Incidence (%) of Adverse Reactions in Clinical Trials of Doxycycline Hyclate Capsules, 20 mg (Bioequivalent to Doxycycline Hyclate Tablets, 20 mg) vs. Placebo

Note: Percentages are based on total number of study participants in each treatment group.

 Adverse Reactions for Tetracyclines

The following adverse reactions have been observed in patients receiving tetracyclines:

Gastrointestinal: anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, glossitis, dysphagia, enterocolitis, and inflammatory lesions (with vaginal candidiasis) in the anogenital region. Hepatotoxicity has been reported rarely. Rare instances of esophagitis and esophageal ulcerations have been reported in patients receiving the capsule forms of the drugs in the tetracycline class. Most of these patients took medications immediately before going to bed. (See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION section).

Skin: maculopapular and erythematous rashes. Exfoliative dermatitis has been reported but is uncommon. Photosensitivity is discussed above. (See WARNINGS section).

Renal toxicity: Rise in BUN has been reported and is apparently dose related. (See WARNINGS section).

Hypersensitivity reactions: urticaria, angioneurotic edema, anaphylaxis, anaphylactoid purpura, serum sickness, pericarditis, and exacerbation of systemic lupus erythematosus.

Blood: Hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, and eosinophilia have been reported.

Psychiatric: Depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, insomnia, abnormal dreams, hallucination.

To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Alembic Pharmaceuticals Limited at 1-866-210-9797 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 

In case of overdosage, discontinue medication, treat symptomatically and institute supportive measures. Dialysis does not alter serum half-life and thus would not be of benefit in treating cases of overdose.

THE DOSAGE OF DOXYCYCLINE HYCLATE TABLETS DIFFERS FROM THAT OF DOXYCYCLINE USED TO TREAT INFECTIONS. EXCEEDING THE RECOMMENDED DOSAGE MAY RESULT IN AN INCREASED INCIDENCE OF SIDE EFFECTS INCLUDING THE DEVELOPMENT OF RESISTANT MICROORGANISMS.

Doxycycline hyclate tablets 20 mg twice daily as an adjunct following scaling and root planing may be administered for up to 9 months. Doxycycline hyclate tablets should be taken twice daily at 12 hour intervals, usually in the morning and evening. It is recommended that if Doxycycline hyclate tablet is taken close to meal times, allow at least one hour prior to or two hours after meals. Safety beyond 12 months and efficacy beyond 9 months have not been established.

Administration of adequate amounts of fluid along with the tablets is recommended to wash down the drug and reduce the risk of esophageal irritation and ulceration. (See ADVERSE REACTIONS section).

Doxycycline hyclate tablets, USP are off white to pale yellow colored, mottled, round shape, biconvex, film-coated tablets debossed with “646” on one side and “L” on other side.

The tablets are available as:

NDC 62332-352-60                Bottle of 60 tablets

NDC 62332-352-31                Bottle of 100 tablets

NDC 62332-352-91                Bottle of 1000 tablets

Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Dispense in a tight, light-resistant container using child-resistant closure as defined in the USP.

1.      Golub L.M., Sorsa T., Lee H-M, Ciancio S., Sorbi D., Ramamurthy N.S., Gruber B., Salo T., Konttinen Y.T.: Doxycycline Inhibits Neutrophil (PMN)-type Matrix Metalloproteinases in Human Adult Periodontitis Gingiva. J. Clin. Periodontol 1995; 22: 100-109.

2.      Golub L.M., Ciancio S., Ramamurthy N.S., Leung M., McNamara T.F.: Low-dose Doxycycline Therapy: Effect on Gingival and Crevicular Fluid Collagenase Activity in Humans. J. Periodont Res 1990; 25: 321-330.

3.      Golub L.M., Lee H.M., Greenwald R.A., Ryan M.E., Salo T., Giannobile W.V.: A Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitor Reduces Bone-type Collagen Degradation Fragments and Specific Collegenases in Gingival Crevicular Fluid During Adult Periodontitis. Inflammation Research 1997; 46: 310-319.

4.      Saivain S., Houin G.: Clinical Pharmacokinetics of Doxycycline and Minocycline. Clin. Pharmacokinetics 1988; 15: 355-366.

5.      Schach von Wittenau M., Twomey T.: The Disposition of Doxycycline by Man and Dog. Chemotherapy 1971; 16: 217-228.

6.      Campistron G., Coulais Y., Caillard C., Mosser J., Pontagnier H., Houin G.: Pharmacokinetics and Bioavailability of Doxycycline in Humans. Arzneimittel Forschung 1986; 36: 1705-1707.

Manufactured by:

Alembic Pharmaceuticals Limited

(Formulation Division),

Panelav 389350, Gujarat, India

Manufactured for:

Alembic Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Bedminster, NJ 07921, USA

Revised: 04/2025

NDC 62332-352-60
Doxycycline Hyclate
Tablets, USP
20 mg*
Rx only
60 Tablets
Alembic