This medication is used to treat a certain type of skin condition called rosacea. It helps to reduce the number of pimples and bumps on the face, but it may not decrease redness. It works by reducing skin inflammation caused by rosacea.

Although doxycycline belongs to the class of antibiotics known as tetracyclines, this product does not work as an antibiotic because it does not stop the growth of bacteria. Therefore, do not use this product to treat any infection, including viral infections (such as the common cold, flu). Use this medication only as prescribed by your doctor.

This medication is best taken by mouth on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal, usually once daily in the morning or as directed by your doctor. Swallow the capsules whole. Do not crush or chew the capsules. Doing so can release all of the drugs at once, increasing the risk of side effects.

Take this medication with a full glass of water (8 ounces/240 milliliters) unless directed otherwise. If stomach upset occurs, taking it with food or milk may help. However, doxycycline may not work as well if you take it with food or milk (or anything high in calcium - more details below), so ask your doctor or pharmacist if you may take it that way. Do not lie down for at least 10 minutes after taking this medication.

Take this medication 2 to 3 hours before or after taking any products containing aluminum, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc or bismuth subsalicylate. Some examples include antacids, didanosine solution, quinapril, vitamins/minerals, dairy products (such as milk, yogurt), and calcium-enriched juice. These products bind with doxycycline, preventing your body from fully absorbing the drug.

For the best effect, take this antibiotic at evenly spaced times. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. Do not skip doses or take more of this medication than prescribed.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.

Before taking doxycycline, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to tetracycline or related drugs (e.g., minocycline); or if you have any other allergies.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, liver disease, problems swallowing, esophagus problems (e.g., hiatal hernia, reflux disease-GERD), stomach surgery (e.g., gastrectomy, gastric bypass surgery), lupus.

Doxycycline may cause live bacterial vaccines (such as typhoid vaccine) to not work as well. Do not have any immunizations/vaccinations while using this medication unless your doctor tells you to.

Upset stomach, nausea, diarrhea, or mild headache may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Interactions

Some products that may interact with this drug include retinoid medications taken by mouth (such as acitretin, isotretinoin), strontium, anti-seizure medications (e.g., phenobarbital, phenytoin), digoxin, warfarin.

Things to remember when taking Oracea Capsules: 

Some common side effects of Oracea Capsules are soreness in the nose and throat, diarrhea, sinus infection, high blood pressure and increase in aspartate aminotransferase in the blood

Oracea Capsules may cause harm to a developing fetus or infants, so do not take Oracea Capsules if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

Stay out of direct or artificial sunlight 

Make sure you tell your doctor if you have stomach or GI problems, have a yeast or fungal infection, take blood thinners, take oral contraceptives or take medicine to treat acne, psoriasis or seizures

What should you not mix with doxycycline?

Do not take iron supplements, multivitamins, calcium supplements, antacids, or laxatives within 2 hours before or after taking doxycycline. Avoid taking any other antibiotics with doxycycline unless your doctor has told you to. Doxycycline could make you sunburn more easily. Avoid sunlight or tanning beds