Doryx should be taken by mouth as directed by your doctor. It should be swallowed whole with a full glass of water (8 ounces) and you should remain upright for at least 30 minutes afterward. Do not chew or crush this medication. If you cannot swallow pills, you can sprinkle the contents of the capsule into a tablespoon of cool applesauce which you should consume immediately without chewing. If you experience stomach upset after taking Doryx, you can take it with a glass of milk or with food.
Doryx is usually taken once or twice per day. In order for this drug to be most effective, take it at the same time each day. Complete the full course of treatment even if your symptoms improve. Failure to do so may put you at risk of relapse and may allow the bacteria to become resistant to Doryx.
If possible, do not take medicines that interact with Doryx as they may decrease the potency of Doryx or increase the side effects of your other medications. Medications containing iron, calcium, aluminum, magnesium, or zinc (such as vitamins and antacids) should be taken two to three hours before or after taking Doryx.
If you are taking Doryx to prevent malaria, do not forget to start the medication one to two days before you travel to an area where malaria is known to occur. It should be taken every day while you are away and continued for four weeks after you return.
Never take expired medication as this can injure your kidneys.