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CONTRIBUTOR(S): Vetstream Ltd, Gigi Davidson,

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Medication: Doxycycline

Medication: Doxycycline

Your cat has been prescribed the active ingredient doxycycline to treat a bacterial infection. Doxycycline gel is also applied to the gums after dental procedures in adult cats.

Key points: 
• Antibiotic.
• Not recommended for use in pregnant cats due to inhibition of fetal skeletal formation.
• May cause phototoxic eruptions on face, ears, or other areas of skin with thin haircoat.
• Do not use in kittens before completion of enamel formation.
• Do not give concurrently with aluminum, iron, calcium, magnesium, antacids, or dairy products.
• Give with a small amount of food or at least 5 cc of liquid to prevent esophageal injury. This is particularly important when administering doxycycline to cats.
• Dosage: typically, the antimicrobial dosage of doxycycline for cats is 5-10 mg/kg orally once or twice daily. Your veterinarian may also apply a doxycycline gel to your adult cat’s gums following dental procedures.  

This information sheet is designed to help answer commonly asked questions and help you give the medication safely and effectively to your pet. It does not contain all available information for this medication. If you have other questions or need more information, contact your veterinarian or pharmacist. 

Always follow the dosing instructions provided by your veterinarian.

Name, Brand names, Class of medication and Storage

Name

  • Doxycycline (doxy-sye-cline).

Brand name

  • Ronaxon® (UK & Europe).
  • Doxycare® (UK).
  • Doxybactin® (UK & Europe).
  • Doxirobe™ Gel (US).

Class of drug

  • Tetracycline antibiotic.

Storage

  • Do not store above 25°C.
  • Protect from light.

Why has my cat been prescribed doxycycline?

Your veterinarian has prescribed doxycycline for the treatment of respiratory tract infections susceptible to doxycycline. It may also be used to treat infections caused by Mycoplasma, Bartonella, Toxoplasma, Chlamydia, and Nocardia in cats.

Doxycycline gel is also used on the gums of adult cats following dental procedures to prevent infection.

How is the medication given?

Doxycycline is given as oral tablets with food (not aluminum, iron, calcium, magnesium, dairy products, or antacids) to prevent vomiting and esophageal irritation.

Are there any side-effects or drug interactions?

Kittens should not be given doxycycline during teeth development as it can lead to permanent discoloration, although the risk with doxycycline is lower than with other tetracyclines.

Other side-effects are:

  • Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
  • Esophagitis and esophageal ulceration.
  • Photodermatitis.
  • Elevated liver enzymes.

Drug interactions

The absorption of doxycycline is reduced with antacids, aluminum, calcium, magnesium and iron salts.

The absorption of doxycycline is reduced with sucralfate and proton pump inhibitors (eg omeprazole).

Phenobarbitone, phenytoin and primidone increase the metabolism of doxycycline.

How long will my cat need to receive this medication?

Always follow the exact dose and length of treatment as determined by your veterinarian.

How should I dispose of this medication if I don’t use it all?

Dispose of any unused doxycycline safely – don’t flush down the toilet or sink. Ask your veterinary team if they take back medication for disposal. Do not save doxycycline for future use or give to other pets.

What if I miss a dose or give an extra dose?

If you miss a dose, give the dose as soon as possible but do not double up a dose. Make sure the dose given doesn’t exceed the total recommended amount in any 24-hour period.

My cat is unwell, should I still give the drug?

If your pet is unwell, contact your veterinarian for advice.

What should I do if this medication is accidentally given to another pet or taken by a human?

Doxycycline should only be given to the cat that it has been prescribed for:

  • Do not give to other pets in the household.
  • Do not use in kittens during teeth development in case of permanent discoloration.
  • Not recommended for use in pregnant cats due to inhibition of fetal skeletal formation. If accidentally given to other pets, contact your veterinarian for advice.

If accidentally eaten by a human, speak to your primary care physician or poison control center.

Will my cat need to be monitored while on doxycycline?

No specific tests are required while your cat is taking doxycycline.

Further information 

If you have any concerns, further information on doxycycline can be found on the package insert and the following websites:

Europe & UK

Always follow the recommended dosage and contact your veterinary team or pharmacist if you have any questions regarding your cat’s medication. 

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