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Drug Safety-related Labeling Changes (SrLC)

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MONODOX (NDA-050641)

(DOXYCYCLINE)

Safety-related Labeling Changes Approved by FDA Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER)

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03/31/2025 (SUPPL-34)

Approved Drug Label (PDF)

5 Warnings and Precautions

WARNINGS

Newly added information:

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). If severe skin reactions occur, discontinue doxycycline capsules immediately and institute appropriate therapy.

6 Adverse Reactions

Newly added information:

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

05/08/2024 (SUPPL-33)

Approved Drug Label (PDF)

5 Warnings and Precautions

PRECAUTIONS

Drug Interactions:

Absorption of tetracyclines is impaired by bismuth subsalicylate.

04/03/2017 (SUPPL-29)

Approved Drug Label (PDF)

5 Warnings and Precautions

WARNINGS

(section revised, additions underlined)

The use of drugs of the tetracycline class, including doxycycline, 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 it has been observed following repeated short-term courses.   Enamel hypoplasia has also been reported. of doxycycline in pediatric patients 8 years of age or less only when the potential benefits are expected to outweigh the risks in severe or life-threatening conditions (e.g. anthrax, Rocky Mountain spotted fever), particularly when there are no alternative therapies.

Clostridium difficile associated diarrhea (CDAD) has been reported with use of nearly all antibacterial agents, including Monodox, and may range in severity from mild diarrhea to fatal colitis. Treatment with antibacterial agents alters the normal flora of the colon leading to overgrowth of C. difficile.

C. difficile produces toxins A and B which contribute to the development of CDAD. Hypertoxin producing strains of C. difficile cause increased morbidity and mortality, as these infections can be refractory to antimicrobial therapy and may require colectomy. CDAD must be considered in all patients who present with diarrhea following antibiotic use. Careful medical history is necessary since CDAD has been reported to occur over two months after the administration of antibacterial agents.

If CDAD is suspected or confirmed, ongoing antibiotic use not directed against C. difficile may need to be discontinued. Appropriate fluid and electrolyte management, protein supplementation, antibiotic treatment of C. difficile, and surgical evaluation should be instituted as clinically indicated.

Intracranial hypertension (IH, pseudotumor cerebri) has been associated with the use of tetracyclines including Monodox. Clinical manifestations of IH include headache, blurred vision, diplopia, and vision loss; papilledema can be found on fundoscopy. Women of childbearing age who are overweight or have a history of IH are at greater risk for developing tetracycline associated IH.   Concomitant use of isotretinoin and Monodox should be avoided because isotretinoin is also known to cause pseudotumor cerebri.

Although IH typically resolves after discontinuation of treatment, the possibility for permanent visual loss exists.   If visual disturbance occurs during treatment, prompt ophthalmologic evaluation is warranted.   Since intracranial pressure can remain elevated for weeks after drug cessation patients should be monitored until they stabilize.

6 Adverse Reactions

(addition underlined)

Due to oral doxycycline’s virtually complete absorption, side effects to the lower bowel, particularly diarrhea, have been infrequent. The following adverse reactions have been observed in patients receiving tetracyclines.

Gastrointestinal: Anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, glossitis, dysphagia, enterocolitis, and inflammatory lesions (with monilial overgrowth) in the anogenital region, and pancreatitis. Hepatotoxicity has been reported. These reactions have been caused by both the oral and parenteral administration of tetracyclines. Rare instances of esophagitis and esophageal ulcerations have been reported in patients receiving capsule and tablet forms of drugs in the tetracycline class. Most of these patients took medications immediately before going to bed.

8 Use in Specific Populations

Pediatric Use:

(additions underlined)

Because of the effects of drugs of the tetracycline –class, on tooth development and growth, use doxycycline in pediatric patients 8 years of age or less only when the potential benefits are expected to outweigh the risks in severe or life-threatening conditions (e.g. anthrax, Rocky Mountain spotted fever), particularly when there are no alternative therapies.