Doxycycline Hyclate and Doxycycline MonohydrateDose, contraindications and adverse effects for Cats, Dogs and Poultry.

Tetracycline-class bacteriostatic antibiotic, active against a broad range of bacteria as well as some protozoa and rickettsiae. Doxycycline is usually the drug of choice for treating vector-borne diseases in animals, such as those transmitted by ticks and fleas. Efficacy has been demonstrated in research studies and in some clinical studies. It is used for treating infections caused by bacteria, some protozoa, Rickettsia spp., and Ehrlichia spp. Doxycycline administered to cats with infections caused by Mycoplasma spp.

Doxycycline is a tetracycline antibiotic. The mechanism of action of tetracyclines is to bind to the 30S ribosomal subunit and inhibit protein synthesis. The action of tetracyclines is usually bacteriostatic. It has a broad spectrum of activity, including many bacteria, some protozoa, Rickettsia spp., and Ehrlichia spp.

Ordinarily, tetracyclines should not be administered to young animals because it can affect bone and teeth formation. However, it has been better tolerated in children than other tetracyclines and has been used in children up to 8 years old. Doxycycline is less likely to discolor teeth if used for short-term treatment. If solid-dose forms are administered to cats, lubricate the tablet or capsule or follow with food or water to ensure passage into stomach.

Tetracyclines may cause renal tubular necrosis at high doses and can affect bone and teeth formation in young animals. Doxycycline is less likely to cause chelation with calcium and teeth discoloration than other tetracyclines. If administered for a short time, it has not caused teeth discoloration in children. Doxycycline administered orally to cats has caused esophageal irritation, tissue injury, and esophageal stricture.

Susceptibility testing: CLSI breakpoints for sensitive organisms are ≤0.25 mcg/mL for testing isolates from dogs. Breakpoints for cats are not established, but similar values are recommended. The breakpoint for testing isolates from horses is ≤0.12 mcg/mL using a dosage of 20 mg/kg PO twice daily.