Doxycycline Gel
“This page provides important general information for pet owners whose animals have been prescribed Doxycycline Gel for pets during a consultation by Dr Noor.”
Doxycycline Gel for pets
(docks-ee-sye-kleen)
Description:
This is an antibiotic gel that is placed on the gums. It is used to treat and manage gum disease around the teeth.
Other Names for this Medication:
- Doxirobe®
Common Dosage Forms:
- For animals: an 8.5% gel (about 0.5 mL after it is mixed).
- For people: a 10% gel.
This handout does not include every detail that exists about this medicine. It is meant to answer common questions, but it does not replace medical guidance. If you have more questions or need additional details about this medicine, call your veterinarian or your pharmacist.
Key Information
- This medicine is used in dogs to help treat swelling and irritation linked to infection in the gums and the bone that supports the teeth.
- Your veterinarian places this gel inside your dog’s mouth during a dental treatment. You will not be asked to give this medicine at home.
- After treatment, do not brush the teeth that were treated for about 2 weeks.
How is this medication useful?
This antibiotic gel is approved for dogs to treat and help control periodontal disease (gum disease around the teeth).
In some cases, veterinarians prescribe medicines that contain this drug for different animals or for different health problems.
Your veterinarian placed this medicine under the gumline around teeth that were affected. After it is placed, the medicine releases slowly in that spot. This helps kill the bacteria that are involved in the gum disease. You can talk with your veterinarian about why this medicine was chosen.
What should I tell my veterinarian to see if this medication can be safely given?
Many different factors can change how well this medicine works for your animal. Talk with your veterinarian about the points below so you can decide together what is best.
- Some medicines can affect how this antibiotic works. Tell your veterinarian and pharmacist about everything your animal receives, including vitamins, supplements, or herbal products. Also share how much you give and when you give each one.
- Tell your veterinarian about any health problems your animal has now, or has had before.
- If your animal has had treatment for the same problem in the past, tell your veterinarian what was used and whether it helped or did not help.
- If your animal is pregnant or nursing, discuss with your veterinarian what risks may come with using this medicine.
- Tell your veterinarian and pharmacist if your animal has ever had side effects from medicines before. This includes allergic reactions, not wanting to eat, loose stool, or itching.
How long until I will know if this medication is working, and how long will the effects of this medication last?
- This medicine should begin working right away, but you may not be able to see the results from the outside.
- Healthier-looking gums should be seen about 2 to 4 weeks after treatment.
- This medicine has long-lasting effects, which means the effects may continue for several weeks.
When should this medication not be used or be used very carefully?
No medicine is completely safe for every patient. Your veterinarian will talk with you about any concerns that apply to your animal.
This medicine SHOULD NOT be used in animals:
If your animal has any of the conditions listed below, talk with your veterinarian about the possible risks compared with the possible benefits.
- That are allergic to doxycycline or other tetracycline antibiotics (a related group of antibiotics)
This medicine should be used WITH CAUTION in patients:
- That are younger than 1 year of age
- That are pregnant
- That are nursing or used for breeding, as safety has not been evaluated
What are the side effects of this medication?
Most animals handle this medicine well.
Side effects that usually are not serious include:
You do not need to be highly worried if you notice the sign below unless it is severe, gets worse, or does not go away. If that happens, contact your veterinarian.
- Redness or soreness where the gel was placed
If my animal gets too much of this medication (an overdose), what should I do?
Only your veterinarian handles this medicine.
How should this medication be given?
- Your veterinarian places this medicine during a dental procedure while your animal is under anesthesia (asleep for the procedure). You will not need to put this medicine on.
- If you want to understand more about how it was placed, ask your veterinarian.
What should I do if I miss giving a dose of this medication?
Your veterinarian applies this medicine. You will not be giving doses.
How should I store this medication?
Your veterinarian applies this medicine, and it will not be sent home with you.
Can handling this medication be hazardous to me, my family, or other animals?
Only your veterinarian handles this medicine.
How should I dispose of this medication if I don’t use it all?
Only your veterinarian handles this medicine, so you will not need to dispose of it.
What other information is important for this medication?
- To help get the best outcome, do not brush the teeth that were treated for about 2 weeks after the gel is placed.
- This gel breaks down naturally and does not need to be taken out by a veterinarian or by you.
- How well an individual animal responds depends on how severe the problem is and on the level of dental hygiene and home care. Your veterinarian will need to check how your animal’s mouth is healing. Do not skip these important follow-up appointments.
- Rules for some animal competitions may not allow use of this medicine. Check the rules before entering your animal in a competition while this medicine is being given.
- If you have any other questions about this medicine, contact your veterinarian or pharmacist.
“Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided as general educational material only. Every animal’s health situation is unique, and treatment decisions must be based on a full veterinary assessment. Always follow the specific instructions given during your consultation, and contact the prescribing veterinarian if you have any concerns.”