Periostat (Doxycycline) is the medication used in patients with gum disease (periodontitis) after a certain dental procedure (scaling and root planing). Periostat helps to improve tooth attachment and reduce gum pockets. Periostat belongs to a class of antibiotics known as tetracyclines. At this low dosage, this medication does not treat bacterial infections, but may help to prevent the breakdown of gum tissue.
Manufacturer Information
Canadian Pharmacy King currently offers the brand Periostat from Canada by Pendopharm Pharmascience in a dosage of 20 mg. The generic alternative, Doxycycline from Canada by a different manufacturer, is not currently available.
Common side effects of Periostat may include upset stomach, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting.
Contact your doctor immediately if you notice more serious side effects such as:
• Painful or difficult swallowing;
• Signs of clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (persistent diarrhea, abdominal or stomach pain/cramping, blood or mucus in your stool);
• Signs of kidney problems (decreased urination, fluid retention, swelling in your legs, ankles, or feet, drowsiness, shortness of breath, fatigue, nausea);
• Signs of liver or pancreas problems (loss of appetite, upper stomach pain, tiredness, nausea or vomiting, fast heart rate, dark urine, jaundice);
• Signs of low white blood cell counts (fever, chills, swollen glands, body aches, weakness, pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding);
• White patches in your mouth, changes in vaginal discharge
Periostat may rarely cause a serious increase in pressure inside the skull (intracranial hypertension). The risk of this side effect is greater for women of childbearing age who are overweight or who have had intracranial hypertension in the past. If intracranial hypertension develops, it usually goes away after Periostat is stopped. However, there is a chance of permanent vision loss or blindness. Seek emergency medical attention if you have persistent or severe headaches, vision changes (such as blurred vision or double vision, decreased vision, sudden blindness), or persistent nausea or vomiting.
This is not a complete list of side effects. If you notice any other side effects not listed here, please contact your doctor or pharmacist.
You should not use Periostat if you are allergic to Doxycycline, or if you are allergic to other tetracycline antibiotics. To make sure Periostat is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had trouble swallowing, or esophagus problems (such as hiatal hernia or reflux). Periostat may cause live bacterial vaccines (such as the typhoid vaccine) to not work as well. Do not receive any immunizations or vaccinations while using this medication unless your doctor tells you too. This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning boots and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Children younger than eight years old may be more sensitive to the side effects of Periostat, especially tooth discoloration. Talk to your doctor before using this medication in any child younger than eight years old. Periostat may harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or become pregnant while using this medication. If you become pregnant while using this medication, talk to your doctor immediately about the risks and benefits. This medication may pass into breast milk, and may harm a nursing baby. Consult with your doctor before breast feeding. Periostat may interact with several medications, especially retinoid medications, barbiturates, blood thinners, digoxin, seizure medications, or strontium. This is not a complete list of interactions, and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any medications, vitamins, or herbal supplements you are currently taking or have recently taken in order to reduce the risk of any possible interactions.
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