Morgidox (Doxycycline): Uses, Side Effects, Dosage

Doxycycline is a tetracycline antibiotic that treats a variety of bacterial infections, including acne, as well as skin, eye, and urinary tract infections.

In the United States, doxycycline is only available by prescription.

And it’s very commonly prescribed: In 2019, doxycycline was prescribed more than 21 million times for outpatient conditions.

One of the brand names for doxycycline is Morgidox. 

In this article, I’ll tell you more about Morgidox, why it’s used, its common side effects, dosage, and common risks associated with the medication.

I’ll also list some foods, medications, and behaviors to avoid when taking Morgidox.

What is Morgidox?

Morgidox is a brand name of doxycycline made by Medimetriks Pharmaceuticals, Inc. It is a second-generation tetracycline.

Morgidox is commonly used for bacterial infections, but may also be used in specific cases for anti-inflammatory purposes, such as in the treatment of autoimmune diseases.

It helps treat bacterial infections by interrupting the RNA replication process of the bacteria.

If bacteria can’t reproduce, then the infection can’t continue, and your immune system can clear it.

Morgidox may sometimes be used with other medications for treatment purposes, such as to prevent malaria or treat acne.

Tetracycline antibiotics like Morgidox are commonly used for drug-resistant urinary tract infections, skin infections, bacterial respiratory infections, and may also be used to prevent or treat Lyme disease in places where tick bites are common.

Morgidox Uses

Morgidox is used to treat many conditions.

Your doctor or healthcare provider may prescribe it for one of many FDA-approved reasons, or may use it off-label if they believe that it is the right treatment for your health needs.

Acne

While many assume that acne will vanish after the teen years, some adults experience chronic acne or other skin problems, like rosacea.

Morgidox or other tetracyclines are commonly used in the treatment of acne and other skin conditions caused or made worse by bacteria.

Antibiotics for severe acne won’t work overnight.

A dermatologist or other provider may prescribe Morgidox for a few weeks or a few months, depending on your condition.

Morgidox won’t work immediately, but most may start to see results within two weeks.

It may be used for up to three months when addressing skin infections.

Urinary tract infections

Morgidox may be prescribed to treat urinary tract infections that are resistant to other antibiotics, or if you have allergies to other commonly used antibiotics.

Untreated urinary tract infections can turn into kidney infections if not treated properly, so it’s important to let a healthcare provider know if you experience UTI symptoms.

If your provider prescribes Morgidox, your symptoms should improve within a few days.

Intestinal infections

Almost all food poisoning and stomach flu in the US is caused by viruses, not bacteria, and antibiotics are not helpful. 

But if your provider determines your symptoms are caused by bacteria, Morgidox and other tetracycline antibiotics may be used to treat some infections of the gastrointestinal tract.

Respiratory infections

You can’t cure a cold, COVID-19, or the flu with antibiotics; they can even make symptoms worse when used inappropriately.

But some respiratory illnesses are caused by bacteria.

Severe or prolonged sinus infections and bacterial pneumonia are two respiratory illnesses that may respond to Morgidox.

Eye infections

Most eye infections are caused by viruses, and will get better on their own.

But in some cases, an eye infection is bacterial and requires antibiotic treatment.

Most bacterial eye infections are best treated with antibiotic eye drops or ointments, but in more severe cases, an oral antibiotic may be needed.

Morgidox can be used to treat eye infections and may decrease inflammation-related damage.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

Certain antibiotics, like Morgidox, may be effective for treating STIs like syphilis (for those with allergies to penicillins), chlamydia, gonorrhea (in combination with other antibiotics) and pelvic inflammatory disease.

In some cases, tetracycline antibiotics may be given preventively for those at high risk for specific STIs.

Periodontitis (gum disease)

Oral health is linked to overall health, so taking good care of your teeth and gums is incredibly important.

Gums aren’t supposed to bleed or be ultra-sensitive.

If you notice those symptoms, you may have periodontitis—infection or inflammation of the gums.

If left untreated, gum disease can even affect the bones underneath the gums, resulting in loose teeth.

Morgidox can work to decrease the number of harmful bacteria in the mouth without otherwise destroying the beneficial bacteria that are part of the oral microbiome.

Malaria

A potentially fatal disease that is spread by mosquito bites, malaria is very common in certain parts of the world.

Morgidox can be used as a preventive measure for those who will be traveling in areas where malaria is common.

It can also be paired with other drugs to treat malaria infections.

Morgidox Side Effects

Common side effects of Morgidox are often mild, but may include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhea
• Rectal or vaginal itching
• Sore throat
• Swollen tongue
• Dry mouth
• Back pain
• Changes to the color of skin, scars, nails, eyes, or mouth
• Anxiety

In some cases, Morgidox may produce more severe side effects.

If you notice any of the following, contact your healthcare provider right away:

• Headache, blurred vision, or vision loss
• Hives, rash, or other allergic reactions
• Skin redness, blistering, or peeling
• Fever
• Swollen glands
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Swelling of the eyes, lips, throat, tongue, or face
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Changes to bowel movements, including watery or bloody stools
• Stomach cramps
• Joint pain
• Chest pain
• Discoloration of permanent teeth
• Jaundice
• Dark urine

Check in with your doctor if you have concerns about side effects.

Antibacterial drugs like Morgidox should not be taken by children under 8 years of age or by pregnant women, especially in the last half of their pregnancy.

It may cause permanent tooth staining in young children or an unborn baby, and may also interfere with proper bone development.

If you are allergic to other tetracycline antibiotics, you should not take Morgidox.

Let your doctor know if you have liver or kidney disease, asthma, other medical conditions, or have any signs of allergic reaction.

People who take oral contraceptives should be aware that Morgidox can make birth control pills less effective.

How to Take Morgidox

Morgidox may be prescribed for several days or as long as several months, depending on your condition.

Be sure to complete the full course of your prescribed antibiotics.

If you don’t, your bacterial infection may not fully resolve and you may cause the bacteria to become resistant to the antibiotic, leading to more severe future infections or infections that do not respond well to antibiotics.

Dosage and administration

Morgidox comes in 50, 100, and 200 mg capsules.

Your prescriber will choose your dose based on what you are being treated for and your other health conditions.

Ask your prescriber if you should take Morgidox at the same time as your other medications and supplements, or if it is better to take it at a different time of day.

Drink a full glass of water with your tablet and make sure to stay hydrated throughout the day. 

Avoid dairy products within about two hours of your Morgidox dose.

In general, it’s best to avoid alcohol whenever you are on any antibiotic.

What happens if I miss a dose?

If you forget to take a dose of Morgidox, do not take a double dose.

Take your next dose as soon as you remember.

If it’s close to when your next dose is due, skip the missed dose and resume your normal schedule.

It may be helpful to set an alarm or a reminder so you don’t forget doses.

What happens if I take too much?

If you take too much Morgidox, seek medical help right away.

Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 for guidance.

If you are having severe symptoms after taking too much medication, visit an ER.

If you are with someone who has taken too much Morgidox and they are having trouble breathing, are unconscious, or are having seizures, call 9-1-1.

What to Avoid While Taking Morgidox

Morgidox has many drug interactions.

Ask your prescriber if it is safe to take Morgidox if you are on any of  the following medications:

• Anticoagulants (blood thinners)
• Penicillin
• Antacids
• Iron
• Magnesium
• Oral contraceptives
• Anti-epileptics

If you plan to get pregnant or find out that you are pregnant, let your doctor know right away.

Tell your doctor about supplements and OTC drugs that you take, like antacids or pain relievers, since these can change the way that Morgidox absorbs.

Don’t take Morgidox at the same time as milk, yogurt, or other dairy products.

This could affect the absorption or change how the dosage works.

Consume them a few hours before or after you take your dose to avoid any interactions.

Most medical advice says to avoid alcohol while taking antibiotics.

Drinking alcohol while taking Morgidox can make the medication less effective, and should be avoided until 48-72 hours after your last dose.

Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you whether you need to fully abstain from or cut back on alcohol while you take Morgidox.

Tetracycline antibiotics like Morgidox can increase your risk of sunburn. Avoid using tanning beds and, if you will be in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen.

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