Doxycycline ( dox-i-SYE-kleen) periodontal system contains the antibiotic doxycycline and is used to help treat periodontal disease (a disease of your gums), which is caused by bacteria growing beneath the gum line. Doxycycline works by preventing the growth of the bacteria. Doxycycline periodontal system is placed in deep gum pockets next to your teeth in order to reduce the depth of the pockets.

This medicine will be applied by your dentist, and is available in the following dosage form(s):

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of using the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your dentist or doctor will make. For doxycycline periodontal system, the following should be considered:

Side Effects of This Medicine
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your dentist or doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common
High blood pressure; looseness of tooth ; tooth or gum pain (severe or continuing)


Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your dentist or doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome:

More common
Common cold?like symptoms; gum discomfort, pain, or soreness; headache; pressure sensitivity of tooth; toothache


Less common
Abdominal bloating and/or stomach or pelvic pain; cough; diarrhea; gum redness; indigestion, upset stomach, or stomachache ; influenza-like symptoms; mouth pain or soreness; muscle aches; sensitivity of tooth to heat or cold; shortness of breath; sleeplessness; sore throat; stuffy head, postnasal drip, or nasal congestion

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children.

IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

The treatment period for the doxycycline periodontal system is the 7 days after your dentist inserts it. If the system comes loose or falls out before the 7 days are up, check with your dentist.

Doxycycline periodontal system does not have to be removed by the dentist; it will dissolve. The dental dressing or adhesive that holds the system in place may fall out naturally. However, if the dental dressing or adhesive is still present after 7 days, it should be removed by the dentist.

Tetracyclines, such as doxycycline, should not be used in children up to 8 years of age. Tetracyclines may cause permanently discolored teeth and other problems in this age group.

STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. TO CLEAR UP YOUR INFECTION COMPLETELY, continue taking this medicine for the full course of treatment even if you feel better in a few days. Do not miss any doses.

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it, or are allergic to any ingredient in this product, or to any tetracycline antibiotic. IT MAY TAKE SEVERAL DAYS for this medicine to work. DO NOT STOP USING THIS MEDICINE without first checking with your doctor. DO NOT EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED DOSE or take this medicine for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor. Laboratory and/or medical tests, including liver function, kidney function, or blood count may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are taking this medicine. THIS MEDICINE MAY AFFECT CERTAIN LAB TEST RESULTS. Make sure laboratory personnel and your doctors know you use this medicine. BEFORE YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL OR DENTAL TREATMENTS, EMERGENCY CARE, OR SURGERY, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. THE USE OF MEDICINES OF the tetracycline class (such as doxycycline) may cause permanent discoloration of the teeth (yellow, gray, or brown) during tooth development. IF YOU EXPERIENCE difficulty breathing; tightness of chest; swelling of eyelids, face, or lips; or if you develop a rash or hives, tell your doctor immediately. Do not take any more of this medicine unless your doctor tells you to do so. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE increased sensitivity to the sun. Avoid exposure to the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to this medicine. Use a sunscreen or protective clothing if you must be outside for a prolonged period. IF MODERATE TO SEVERE DIARRHEA OCCURS during or after treatment with this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist. Do not treat it with non-prescription (over-the-counter) medicines. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. FOR WOMEN TAKING BIRTH CONTROL PILLS, this medicine may decrease the effectiveness of your birth control pill. To prevent pregnancy, use an additional form of birth control. FOR WOMEN: THIS MEDICINE HAS BEEN SHOWN TO CAUSE HARM to the human fetus. IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.