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One selection filters the source overview, clinical facts, reports and dose calculator. Literature references are not species-filtered.
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Source overview
Recorded excerpts for one species. Each dose remains a separate source entry; no regimen is selected.
Choose one species to view its source overview. All-species evidence remains available below.
View full clinical evidence and sources ↓Clinical evidence
Pending clinical review (PROPOSED)Rule-based (RULE_BASED)— applies to the facts and dose entries in this species selection; individual source records retain their own status.
Indications2
Tick-borne disease (Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, Rickettsia, Lyme), Mycoplasma, Chlamydophila, Bordetella, Wolbachia adjunct (heartworm)
DogCatExtra-label (EXTRA_LABEL)2 source records · View provenance
- Dog · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 448–450; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 274–277 — Indications table · Not applicable · Extra-label (EXTRA_LABEL) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Original excerpt: Tick-borne disease (Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, Rickettsia, Lyme), Mycoplasma, Chlamydophila, Bordetella, Wolbachia adjunct (heartworm) — Extra-label (no vet FDA approval)
- Cat · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 448–450; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 274–277 — Indications table · Not applicable · Extra-label (EXTRA_LABEL) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Original excerpt: Tick-borne disease (Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, Rickettsia, Lyme), Mycoplasma, Chlamydophila, Bordetella, Wolbachia adjunct (heartworm) — Extra-label (no vet FDA approval)
- Dog · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 448–450; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 274–277 — Indications table · Not applicable · Extra-label (EXTRA_LABEL) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Dose regimens5
This calculator performs arithmetic only on the sourced dosing field shown for each result — it does not verify the field's accuracy, does not select which field to use for a patient, and does not replace a veterinarian's order. Not for clinical use. Confirm every result against the primary source before dispensing.
Choose one species above to view its dose calculator.
Adverse effects205
GI (vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia) — Most common
DogCatNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)2 source records · View provenance
- Dog · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 448–450; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 274–277 — Side Effects / Adverse Effects table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
- Cat · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 448–450; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 274–277 — Side Effects / Adverse Effects table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
↑ Liver enzymes (ALT, ALP) — Up to 40% of treated dogs
DogNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Dog · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 448–450; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 274–277 — Side Effects / Adverse Effects table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Esophageal stricture/irritation — Documented risk, especially solid dosage forms
CatNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Cat · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 448–450; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 274–277 — Side Effects / Adverse Effects table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Fatal cardiac arrhythmia/collapse if given IV — Serious — horse-specific
HorseNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Horse · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 448–450; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 274–277 — Side Effects / Adverse Effects table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
These are counts of spontaneously reported events, not proven adverse effects, causal relationships, or incidence rates.
Bars compare report counts within each species; they do not show incidence.
More reportsFewer reportsDog
- Lack of efficacy (endoparasite) - heartworm1,194 reports
- Vomiting569 reports
- Lethargy (see also Central nervous system depression in 'Neurological')423 reports
- Other abnormal test result NOS314 reports
- Death by euthanasia286 reports
- Anorexia279 reports
- Elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT)268 reports
- Diarrhoea253 reports
- Lack of efficacy - NOS237 reports
- Cough225 reports
- Death212 reports
- Leucocytosis NOS210 reports
Cat
- Lethargy (see also Central nervous system depression in 'Neurological')45 reports
- Anaemia NOS44 reports
- Death by euthanasia43 reports
- Other abnormal test result NOS42 reports
- Anorexia32 reports
- Vomiting32 reports
- Fever30 reports
- Death28 reports
- Weight loss28 reports
- Decreased appetite27 reports
- Lack of efficacy - NOS26 reports
- Lethargy (see also Central nervous system depression in Neurological)26 reports
Monitoring1
Liver enzymes with prolonged use; clinical response
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 448–450; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 274–277 — Monitoring Parameters · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Contraindications1
Hypersensitivity; do not give IV to horses (fatal); do not give IM/SC to any species
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 448–450; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 274–277 — Contraindications & Warnings table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Precautions4
Significant hepatic dysfunction; young/pregnant animals (bone/teeth effects, though less than other tetracyclines)
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 448–450; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 274–277 — Contraindications & Warnings table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Always follow oral dosing in cats with food or ≥6 mL water — esophageal stricture from "dry pilling" is a well-documented, serious risk.
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 448–450; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 274–277 — Clinical pearl · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Unlike other tetracyclines, can be used in patients with renal insufficiency.
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 448–450; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 274–277 — Clinical pearl · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
MDR1 mutation does NOT require dose adjustment per WSU Clinical Pharmacology Lab, unlike many other P-glycoprotein substrates.
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 448–450; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 274–277 — Clinical pearl · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Interactions4
Oral antacids/cations (Al, Ca, Mg, Zn, Bi, Fe) — ↓ absorption — separate dosing by 1–2h (iron: 2–3h before/after)
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 448–450; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 274–277 — Drug Interactions table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Penicillins — Theoretical bacteriostatic/bactericidal antagonism
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 448–450; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 274–277 — Drug Interactions table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Phenobarbital — ↓ doxycycline half-life/levels
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 448–450; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 274–277 — Drug Interactions table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Warfarin — May potentiate anticoagulant effect
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 448–450; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 274–277 — Drug Interactions table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Pharmacokinetics5
Bioavailability — 90–100% (human); ~66% (Papich, dog)
HorseNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Horse · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 448–450; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 274–277 — Pharmacokinetics table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Protein binding — 75–93% (dog); 82% (horse); ~93% (cattle/pig)
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 448–450; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 274–277 — Pharmacokinetics table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Half-life — 10–12.6h (dog)
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 448–450; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 274–277 — Pharmacokinetics table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Metabolism — Minimal
Other speciesNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Other species · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 448–450; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 274–277 — Pharmacokinetics table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Elimination — ~75% fecal (dog), ~25% renal, <5% biliary
Other speciesNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Other species · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 448–450; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 274–277 — Pharmacokinetics table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Pregnancy / lactation considerations1
Human FDA category D. Papich canine/feline class D (contraindicated). Retards fetal skeletal development, discolors deciduous teeth (less so than other tetracyclines). Excreted in milk.
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 448–450; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 274–277 — Pregnancy & Lactation · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Literature references16
References are linked to this drug. Species applicability is not recorded here, so the species filter does not narrow this list. Imported dates do not retain their original precision; confirm dates in the original citation.
- Efficacy of five peroral therapeutics against Ichthyophthirius multifiliis infestation in salmonids.
Study summary not available in the imported record. Open the original citation to review the study.
- Adulticide treatment with melarsomine: outcome in 283 heartworm-positive dogs in Germany.
Study summary not available in the imported record. Open the original citation to review the study.
- The history of Wolbachia and heartworm.
Study summary not available in the imported record. Open the original citation to review the study.
- Blocking Dirofilaria immitis transmission by treatment of heartworm microfilaremic dogs with doxycycline.
Study summary not available in the imported record. Open the original citation to review the study.
- A retrospective comparison of two-dose and three-dose melarsomine, with doxycycline and a macrocyclic lactone, in 1246 shelter dogs.
Study summary not available in the imported record. Open the original citation to review the study.
Sources: PubMed, National Library of Medicine; openFDA, U.S. Food and Drug Administration; Plumb DC. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 7th ed. PharmaVet Inc; 2011.
Owner information handout
Plain-language medication information to review with the owner. Open the handout to print it or download a PDF.