Periostat comes as a tablet taken by mouth.
It is usually taken twice daily, about 12 hours apart, with one dose in the morning and one in the evening.
Take Periostat exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not take more or less than recommended.
Take Periostat Before Meals
Periostat should generally be taken at least 1 hour before a meal.
Taking it on an empty stomach helps your body absorb the medication properly.
Try to take your morning and evening doses at approximately the same times each day.
Take It With a Full Glass of Water
Swallow each tablet with a full glass of water.
This is important because doxycycline can irritate the esophagus if the tablet becomes stuck in your throat.
Take the medication while sitting or standing upright, and avoid lying down immediately afterward.
Avoid Taking Certain Products at the Same Time
Some products can reduce the amount of doxycycline your body absorbs.
Tell your healthcare provider if you use products containing:
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Aluminum
- Iron
- Bismuth
- Antacids
These products may need to be taken several hours apart from Periostat. Your healthcare provider or pharmacist can tell you how to space your doses.
Usual Periostat Dosage
The usual recommended dose is 20 mg twice daily, with doses taken approximately 12 hours apart.
Periostat is a low-dose form of doxycycline used to help control the inflammation and tissue damage associated with periodontitis.
At this dose, it is not intended to work as a traditional antibiotic for treating bacterial infections.
Length of Treatment
Periostat is commonly prescribed for 3 months at a time.
Your healthcare provider or dentist may recommend additional treatment depending on the condition of your gums and how well you respond.
Do not continue treatment longer than recommended without professional guidance.
Use Periostat Regularly
For the best results, take Periostat on a regular schedule.
Taking the medication at the same times each day can make it easier to remember your doses and help maintain consistent treatment.
Do not stop taking Periostat simply because your gums begin to feel better. Continue for the full treatment period recommended by your healthcare provider.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember.
If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule.
Do not take two doses at the same time or take extra medication to make up for a missed dose.
If you are unsure whether to take a missed dose, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
What Should I Do If I Take Too Much Periostat?
If you take more Periostat than prescribed, contact your healthcare provider or a poison control center for advice.
Taking too much doxycycline may increase the risk of side effects such as nausea, vomiting, stomach discomfort, or other digestive problems.
Seek urgent medical attention if severe or unusual symptoms develop.
Continue Your Dental Care
Periostat is only one part of periodontal treatment.
It should be used together with professional dental care, including scaling and root planing, when recommended.
Continue to:
- Brush your teeth regularly
- Floss or clean between your teeth as directed
- Attend scheduled dental appointments
- Follow any oral hygiene instructions from your dentist or dental hygienist
Periostat does not replace these treatments.
When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider
Contact your healthcare provider or dentist if your gum symptoms become worse, do not improve, or you develop new symptoms during treatment.
You should also seek advice if you have difficulty swallowing, severe stomach upset, persistent diarrhea, or significant irritation after taking Periostat.
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