Doxycycline Dosing in Pediatric Patients

Age Restrictions and Safety Considerations

The American Academy of Pediatrics and other medical societies traditionally recommend that doxycycline not be used in children younger than 8 years of age due to concerns about dental staining 3, 4
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that when prescribing doxycycline for children under 8 years, the benefit must clearly outweigh the risk, and this should be considered an exception rather than routine practice 5

The Infectious Diseases Society of America recommends oral dosing of 2-4 mg/kg/day divided into once or twice daily dosing for children 8 years and older 1, 2
The maximum dose recommended is 100 mg twice daily (200 mg/day) for children 8 years and older 1, 2
For skin and soft tissue infections, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends 100 mg twice daily (in adolescents) 1
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends doxycycline for patients 8 years and older with hidradenitis suppurativa 6

The Infectious Diseases Society of America recommends a duration of therapy of 7-14 days for skin and soft tissue infections 1

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that doxycycline be administered with food or fluids to minimize gastrointestinal side effects, although this citation is from Praxis Medical Insights, a non-preferred source, an alternative source is not available 7

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends monitoring for photosensitivity reactions and advising patients to avoid direct sunlight and use sun protection, although this citation is from Praxis Medical Insights, a non-preferred source, an alternative source is not available 7