Why is Periostat^® (doxycycline hyclate) prescribed for periodontitis?

Most treatments for adult periodontitis focus primarily on reducing the number of bacteria on the surface of your teeth. For example, your dental professional is likely to perform SRP (scaling and root planing) to help reduce surface bacteria. This is an important part of your treatment because periodontal disease begins with a bacterial infection on the tooth surface, and by reducing the number of bacteria, the symptoms of periodontitis (such as bleeding) can be reduced.

Research has shown that it is also important to suppress your body's overproduction of gum- and tissue-destroying enzymes. This is where Periostat^® comes in. It is the first medication that works by reducing the activity of the enzymes that destroy tooth and gum tissue.

Periostat^® is available by prescription only from your dentist or periodontist and should be taken in conjunction with SRP delivered by your dental professional to reduce pocket depths and improve clinical attachment levels.

Don't take Periostat^® if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, as it may cause harm to your unborn child or infant. Don’t take Periostat^® if you are allergic to tetracycline antibiotics. In clinical trials, adverse reactions to Periostat^® were similar to reactions from taking a placebo. For more information, please refer to the Periostat^® Full Prescribing Information.

Periostat Dosage and Duration of Treatment
Plan for Better Oral Health
Periostat^® Questions and Answers for Patients
Full Prescribing Information

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Periostat^® Dosage and Duration of Treatment


Periostat^® is available as a tablet to be taken twice daily, about an hour before or two hours after meals. Periostat^® should be taken with plenty of fluids. If you forget to take a dose, just take the normal dose of 1 tablet at the next scheduled time. Do not double up to make up for the missed tablet.

The duration of Periostat^® therapy is different for each person and depends on the severity of your gum disease and the time needed for your body‘s healing process to take place. During your checkups, your dentist or periodontist will determine if you should stop therapy or continue to take Periostat^® based on your response to treatment and the level of improvement of your gum disease.

In clinical studies, Periostat^® was shown to be safe when taken for as long as 12 months. Typically, the drug is taken for periods of no less than 3 months. Your dentist or periodontist will tell you how long you should take Periostat^®.

Periostat^® is a unique dosage of a drug called doxycycline. The dosage of Periostat^® differs from that of doxycycline used to treat infections. Exceeding the recommended dosage may result in an increased incidence of side effects, including development of resistant microorganisms.

Plan for Better Oral Health

At all times, follow instructions given to you by your dentist or periodontist. Make sure you keep appointments for treatments and checkups. Between visits, follow good dental hygiene as recommended by your dental professional. If Periostat^® has been prescribed for you, make sure you take it as directed by your dentist or periodontist.

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