Periostat® 20 mg Tablets for Periodontitis

Periostat® is a low-dose doxycycline tablet used with dental scaling and root planing to help manage adult periodontitis. It targets enzymes that break down gum tissue rather than acting as a traditional antibiotic for infection. If you need to compare Periostat 20 mg price without insurance, this page explains use, safety, and access with US shipping from Canada.

What Periostat Is and How It Works

Periostat® contains doxycycline in a sub-antimicrobial dose that modulates the body’s response to periodontal bacteria. It can reduce activity of matrix metalloproteinases that contribute to connective tissue breakdown. The tablets are used as an adjunct to professional dental procedures like scaling and root planing, not as a standalone cure. Doxycycline hyclate 20 mg tablets at this dosage are not intended to treat acute infections.

Border Free Health connects U.S. patients with licensed Canadian partner pharmacies; prescriptions are verified with prescribers before dispensing.

This medicine may be part of a comprehensive plan that includes oral hygiene instruction and routine periodontal maintenance. It should be taken exactly as prescribed, and you should keep scheduled dental follow-ups so your clinician can evaluate gum health and pocket depth changes over time.

Who It’s For

This treatment is for adults with periodontitis as an adjunct to scaling and root planing. It may be considered when your prescriber wants to support tissue stability between cleanings. Children are generally not candidates because tetracyclines can affect tooth development. People who are pregnant or breastfeeding are usually advised to avoid doxycycline unless a prescriber determines benefits outweigh risks. If you have a history of tetracycline allergy, do not use this therapy.

Dosage and Usage

Follow your prescriber’s instructions and the official label. The typical labeled schedule is one tablet in the morning and one in the evening. Take each dose with a full glass of water while sitting or standing. Swallow tablets whole and avoid lying down right after taking them. To reduce the chance of esophageal irritation, remain upright for a short time after the dose.

Absorption can be affected by certain minerals. Do not take this medicine at the same time as antacids, iron, calcium, magnesium, or zinc supplements. If you use these products, separate them by several hours as directed by the label or your clinician. You can take doses with or without food; if stomach upset occurs, a light snack may help.

Strengths and Forms

The product is supplied as oral tablets commonly published at 20 mg strength. Availability can vary by manufacturer and by partner pharmacy inventory.

Missed Dose and Timing

If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless it is almost time for the next dose. If it is close to the next scheduled time, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not double up doses. Consistent daily use as directed supports the intended effect of this therapy between periodontal visits.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store tablets at room temperature in a dry place away from moisture. Keep the bottle tightly closed and out of reach of children and pets. When traveling, carry the original labeled container in your hand luggage. A copy of your prescription can help with security checks. Protect the tablets from excessive heat or humidity, and do not store them in a bathroom. If your trip spans multiple time zones, keep a simple reminder so you take doses morning and evening at reasonable intervals.

For privacy and safety, our checkout uses encrypted checkout. If you have other medicines or supplements in your travel kit, pack them separately and consider a basic list of names and doses for quick reference.

Pen Handling and Sharps Disposal

Not applicable. This item is supplied as tablets and does not involve pens, cartridges, or sharps disposal.

Benefits

This treatment supports periodontal care plans by targeting the body’s enzyme activity that contributes to gum and bone loss. It is taken by mouth and can be combined with professional cleaning procedures and home care. The class effect may help maintain improvements achieved with scaling and root planing when used under a prescriber’s supervision.

Periostat tablets are designed for adjunctive use, so regular dental maintenance visits remain important. Consistent dosing and routine brushing and flossing can help your oral-health team monitor progress.

Side Effects and Safety

• Stomach upset or nausea, usually mild
• Headache
• Photosensitivity with sun exposure
• Heartburn or esophageal irritation
• Vaginal yeast infection

Serious reactions are uncommon but can include severe allergic reactions, liver issues, and intracranial hypertension symptoms like persistent headache or vision changes. Tetracyclines may cause permanent tooth discoloration if used during tooth development. Use caution with sun or tanning beds and consider protective clothing. If you also use insulin or sulfonylureas for diabetes, discuss hypoglycemia risk with your prescriber, even though this medicine is not primarily a blood-sugar drug.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Take care with antacids, bismuth subsalicylate, and supplements containing iron, calcium, magnesium, or zinc; they can reduce absorption. Some anticonvulsants and barbiturates may affect tetracycline levels. Avoid combining with other tetracyclines unless directed by your clinician. Do not use if you have known hypersensitivity to doxycycline or other tetracyclines. Prolonged use can alter normal flora; report persistent diarrhea or symptoms of candidiasis. Alcohol can irritate the stomach and may worsen GI discomfort.

What to Expect Over Time

With steady use, the treatment may help support gains from scaling and root planing. Your dental team will assess pocket depths and gingival inflammation at follow-up visits and may adjust your care plan. Continue brushing, flossing, and any recommended interdental cleaning. If you experience bothersome side effects, contact your prescriber for guidance. Do not stop suddenly without discussing your plan, as consistency helps maintain results between periodontal cleanings.

Compare With Alternatives

Alternatives may include a generic doxycycline low-dose regimen for periodontal support, professionally placed local antibiotics such as doxycycline gel, or minocycline microspheres used in periodontal pockets. Some cases may use an antimicrobial mouth rinse like chlorhexidine for gingival management. For systemic antibiotics sometimes used for dental infections, your clinician may consider options like Cephalexin when appropriate. Explore related care topics in Oral Health or the condition page for Periodontitis.

Pricing and Access

You can review current Periostat price and see how Canadian marketplace options compare. We provide transparent information so you can discuss the best approach with your prescriber. Access reflects Canadian pharmacy partners with US delivery from Canada, subject to a valid prescription and product availability.

Looking for seasonal offers or manufacturer updates? See our Promotions page. For background reading on gum disease science, visit our article Metformin Gum Disease, and explore related insights like Lantus Insulin, Enbrel Injection, and Pentasa Guide for safe-medicine use perspectives.

Availability and Substitutions

Supply can vary. If this item is temporarily unavailable, your prescriber may recommend a therapeutically appropriate alternative, such as a generic low-dose doxycycline or a localized periodontal therapy placed in-office. You can also browse Canada Origin items or the Oral Health category for related options. If you have questions about Periostat cost, contact our team for help navigating options with your prescriber.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

This therapy may suit adults with periodontitis who can commit to regular dental visits and daily dosing. It is not intended for acute dental abscesses or urgent infection care. Avoid use if you have tetracycline allergy, are pregnant, or are nursing unless your clinician advises otherwise. Photosensitivity precautions are important; use protective clothing and sunscreen as recommended.

To manage out-of-pocket costs, consider multi-month fills when approved by your prescriber, and set refill reminders so you do not miss doses between cleanings. If coverage is limited, ask your clinician whether a generic option is suitable. You can also track Periostat cost trends on our site and consult the Periodontitis page for care planning tips. Learn more about health topics across our library, including Diabetes Month 2025 insights.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Role in care: How does this therapy support my periodontal plan?
• Duration: How long should I stay on treatment before reassessment?
• Interactions: How should I separate doses from calcium, iron, or antacids?
• Side effects: What signs mean I should call your office?
• Dental schedule: How often should I return for maintenance cleanings?
• Alternatives: Would a local periodontal antibiotic be better for me?

Authoritative Sources

See official labeling and regulatory resources for complete information:

• FDA Prescribing Information
• DailyMed: Doxycycline Labeling
• Health Canada Drug Product Database

Ready to proceed? You can place your order with prompt, express shipping, with temperature-controlled handling when required. Prescription required; your prescriber’s directions guide use. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice.