Tetracycline

What is Tetracycline?

Tetracycline is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever, typhus fever, tick fevers, pneumonia, gonorrhea, Chlamydia, urinary tract infections, trachoma (a chronic eye infection), conjunctivitis (pinkeye), acne, and others. Tetracycline is often an alternative drug for people who are allergic to penicillin.

What is the most important information I should know about Tetracycline?

Tetracycline should not be used in pregnancy or in children under the age of 8 years old. It may damage developing teeth and cause permanent discoloration.

Who should not take Tetracycline?

Do not take tetracycline if you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to any tetracycline medication.

Do not take tetracycline if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Tetracycline?

Mention all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with tetracycline. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding; have a history of allergy, asthma, hay fever, or hives; or if you have kidney or liver disease.

What is the usual dosage?

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.

Adults: For most infections, the usual daily dose is 1 grams (g) divided as 500 milligrams (mg) twice a day or 250 mg four times daily. For more severe infections, a dose of 500 mg four times daily may be required.

Acne

In cases of severe acne, the recommended dose is 1 g daily in divided doses. When the acne improves, the dose may be reduced to 125-500 mg daily.

Brucellosis

The usual dose is 500 mg, four times daily for 3 weeks. Tetracycline use should be accompanied by streptomycin.

Gonorrhea

The usual dose is 500 mg, four times daily for 7 days.

Syphilis

Early syphilis (duration less than 1 year): 500 mg four times daily for 15 days

Syphilis (duration more than 1 year, except neurosyphilis): 500 mg four times daily for 30 days

Urethral, Endocervical, or Rectal Infections in Adults Due to Chlamydia Trachomatis

The usual dose is 500 mg, four times daily, for at least 7 days.

Children 8 years of age and above: The usual daily dose is 10-20 mg per pound of body weight divided into 4 equal doses for at least 24-48 hours after symptoms and fever are gone.

How should I take Tetracycline?

Take each dose with a full glass of water (8 ounces). Adequate water should be taken with each dose to prevent irritation of the esophagus. Take tetracycline 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals, exactly as your doctor tells you to. Skipping doses or not taking all your tetracycline may decrease its effectiveness or increase the chance that bacteria will develop resistance to it.

What should I avoid while taking Tetracycline?

You should avoid becoming pregnant or breastfeeding. Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight or artificial UV light (tanning beds). Tetracycline may increase the sensitivity of the skin to sunlight and you may be sunburned as a result. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when you are outside. Avoid simultaneous use of iron-containing preparations and aluminum-, calcium-, and magnesium-containing antacids or supplements because these can impair absorption of tetracycline.

What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Tetracycline?

If tetracycline is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining tetracycline with the following: antacids containing aluminum, calcium, or magnesium; blood thinners, such as warfarin; dairy products; iron-containing products; methoxyflurane; oral contraceptives; or penicillin.

What are the possible side effects of Tetracycline?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.

Side effects may include: anemia, blood disorders, blurred vision and headache (adults), bulging soft spot on the head (infants), diarrhea, difficult or painful swallowing, dizziness, extreme allergic reactions, genital or anal sores or rash, hives, inflammation of the large bowel, inflammation of the tongue, inflammation of the upper digestive tract, increased sensitivity to light, loss of appetite, nausea, ringing in the ears, swelling due to excess fluid retention, vision disturbances, vomiting

Can I receive Tetracycline if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

Tetracycline is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Tetracycline may cause harm to an unborn infant or developing child under the age of 8. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, tell your doctor right away. Tetracycline appears in breast milk. Do not breastfeed while you are taking tetracycline.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Tetracycline?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How should I store Tetracycline?

Store at room temperature in a closed container, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze the oral liquid.