Tetracycline

💊 What is Tetracycline used for?

• •Upper and lower respiratory tract infections caused by certain bacteria
• •Skin and soft tissue infections caused by certain bacteria
• •Rickettsial infections, such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever and typhus group infections
• •Certain sexually transmitted infections, including some Chlamydia trachomatis infections
• •Urinary tract infections caused by susceptible bacteria such as E. coli
• •Other infections the label lists, such as cholera, tularemia, brucellosis, and Lyme-type relapsing fever
• •Severe acne, as an add-on treatment to other measures

How it works

The label describes tetracycline as an antibiotic that works against susceptible bacteria. It is used only for infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria.

How it is usually taken

• •The label says tetracycline is taken by mouth. When capsules are used, the label recommends taking them with enough fluid to wash the medicine down, which lowers the chance of irritation or ulcers in the food pipe. Food, some dairy products, and certain antacids, iron, zinc, or sodium bicarbonate products can reduce how well the medicine is absorbed. The label also says that the medicine should be taken exactly as directed, and that the full course should be finished even if you start to feel better. Follow the instructions from your prescriber or pharmacist.

Comes as

• •250 mg capsules
• •500 mg capsules

⚠️ Tetracycline side effects

🛑 Who should not take Tetracycline, and who should be careful

The label says not to take it if

• 🚨The label says this medicine is contraindicated in people who have shown a hypersensitivity (allergic reaction) to any tetracyclines.

Tell your doctor before taking it if

• •The label says the use of tetracycline-class drugs during tooth development (the last half of pregnancy, infancy, and childhood up to age 8) may cause permanent yellow, gray, or brown discoloration of teeth, and enamel problems. The label says these drugs should not be used in this age group unless other drugs are unlikely to work or cannot be used.
• •The label says that antibiotics like tetracycline do not treat viral infections, such as the common cold.
• •Tell your prescriber about all medicines you take, including blood thinners, oral contraceptives, antacids, iron, and penicillin-type antibiotics.
• •Tell your prescriber if you have kidney or liver problems, since the label gives extra warnings for these.
• •Tell your prescriber about any history of increased pressure in the head, or any vision changes.
• •The brand names listed for this summary include topical first aid products. This label describes oral capsules. Check with your pharmacist to confirm which product you have.

🔀 Tetracycline with other medicines, food and alcohol

The label says to discuss these with your doctor or pharmacist

• •Penicillin and other bactericidal antibiotics: the label says it is advisable to avoid using tetracycline with these, because tetracycline can interfere with how they work.
• •Anticoagulants (blood thinners): the label says tetracyclines can lower prothrombin activity, so the anticoagulant dose may need adjustment.
• •Antacids containing aluminum, calcium, or magnesium: these can reduce how much tetracycline is absorbed.
• •Iron, zinc, or sodium bicarbonate products: these can reduce how much tetracycline is absorbed.
• •Food and some dairy products: these can reduce absorption.
• •Oral contraceptives (birth control pills): the label says tetracycline may make them less effective.
• •Isotretinoin: the label says it should be avoided with tetracycline because both can cause increased pressure around the brain.

Alcohol and food

The label says food and some dairy products can reduce how well tetracycline is absorbed. The label does not give information about alcohol.

🤰 Tetracycline in pregnancy and breastfeeding

Pregnancy

The label lists Pregnancy Category D. It says tetracyclines cross the placenta and can have toxic effects on the developing fetus, often related to slowed bone development, and that embryotoxicity has been seen in animals treated early in pregnancy. The label also says pregnant women with kidney disease may be more prone to tetracycline-associated liver failure. The label text is cut off at its guidance on pregnancy, so talk with your prescriber about any pregnancy.

Breastfeeding

The label says tetracycline can cause serious adverse reactions in nursing infants. It says a decision should be made whether to stop the drug, taking into account how important the medicine is to the mother.

🗓️ Storage, missed doses and taking too much

Storage

The label says to store at 20 to 25 degrees C (68 to 77 degrees F) in a tight, light-resistant container, with a child-resistant closure if required. Keep out of reach of children.

If a dose is missed

The label does not say.

If too much is taken

The label says that in case of overdose, the medicine should be discontinued, the person should be treated for symptoms, and supportive measures should be used. The label also says tetracycline is not removed by dialysis. Seek emergency medical help right away if an overdose is suspected.

🗒️ Questions to ask about Tetracycline

• Is this antibiotic the right choice for my type of infection?
• How long will I need to take it, and what should I do if I start feeling better early?
• Should I take it with food, milk, or antacids, and how far apart should I space them?
• How can I protect my skin from sunlight while taking this medicine?
• Could this medicine affect my birth control or any blood thinner I take?
• What signs of severe diarrhea or vision changes should prompt me to call you right away?

❓ Tetracycline: frequently asked questions