Generic Name: tetracycline (the tra SYE kleen)
Typical Brand Names: Brodspec, Emtet-500, Panmycin, Sumycin, Tetracap.
What Is It Used For?
Tetracycline is used for the treatment of bacterial infections.
It is also used for many other purposes other than those listed
in medication guides. It also may be used as a substitute to other
medications for the treatment of Lyme disease and for the treatment
and preclusion of anthrax (after inhalational exposure). Tetracycline
is in a class of medications called tetracycline antibiotics.
How Is It Used?
Each dose of Tetracycline should be taken full glass of water
(8 ounces). It is advisable to take tetracycline on an empty stomach
1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. It is suggested to avoid
dairy products, iron supplements, multivitamins, calcium supplements,
antacids, or laxatives within 2 hours of taking tetracycline.
These products may reduce the effectiveness of tetracycline.
Are There Possible Side Effects?
Serious side effects from Tetracycline are unlikely to occur;
however if allergic reaction, vision changes, severe headache
occurs, bleeding, liver damage, contact your local doctor then
and there itself. If these effects persist or worsen or you notice
some other effects, notify your doctor immediately.
Less serious side effects like: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, swollen
tongue, vaginal yeast infection are more likely to occur. Talk
to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that
is especially bothersome.
Is It Safe?
Tetracycline may decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills.
Use a second method of birth control to ensure protection from
unintended pregnancy while taking tetracycline. Tetracycline is
in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that it is known to
be harmful to an unborn baby. Tetracycline may affect bone and
tooth development in the developing baby. Avoid this medication
without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could
become pregnant during treatment. Tetracycline passes into breast
milk and may affect bone and tooth development in a nursing infant.
Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor
if you are breast-feeding a baby.
What About Interactions With Other Drugs?
You are suggested to avoid tetracycline if you are already taking
any of the following drugs: cholestyramine, minerals like iron,
zinc, calcium, magnesium, and over-the-counter vitamin and mineral
supplements; sucralfate; antacid such as Tums, Rolaids, Milk of
Magnesia, Maalox, and others; product that contains bismuth subsalicylate
such as Pepto-Bismol; didanosine; methoxyflurane, penicillin antibiotic
such as amoxicillin, penicillin, dicloxacillin, carbenicillin,
oxacillin, and others. It may decrease the effectiveness of birth
control pills. Use a second method of birth control to ensure
protection from unintended pregnancy while taking tetracycline.
What If I Miss A Dose?
If you have missed any dose, use it as soon as you remember. However,
if it is almost time for your next regularly scheduled dose, skip
the missed dose and use the next one as directed. Do not use a
double dose of this medication.
How Should It Be Stored?
Always keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly
closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature
and away from excess heat and moisture. Throw away any medication
that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist
about the proper disposal of your medication.
Anything Else I Should Know?
Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight or artificial UV light. Tetracycline
may increase the sensitivity of the skin to sunlight, and severe
burning may result. Wear protective clothing and sunscreen if
exposure to the sun is unavoidable. If and when tetracycline is
used during pregnancy or in babies or children up to age 8, it
can cause the teeth to become permanently stained. Tetracycline
should not be used in children under age 8 unless your doctor
decides it is needed. Talk to your doctor if any discrepancies
occur.
NOTE: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute
for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist,
or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to
indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or
effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before
taking the product.
