Brand name
: Tetracycline (Panmycin, Tetrex) or
Bismuth,
Metronidazole, and Tetracycline
Helidac Therapy
Why is Tetracycline prescribed?
Tetracycline, a "broad-spectrum" antibiotic, is used to
treat bacterial infections such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever, typhus
fever, and tick fevers; upper respiratory infections; pneumonia; gonorrhea;
amoebic infections; and urinary tract infections. It is also used to
help treat severe acne and to treat trachoma (a chronic eye infection)
and conjunctivitis (pinkeye). Tetracycline is often an alternative
drug for people who are allergic to penicillin.
Most important fact about Tetracycline
Tetracycline should not be used during the last half of pregnancy
or in children under the age of 8. It may damage developing teeth and
cause permanent discoloration.
How should you take Tetracycline?
Tetracycline should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
Be sure to use the entire prescription. If you are taking a liquid
form of the drug, shake well before using.
Do not use outdated tetracycline. Outdated tetracycline is highly
toxic to the kidneys.
Do not take antacids containing aluminum, calcium, or magnesium (e.g.,
Mylanta, Maalox) while taking Tetracycline. They will affect the absorption
of the drug.Take tetracycline 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals.
Foods, milk, and some other dairy products affect absorption of the
drug.Tetracycline should be continued for at least 24 to 48 hours after
your symptoms have subsided.
If you miss a dose...
Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next
dose and you take tetracycline once a day (e.g., for acne), take the
dose you missed, and then take the next one 10 to 12 hours later; if
you take it twice a day, take the dose you missed, and then take the
next one 5 to 6 hours later; if you take 3 or more doses a day, take
the one you missed, and then take the next one 2 to 4 hours later.
Then go back to your regular schedule.
Storage instructions...
Store capsules at room temperature. Keep the liquid form of tetracycline
in the refrigerator, but do not allow it to freeze.
Tetracycline side effects
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any occur or change in intensity,
inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine
if it is safe for you to continue taking tetracycline.
* Side effects may include:
Anemia, blood disorders, blurred vision and headache (in adults), bulging soft
spot on the head (in infants), diarrhea, difficult or painful swallowing,
dizziness, extreme allergic reactions, genital or anal sores or rash, hives,
inflammation of large bowel, inflammation of the tongue, inflammation of
the upper digestive tract, increased sensitivity to light, loss of appetite,
nausea, rash, ringing in the ears, swelling due to fluid accumulation, vision
disturbance, vomiting
Why should Tetracycline not be prescribed?
Do not take Tetracycline if you are sensitive to or have ever had
an allergic reaction to any tetracycline medication.
Special warnings about Tetracycline
If you have kidney disease, make sure the doctor knows about it. A
lower than usual dose of tetracycline may be needed.
Tetracycline drugs can make you more prone to sunburn when you are
in sunlight or ultraviolet light. Take appropriate precautions.
Some adults may develop a headache and blurred vision while taking
tetracycline, and infants may develop a bulging soft spot on the head.
Contact your doctor if you experience or notice these symptoms. They
usually disappear soon after Tetracycline is stopped.As with other
antibiotics, use of Tetracycline may cause other infections to develop.
Contact your doctor if this occurs.
If you are taking tetracycline over an extended period of time, your
doctor will perform blood, kidney, and liver tests periodically.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking 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, such as Mylanta
and Maalox
Blood thinners such as Coumadin
Oral contraceptives
Penicillin (Amoxil, Pen-Vee K, others)
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
Tetracycline is not recommended for use during pregnancy. It can affect
the development of the unborn child's bones and teeth. If you are pregnant
or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Tetracycline
appears in breast milk and may affect a nursing infant. If Tetracycline
is essential to your health, your doctor may recommend that you stop
breastfeeding until your treatment is finished.
Recommended dosage for Tetracycline
Your doctor will adjust your dose on the basis of the condition to
be treated, your age, and risk factors such as kidney problems.You
should use Tetracycline for at least 24 to 48 hours after symptoms
and fever have subsided. For a streptococcal infection, doses should
be taken for at least 10 days.
ADULTS :
Overdosage
