Drug Uses

How it is taken

Tetracycline can be taken by mouth with at least 1 hour or 2 hours after eating. Take it for the entire duration of treatment preferably at the same time everyday.

The drug is to be taken with a full glass of water. Avoid lying down for at least 30 minutes after taking the drug.

If you are taking antacids containing aluminum, calcium, or magnesium, preparations containing bismuth, iron, zinc, or sodium bicarbonate, or calcium rich foods (eg, milk, dairy products, calcium-enriched juices) then space out your dosage by at least 2 to 3 hours before or after taking the drug.

Do not stop without consulting your doctor. The best way to use the drug is as recommended by your doctor.

Drug Class & Mechanism

Tetracycline is a tetracycline antibiotic that interferes with the formation of the protein that is needed for the bacteria to grow. Once the growth of the bacteria is stunned, the body’s defense mechanism takes over and kills it.

Missed Dosage

If you miss a dose of Tetracycline then you may take it as soon as you remember and adjust the remaining doses accordingly. However, if it is nearly time for the next dose then you may skip this dose and continue with the regular dosage. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.

Storage

Store Tetracycline at room temperature (between between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C) in an air tight container protecting it from direct exposure to light, heat and moisture. Keep away from pets and children.
 

Warnings/Precautions

Discuss with your doctor about any prior medical condition that you may have including allergies to medicines, food or other substances, you have diarrhea, a stomach infection, or kidney problems.

You must not take if you are allergic to any ingredient in it or other tetracycline antibiotics (eg, doxycycline), are taking acitretin or methoxyflurane.

If you are pregnant or suspect that you are, then stop using Tetracycline and contact your doctor immediately.

It is unknown whether Tetracycline is secreted in breast milk. Avoid breast feeding while using the drug.

Certain drugs can interact with and hence, mention clearly to your doctor or pharmacist all medicines, dietary supplements and herbal prescriptions that you are taking, especially any of the following.

Acitretin or isotretinoin because it may cause side effects like increased pressure in the fluid surrounding the brain.

Digoxin, methotrexate, methoxyflurane, or oral anticoagulants (eg, warfarin) because Tetracycline increases the risk of their side effects

Tetracycline Atovaquone, lithium, oral contraceptives (birth control pills), or penicillins (eg, amoxicillin)  because their effectiveness is reduced.

Possible Side Effects

Some of the common side effects of are Black hairy tongue, blurred vision, bulky loose stools, diarrhea, difficulty swallowing, fever, headache, hives, hoarseness, indigestion, inflammation or redness of tongue, joint pain, loss of appetite, mouth sores, nausea, rash, sensitivity to sunlight, sore throat, stomach pain, swelling and itching of the rectum. Please contact your doctor if the symptoms persist or become bothersome.

Other severe side effects include severe allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), infection (fever, chills, sore throat), itching, nausea, severe skin reaction to the sun, vaginal irritation or discharge, vomiting.

You must seek medical attention immediately if any of these side effects occur.