Tetracycline!
Tetracycline is a "broad-spectrum" antibiotic used to treat
bacterial infections such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever, typhus fever,
and tick fevers. Tetracycline is also used to treat upper respiratory
infections, pneumonia, gonorrhea, amoebic infections, and urinary tract
infections. Tetracycline is often used as an alternative drug for people
who are allergic to penicillin.
The following 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
use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Please consult your
healthcare professional before using this or any other prescription or
non-prescription medication.
About Tetracycline
Tetracycline Directions
Tetracycline should be taken exactly as prescribed by
your doctor. Be sure to use the entire prescription. Do not use outdated
tetracycline, as it is highly toxic to the kidneys. Do not take antacids
containing aluminum, calcium, or magnesium (e.g., Mylanta, Maalox) while
taking this medication. 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 tetracycline. Tetracycline
should be continued for at least 24 to 48 hours after your symptoms have
subsided.
Tetracycline Side Effects
More common side effects of tetracycline 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, and vomiting.
Less common or rare side effects may include: Inflamed skin, inflammation of
the penis, liver poisoning, muscle weakness, peeling, skin eruptions,
and throat sores and inflammation.
Tetracycline Precautions
Do not take tetracycline if you are sensitive to or have
ever had an allergic reaction to any tetracycline medication. If you have
kidney disease, make sure the doctor knows about it, as 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. As with other antibiotics, use of this medication
may cause other infections to develop. Contact your doctor if this occurs.
Tetracycline is not recommended for use during pregnancy, as 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.
Missed Dose of Tetracycline
If you miss a dose of tetracycline, 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 resume your regular schedule.
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