Tetracycline
Tetracycline is a "broad-spectrum"
antibiotic medication 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.
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use outdated tetracycline, as it is highly toxic to the kidneys.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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July
13, 2008 - 
