Generic name:

Bismuth, Metronidazole, and Tetracycline

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Do not use outdated tetracycline. Outdated tetracycline is highly toxic to the kidneys.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

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. Seek medical attention immediately if you suspect an overdose of tetracycline.