Tetracycline is an antibiotic medication used for treating infections acne, gonorrhea, Chlamydia and other infections.
How does it work?
Tetracycline slows down the growth of the bacteria in the body. This allows the immune system to eliminate the bacteria completely from the system.
Taking Tetracycline & the right dosage
Tetracycline may be taken with or without a meal.
The extended release pill should not be crushed or chewed. It must be swallowed whole.
Antacids, iron supplements, multivitamins must be avoided for at least 2 hours before and after using Tetracycline.
Tetracycline must be consumed for the complete prescribed time duration. You may notice that your symptoms may improve before the prescribed duration is over or the infection is cleared. But do not alter the dose or the schedule without consulting your doctor.
Storage
Store Tetracycline in a cool and dark place at room temperature. Do not store it in a place where it can get exposed to direct sunlight or moisture.
Keep it away from children and pets.
Safety Information/ Warning Precautions
Before using Tetracycline, you should consult a physician and discuss about your medical history. If you have allergies to antibiotics, then inform your doctor about it.
Tetracycline may not be suitable for you if:
You have liver disease
You have kidney disease
You have asthma or sulfite allergy
You have a history of increased pressure inside your skull
You also take isotretinoin (Amnesteem, Claravis, Sotret)
You take seizure medicine
You take a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven)
Other Information
You may have to undergo frequent blood tests including your kidney and liver functioning while using Tetracycline.
It may also reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills. So ensure that you use multiple birth control measures while using Tetracycline.
Tetracycline can cause permanent yellowing or graying of the teeth. The chances of this happening are more in children below 8 years of age.
Tetracycline can increase the sensitivity of the skin to sunlight. So exposure to the sun, UV lamps and tanning beds must be avoided. Ensure that you wear protective clothing and use sunscreen when you venture out into the sun.
Drug Interactions
Tetracycline may interact with some medications. So if you are using any prescription, non prescription, OTC medicines or dietary supplements, then inform your physician in advance before you use Tetracycline.
Pregnancy Information
Inform your doctor if you plan to become pregnant or are pregnant during the time of treatment with Tetracycline.
Tetracycline may be passed on to the baby if you are breast feeding. Please speak to your doctor about the potential risks of breast feeding while using Tetracycline.
Side Effects
The most common side effects of Tetracycline are:
Nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, mild diarrhea, skin rash or itching, vaginal itching or discharge.
These side effects usually subside by themselves in sometime as the body gets used to Tetracycline.
Some uncommon but potentially dangerous side effects are:
changes in your vision, severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody, fever, swollen glands, body aches, flu symptoms, weakness, skin rash, pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness, upper stomach pain (may spread to your back), loss of appetite, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), chest pain, irregular heart rhythm, feeling short of breath, confusion, nausea and vomiting, swelling, rapid weight gain, little or no urinating, new or worsening cough with fever, trouble breathing, increased pressure inside the skull--severe headaches, ringing in your ears, dizziness, nausea, vision problems, pain behind your eyes, or
severe skin reaction--fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.
You should see a doctor immediately if one of these side effects occur.