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.

How should this medicine be used?

Tetracycline comes as a capsule and suspension (liquid) to take by mouth. It is usually taken two to four times daily. Tetracycline should be taken on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals or snacks. Drink a full glass of water with each dose of tetracycline. Do not take tetracycline with food, especially dairy products such as milk, yogurt, cheese, and ice cream. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take tetracycline exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Shake the liquid well before each use to mix the medication evenly.

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Do not use outdated tetracycline. Outdated tetracycline is highly toxic to the kidneys.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

What side effects can this medication cause?

Tetracycline may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• upset stomach
• diarrhea
• itching of the rectum or vagina
• sore mouth
• redness of the skin (sunburn)
• changes in skin color

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• severe headache
• blurred vision
• skin rash
• hives
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• yellowing of the skin or eyes
• itching
• dark-colored urine
• light-colored bowel movements
• loss of appetite
• upset stomach
• vomiting
• stomach pain
• extreme tiredness or weakness
• confusion
• joint stiffness or swelling
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• decreased urination
• pain or discomfort in the mouth
• throat sores
• fever or chills

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/index.html] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.