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Overview

Tetracycline

Prescription vs OTC : Prescription by Doctor required

About Tetracycline

Tetracycline is primarily used for the treatment of of susceptible bacterial infections of both gram-positive and gram-negative organisms and also infections due to Mycoplasma, Chlamydia, and Rickettsia. This medicine is also indicated for acne, exacerbations of chronic bronchitis, and treatment of gonorrhea and syphilis in patients that are allergic to penicillin.

Tetracycline is used to treat the infections caused by bacteria. It helps in curing the infections that affect the skin, urinary tract, intestines, genitals, respiratory tract, lymph nodes and various other parts of the body. This medicine is used concomitantly with metronidazole, bismuth subsalicylate and an H2-antagonist for the treatment of duodenal ulcer disease induced by H. pylori.

The medicine should be taken exactly as prescribed by the doctor. Take it about an hour or 2 after you take your meal. The drug should not be consumed with milk or any dairy products as your body might face difficulty to this drug.

Children below the age of 8 years should not consume this medicine. Pregnant women should discuss the pros and cons of taking this drug with their doctor. This is because the drug can be harmful for the fetus.

Lactating mothers should also take their doctor's advice before using this drug. A few side effects of the drug that you may experience are anaemia, thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, eosinophilia, agranulocytosis, aplastic anaemia.

Take this medication exactly as directed. Take all of the prescription even if you see an improvement in your condition. Do not use more or more often than recommended..

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

    What are the uses of Tetracycline

    • Bacterial Infections

    • Acne

    • Chronic Bronchitis

    • Syphilis

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

    What are the contraindications of Tetracycline ?

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

    What are the side effects of Tetracycline ?

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

    Key highlights of Tetracycline

    • How long is the duration of effect?

      The effect of this medicine lasts for an average duration of 6 hours.

    • What is the onset of action?

      The peak effect of this medicine can be observed in 1 to 3 hours.

    • Are there any pregnancy warnings?

      Do not get pregnant while taking this medication - effectiveness of oral contraceptives may be reduced; use appropriate barrier contraceptive measures.

    • Is it habit forming?

      No habit forming tendency have been reported.

    • Are there any breast-feeding warnings?

      Excreted in breast milk; avoid use if possible in lactating mothers.

    • Is It safe with alcohol?

      It is safe to consume alcohol while taking this medicine.

    • Is it safe to drive while on this medicine?

      This medicine usually does not affect the ability to drive of the patient taking this medicine.

    • Does this affect kidney function?

      Caution must be taken while using this medicine in patients with kidney disease. Adjustment of dose might be needed, depending on the following:

      • Clcr 50-80 mL/minute: Administer every 8-12 hours
      • Clcr 10-50 mL/minute: Administer every 12-24 hours
      • Clcr <10 mL/minute: Administer every 24 hours
      • Dialysis: Slightly dialyzable (5% to 20%) via hemo- and peritoneal dialysis nor via continuous arteriovenous or venovenous hemofiltration (CAVH/CAVHD); no supplemental dosage necessary.
      Kindly consult your doctor before taking this.

    • Does this affect liver function?

      Caution must be taken while using this medicine in patients with liver disease. Adjustment of dose might be needed. Avoid use or maximum dose is 1 g/day. Kindly consult your doctor before taking this medicine.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

    What are the dosage instructions?

    • Missed Dose instructions

      The missed dose should be taken as soon possible. It is advisable to skip the missed dose if it's already time for your next scheduled dose.

    • Are there any overdose instructions?

      Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of overdose.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

    Where is the Tetracycline approved?

    • India

    • United States

    • Japan

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

    Medicines containing Tetracycline

    Below is the list of medicines, which contains Tetracycline as ingredient

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

    How does this medication work?

    This drug belongs to the class tetracyclines. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria by inhibiting the protein synthesis by acting on 30S ribosomal subunits of susceptible bacteria.

      Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

      What are the interactions of Tetracycline ?

      Whenever you take more than one medicine, or mix it with certain foods or beverages, you"re at risk of a drug interaction.

        test
      • Interaction with Alcohol

        Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
      • Interaction with Lab Test

        False-negative urine glucose with Clinistix®.
      • Interaction with Medicine

        • Decreased effect: Calcium-, magnesium-, or aluminum-containing antacids, oral contraceptives, iron, zinc, sodium bicarbonate, penicillins, cimetidine may decrease tetracycline absorption.
        • Although no clinical evidence exists, may bind with bismuth or calcium carbonate, an excipient in bismuth subsalicylate, during treatment for H. pylori.
        • Increased toxicity: Methoxyflurane anesthesia when concurrent with tetracycline may cause fatal nephrotoxicity; warfarin with tetracyclines may result in increased anticoagulation; tetracyclines may rarely increase digoxin serum levels.
      • Interaction with Food

        • Iron and calcium suppliments: This medicine is not recommended to take with iron and calcium preparations due to the decrease in the absorption. The minimum time gap of 3 hours should be maintained for a better absorption.
        • Dairy products decrease effect of tetracycline.
      • Interaction with Disease

        Use of tetracyclines during tooth development may cause permanent discoloration of the teeth and enamel, hypoplasia and retardation of skeletal development and bone growth with risk being the greatest for children <4 years and those receiving high doses; use with caution in patients with renal or hepatic impairment (eg, elderly) and in pregnancy; dosage modification required in patients with renal impairment since it may increase BUN as an antianabolic agent; pseudotumor cerebri has been reported with tetracycline use (usually resolves with discontinuation); outdated drug can cause nephropathy; superinfection possible; use protective measure to avoid photosensitivity.

      FAQs about Tetracycline

      • Ques : What is Tetracycline?

        Ans : This salt is used to treat bacterial infections.

      • Ques : How long do I need to use Tetracycline before I see improvement in my condition?

        Ans : In most of the cases, the average time taken by this medication to reach its peak effect is around 1 day to 1 week. Please consult your doctor for the time period you need to use this medication.

      • Ques : At what frequency do I need to use Tetracycline?

        Ans : This medication is generally used once or twice a day. It is advised to consult your doctor before the usage, as the frequency also depends on the patient's condition.

      • Ques : Should I use Tetracycline empty stomach, before food or after food?

        Ans : If you take it on an empty stomach, it might upset the stomach. Please consult the doctor before using it.

      • Ques : What are the instructions for the storage and disposal of Tetracycline?

        Ans : It should be stored at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. Keep it away from the reach of children and pets.

      References

      • Tetracycline-Drug Information Portal [Internet].druginfo.nlm.nih.gov 2022 [Cited 7 June 2022].Available from:

        https://druginfo.nlm.nih.gov/drugportal/name/tetracycline

      • Tetracycline-DrugBank Online [Internet].go.drugbank.com 2022 [Cited 7 June 2022].Available from:

        https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB00759

      • TETRACYCLINE capsule,solution-DailyMed [Internet].dailymed.nlm.nih.gov 2022 [Cited 7 June 2022].Available from:

        https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/search.cfm?labeltype=all&query=TETRACYCLINE

      Disclaimer : The information produced here is best of our knowledge and experience and we have tried our best to make it as accurate and up-to-date as possible, but we would like to request that it should not be treated as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment.

      Lybrate is a medium to provide our audience with the common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. Even if there is no mention of a warning for any drug or combination, it never means that we are claiming that the drug or combination is safe for consumption without any proper consultation with an expert.

      Lybrate does not take responsibility for any aspect of medicines or treatments. If you have any doubts about your medication, we strongly recommend you to see a doctor immediately.
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      Written ByDrx Hina FirdousPhD (Pharmacology) Pursuing, M.Pharma (Pharmacology), B.Pharma - Certificate in Nutrition and Child CarePharmacology
      Reviewed By
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      Reviewed ByDr. Garima SharmaMBBS, Master in Healthcare Administration, Diploma in Occupational HealthGeneral Physician
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