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Tetracycline
Tetracycline Hydrochloride (active ingredients) Pronounced - tet ra sye' kleen
Sumycin, Achromycin V, Panmycin, Helidac with acitve ingredients containing bismuth subsalicylate, tetracycline hydrochloride, and metronidazole (brand names)
Tetracycline is an antibiotic drug used to treat infection. Tetracycline has a long history in the treatment of acne, and remains one of the most widely used. Tetracycline is used to treat many infections caused by bacteria, such as:
- Acne - infections of skin
- Pneumonia and other respiratory tract infections
- Genital and urinary systems
- Helicobacter pylori - the infection that causes stomach ulcers
*) Tetracycline also may be used as an alternative to other medications for the treatment of Lyme disease and for the treatment and prevention of anthrax (after inhalational exposure).
*) Tetracycline is in a class of medications called tetracycline antibiotics. It works by preventing the growth and spread of bacteria.
*) Tetracycline comes as a capsule, tablet, or suspension (liquid) to take by mouth. It is usually taken two to four times daily. Long term, low dose tetracycline therapy may be continued for many months to maintain suppression of acne. Higher doses may be prescribed for very severe acne, with regular monitoring for *systemic side effects.
*) There is some concern, although it has not been proven, that tetracycline and minocycline may decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills. Therefore, a backup or another form of birth control may be needed. Consult your doctor for more information.
IMPORTANT WARNING:
Because tetracyclines may affect tooth and bone formation in a *fetus and young children, these drugs are not given to pregnant women or children under age 14. Tetracycline may cause permanent teeth staining or skeletal defects in a fetus.
Tetracycline Side Effects
Some possible side effects of Tetracycline - 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
Tetracycline Serious Side Effects
Some Serious Side Effects - 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 www.fda.gov/MedWatch/index.html or by phone 1-800-332-1088.
Glossary For This Page
*Systemic
Pronounced - sis-TEH-mik
Affecting the whole body.
*Fetus
Unborn baby in the mothers womb.
References:
National Library of Medicine (NLM)
October 2005
http://medlineplus.gov
This summary does not include everything there is to know about the medicine mentioned above. Do not use this medicine without first talking to your doctor. Other brand names or generic forms of this medicine may also be available. Side effects other than those listed above may occur. This medicine may be prescribed for other uses. If you have questions or concerns, or want more information, your doctor or pharmacist has the complete prescribing information about this medicine and possible drug interactions.