Drug application
Tetracycline is an antibiotic which useage is determined by many different bacterial infections, among them are infections of the respiratory tracts, urinary tract infections, acne, trachoma, gonorrhea and chlamydia as well as other diseases.
How to use
Tetracycline must only be applied on the doctor's prescription. You can find instructions for exact dosing on the medicine's label.
Tetracycline is taken by mouth, either 1 hour before taking meal or 2 hours after that.
Tetracycline should always be taken with a glass of water (8 oz/240 mL). One is not recommended to lie down at least for 30 minutes after Tetracycline has been taken.
In case of your taking antacids containing either calcium and aluminum or magnesium; calcium rich food products (eggs, calcium-enriched juices milk and other dairy products), preparations containing iron, sodium bicarbonate, bismuth or zinc; wait around 2 to 3 hours and only then take Tetracycline. Any questiones should be checked with the doctor.
It is necessary to follow the complete course of treatment with Tetracycline. you can possibly start to feel better after a few days of application of the treatment, but don't stop taking it.
Drug Class and Mechanism
Being a tetracycline antibiotic, Tetracycline's effect of slowing down the sensitive bacteria's growth is reached through its interference with the production of proteins that the bacteria needs to grow. When the bacterias' growth is delayed, the body can mobilize its defense mechanisms in order to destroy them.
Cases of missing a Dose
Take Tetracycline as soon as you find out that you have missed the time you usually take it unless it is time or almost time for you to take the next one. As it is prohibited to take a double dose, you had better skip the missed one.
Storage
The recommended temperature for Tetracycline storage is between 20 and 25 degrees C or 68 and 77 degrees F. It is permitted to store the medicine at temperatures 15-30 degrees C or 59-86 degrees F but only for a short period of time. Don't keep it in the bathroom, in places where it is open to direct moisture or heat. Also keep it away from children and pets.
Precautions/Warnings
Tetracycline must not be used in the following cases:
- you have an allergy to any component in Tetracycline or to other antibiotics of tetracycline group (e.g., doxycycline);
- your taking of methoxyflurane or acitretin.
In case at least one conditions of these applies to you, don't hesitate to contact either your doctor or health care provider immediately.
If you are aware that you have some medical conditions that are described below, tell the doctor or pharmacist, as they may interact with Tetracycline:
- pregnancy, if you plan to become pregnant, or breast-feeding;
- taking any prescription or nonprescription medicines, dietary supplements or herbal preparations;
- food allergies and allergic reactions to medicines or other substances;
- kidney problems, diarrhea or a stomach infection.
Warn your health care provider if you take some medicines from the list as well as any other medicines, because sometimes they may interact:
side effects (increase of pressure in the fluid surrounding the brain) can occur if you take Acitretin or isotretinoin together with Tetracycline
Methoxyflurane, methotrexate, digoxin or oral anticoagulants (eg, warfarin) on the reason of the increased risk of side effects aggravated by Tetracycline
oral contraceptives, atovaquone, penicillins (eg, amoxicillin) or lithium because Tetracycline sometimes decreases their effectiveness.
Possible Side Effects
In case any of the common side effects bothers you or persists you should check with the doctor:
blurred vision; black hairy tongue; bulky loose stools; indigestion; diarrhea; fever; headache; difficulty swallowing; hives; hoarseness; inflammation or redness of tongue; loss of appetite; rash; joint pain; mouth sores; nausea; sensitivity to sunlight; stomach pain; sore throat; swelling and itching of the rectum.
There are also several severe side effects that may occur:
severe allergic reactions (rash; itching; hives; tightness in the chest; difficulty breathing; swelling of the mouth, lips or tongue, face); infection (chills, fever, sore throat); vomiting; nausea; itching; severe skin reaction to the sun; vaginal discharge or irritation.
More Information
About any details youÕd like to know about Tetracycline you should talk to your pharmacist, doctor or another health care provider. Consult them if you have any doubts or misgivings too.
It is only on prescription that Tetracycline must be used. Buy Tetracycline only if your doctor considers it to be necessary. It must not be shared with people for whom it is not prescribed.
On condition that your symptoms worsen or donÕt improve, check with the doctor.
