Learning More About Tetracycline Indications

Acne is a disease that affects the skin's oil glands. When the follicle of a gland gets clogged with oil, skin cells, and bacteria, it's called a pimple. Several pimples occurring in the same area are known as acne. Untreated acne can present a number of problems, including surface pain, infections, and scarring. Tetracycline is thought to help control acne by curbing the growth of bacteria and reducing inflammation.

 

 

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) are bacteria known to cause peptic ulcers, which are ulcers in the stomach or first part of the intestines (the duodenum). Taking tetracycline in combination with bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto Bismol^®), metronidazole, and an H2-blocker or proton pump inhibitor has been shown to kill H. pylori. Therefore, your healthcare provider may recommend a regimen that includes tetracycline to treat H. pylori if you currently have peptic ulcer disease or have had it within the last five years. Treating an H. pylori infection, even if you have no symptoms, will lower your chances of developing a peptic ulcer.

 

Tetracycline Uses in Children

Tetracycline should not be used in children under eight years of age. Permanent discoloration and altered development of teeth have been reported in children younger than eight years old who have used tetracyclines.

 

Off-Label Tetracycline Uses

On occasion, your healthcare provider may recommend medications for treating conditions other than the primary indications. This is called an "off-label" use. At this time, there are no universally recognized off-label uses for tetracycline.