Tetracycline

Tetracycline is a prescription antibiotic that is often prescribed for the treatment of bacterial infections, acne, and Helicobacter pylori infections. By decreasing bacteria's ability to make protein, the medication is effective at stopping bacteria from continuing to live and causing infection in the body. Potential side effects of tetracycline include nausea, vomiting, and fatigue.

Tetracycline Hydrochloride

What Is Tetracycline?

Tetracycline (sold as generic Tetracycline tablets or capsules, or under a variety of brand names, including Sumycin^®, Achromycin^®, and Wesmycin^®) is a prescription antibiotic that is licensed to treat a number of common infections. It is part of a class of antibiotics called tetracyclines. Other medicines in this class include doxycycline and minocycline.

What Is It Used for?

Tetracycline is licensed to treat a number of conditions.

Some uses include:

Treatment of bacterial infections, such as:

Lyme disease
Certain types of pneumonia
Certain types of urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Rocky Mountain spotted fever
Gonorrhea
Chlamydia
Cholera
Plague

Acne treatment (see Tetracycline for Acne)
Treatment of Helicobacter pylori infections.

(Click Tetracycline Uses for more information.)

The medication has not been approved for use in children under the age of eight. Treating children under the age of eight with tetracycline can cause permanent grayish-yellow brown staining of teeth.

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