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 Tetracycline Used for?
Tetracycline is licensed to treat a number of conditions. Some uses for tetracycline include:
- Treatment of bacterial infections, such as:
o Certain types of pneumonia
o Rocky Mountain spotted fever
Tetracycline 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.
How Does Tetracycline Work?
Tetracycline is part of a class of drugs called tetracyclines. It decreases bacteria's ability to make protein, which the bacteria need to live.
By affecting the protein of bacteria, tetracycline helps stop bacteria from continuing to live and cause infection in the body.
Tetracycline: When and How Do I Take It?
Tetracycline comes as a capsule, tablet, or liquid suspension. Tetracycline is usually taken two to four times a day, depending on your healthcare provider's instructions.
Tetracycline is best to take without food at least one hour before or two hours after a meal.
Drink a full glass of water with each dose. Do not break, chew, or crush the tetracycline.
Tetracycline should be taken at the same time each day to maintain an even level of the drug in your system.
For tetracycline to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. Make sure that you complete your entire prescription of tetracycline, even if you start feeling better. This will ensure that the infection is completely treated.
Never take outdated tetracycline. This can cause serious problems, as outdated tetracycline can be toxic to the kidneys.
Tetracycline: Dietary Considerations
There are specific dietary restrictions with tetracycline. Tetracycline works best if taken either one hour before you eat or two hours after you have eaten. If tetracycline is taken too close to meals, it will not be absorbed as well and may not produce maximal effects.
The dose of tetracycline that your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
- The medical condition you are being treated for
- Whether you have decreased kidney function
- Other medical conditions you may have
- Other medications you may be currently taking.
As always, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
Side Effects of Tetracycline
As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with tetracycline. However, not everyone who takes tetracycline will experience side effects. When people do develop side effects to tetracycline, however, in most cases they are minor, meaning that they require no treatment or are easily treated by your healthcare provider.
Common side effects of tetracycline include but are not limited to:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Skin reactions to sunlight (photosensitivity)
- Upset stomach (dyspepsia)
- Unexplained rash
- Loss of appetite
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Itchy skin.
There are also a number of less common, but more serious, side effects that can occur.
Drug Interactions With Tetracycline
Tetracycline can potentially interact with a number of other medicines.
Tetracycline: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking tetracycline if you:
- Have liver disease or failure
- Have kidney disease or failure
- Are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant
- Are breastfeeding
- Have any allergies to medications
- Will be having any surgery.
Also, tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you may be currently taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines,
oral contraceptives, blood-thinners,
antacids, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
People who take too much tetracycline may have overdose symptoms that could include, but are not limited to:
If you happen to overdose on tetracycline, seek medical attention immediately.
Tetracycline: Storage Methods
Tetracycline capsules and tablets, along with the
Sumycin® oral suspension (liquid), should be stored at room temperature. Tetracycline products should be kept protected from light, moisture, and excessive heat.
Keep tetracycline and all medications out of the reach of children.
Tetracycline: What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you do not take your tetracycline as scheduled, take it as soon as you remember -- unless it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the one you forgot and take your next dose instead. Never take a double dose!
Tetracycline Manufacturer
Tetracycline is manufactured by a number of companies. Some of these companies include:
- Bristol-Myers Squibb
- Teva Pharmaceuticals
- Mylan Pharmaceuticals
- Par Pharmaceuticals.
Tetracycline is a generic medication. Tetracycline is also available under a number of brand names, including:
Tetracycline comes in a number of strengths and will vary somewhat depending on who makes the tetracycline. For generic tetracycline, strengths include:
- Tetracycline 250 mg
- Tetracycline 500 mg.
Sumycin is also available as tablets and as a liquid. The liquid strength is Sumycin® 125 mg/5 mL.
Add this article to your Favorites
Email this article
Print