Tetracycline is an antibiotics drug used to treat bacterial infections. Tetracycline is sold under many brand names, including Sumycin, Tetracyn, and Panmycin.
Tetracycline is an broad-spectrum antibiotic, which means it is effective against a wide variety of bacteria. Tetracycline is a prescription drug and should be used only under the supervision of a health care provider.
Tetracycline is used to treat many different bacterial infections, including:
Acne
Chlamydia
Gonorrhea
Urinary tract infections
Some types of diarrhea
Some types of pneumonia
Other types of infections
Tetracycline may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
Tetracycline works by interfering with the ability of bacteria to produce proteins.
Tetracycline is available in generic form.
Side effects of tetracycline include:
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Stomach cramps
Skin rash
Hives
Fever
Yellowing of the skin or eyes
Dark urine
Tetracycline should be used only when prescribed by a health care provider.
Tetracycline should not be used by pregnant women or women who are breastfeeding.
Do not give tetracycline to a child younger than 8 years old. Tetracycline can cause permanent yellowing or graying of the teeth, and it can affect a child's growth.
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to tetracycline, or to similar medications such as demeclocycline (Declomycin), doxycycline (Adoxa, Doryx, Oracea, Vibramycin), minocycline (Dynacin, Minocin, Solodyn, Vectrin), or to other tetracyclines such as oxytetracycline (Terramycin, Sumycin) and tetracycline (Achromycin V, Sumycin).
To make sure tetracycline is safe for you, tell your health care provider if you have any of these other conditions:
Kidney disease
Liver disease
Asthma
Hay fever or other allergies
A history of diabetes
A history of joint problems
A history of myasthenia gravis
If you are taking any of these medications, you may not be able to use tetracycline, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.
FDA pregnancy category D. Tetracycline can cause harm to the fetus. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
Tetracycline can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Do not give this medication to anyone under 18 years old without the advice of a doctor.
Take tetracycline exactly as prescribed by your health care provider. Do not take tetracycline in larger or smaller amounts, or for shorter or longer than recommended.
Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose. To be sure you get the correct dose, measure the liquid with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
Do not take tetracycline with milk or other dairy products, unless your health care provider has told you to. Dairy products can make it harder for your body to absorb the medicine.
Take tetracycline on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.
To prevent tooth discoloration, take tetracycline with a full glass or water.
Do not take iron supplements, multivitamins, calcium supplements, antacids, or laxatives within 2 hours before or after taking tetracycline.
Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your health care provider. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Tetracycline will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.
To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood may need to be tested often. Your liver and kidney function may also need to be tested. Visit your health care provider often.
If you are being treated for gonorrhea, your doctor may also have you tested for syphilis, another sexually transmitted disease.
Do not take any other prescription or over the counter medications or supplements without first talking to your health care provider.
Store tetracycline at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
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