This first section of our medication database entry focuses on basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits, while part two covers side effects, interactions and additional information.
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TETRACYCLINE Consumer Information
TETRACYCLINE
Generic Name: tetracycline (the tra SYE kleen)
Brand Names: Brodspec, Emtet-500, Panmycin, Sumycin, Tetracap
What is the most important information I should know about tetracycline?
- Take all of the tetracycline that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated.
- Children younger than 8 years of age should not take tetracycline. Tetracycline can cause permanent tooth discoloration and adversely affect growth.
- Do not take iron supplements, multivitamins, calcium supplements, antacids, or laxatives within 2 hours of taking tetracycline. These products may decrease the effectiveness of tetracycline.
- Tetracycline may decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills. Use a second method of birth control while taking tetracycline to ensure protection from unintended pregnancy.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight or artificial UV light (e.g., tanning beds). Tetracycline may increase the sensitivity of the skin to sunlight, and severe burning may result. Wear protective clothing and sunscreen if exposure to the sun is unavoidable.
What is tetracycline?
- Tetracycline is a tetracycline antibiotic. It fights bacteria in the body.
- Tetracycline is used to treat many different bacterial infections, such as urinary tract infections, acne, gonorrhea, and chlamydia, and others.
- Tetracycline may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking tetracycline?
- Before taking tetracycline, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease. You may not be able to take tetracycline, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.
- Tetracycline is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that it is known to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tetracycline may affect bone and tooth development in the developing baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
- Tetracycline passes into breast milk and may affect bone and tooth development in a nursing infant. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
- Children younger than 8 years of age should not receive tetracycline. It can cause permanent tooth discoloration, and it can affect growth.
How should I take tetracycline?
- Take tetracycline exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
- Take each dose with a full glass of water (8 ounces). Adequate water should be taken with each dose to prevent irritation of the esophagus.
- Shake the suspension well before measuring a dose.
- To ensure you get the correct dose, measure the liquid form of tetracycline with a dose-measuring spoon or cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.
- Take tetracycline on an empty stomach 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals.
- Do not take dairy products, iron supplements, multivitamins, calcium supplements, antacids, or laxatives within 2 hours of taking tetracycline. These products may reduce the effectiveness of tetracycline.
- Take all of the tetracycline that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated.
- It is important to take tetracycline regularly to get the most benefit.
- Throw away any unused tetracycline when it expires or when it is no longer needed. Do not take any tetracycline after the expiration date printed on the label. Expired tetracycline can cause a dangerous syndrome resulting in damage to the kidneys.
- Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
- Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
What happens if I overdose?
- Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.
- Symptoms of a tetracycline overdose include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
What should I avoid while taking tetracycline?
- Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight or artificial UV light (e.g., tanning beds). Tetracycline may increase the sensitivity of the skin to sunlight and sunburn may result. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when exposure to the sun is unavoidable.
- Do not take iron supplements, multivitamins, calcium supplements, antacids, or laxatives within 2 hours of taking tetracycline. These products may reduce the effectiveness of tetracycline.
- Throw away any unused tetracycline when it expires or when it is no longer needed. Do not take any tetracycline after the expiration date printed on the bottle. Expired tetracycline can cause a dangerous syndrome resulting in damage to the kidneys.
Please see the end of this document for relevant limitations, full details of our medication information supplier, and revision date or version number.