The
following information is a summary about Tetracycline.
It is not intended to replace a doctor's instructions.
Tetracycline USES
Tetracycline treats bacterial infections, including pneumonia,
acne, infections of the skin, genital and urinary systems.
Tetracycline is in a class of medications called tetracycline
antibiotics.
Tetracycline DIRECTIONS
Take Tetracycline tablets or capsules by mouth. Follow
the directions on the prescription label. Take Tetracycline
1 hour before or at least 2 hours after eating. Swallow
tablets or capsules whole with a full glass of water; take
tablets or capsules in an upright or sitting position.
Taking a sip of water first, before taking the tablets
or capsules, may help you swallow them. If possible take
bedtime doses at least 10 minutes before lying down. It
is best to take Tetracycline without food, but if it upsets
your stomach take it with food. Avoid having dairy products,
such as yogurt, milk, or cheese with your medicine; they
can reduce the effect of Tetracycline. Take your doses
at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often
than directed. Finish the full course prescribed by your
prescriber or health care professional even if you think
your condition is better. Do not stop taking except on
your prescriber's advice.
Tetracycline SIDE EFFECTS
Tetracycline side effects that you should report to your
prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
dark yellow or brown urine; decrease in the amount of urine;
difficulty breathing; fever; headache; increased sensitivity
to the sun or ultraviolet light; itching in the rectal
or genital area; pain on swallowing; redness, blistering,
peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the
mouth; skin rash, itching; stomach pain or cramps; unusual
weakness or tiredness; yellowing of the eyes or skin. Side
effects that usually do not require medical attention (report
to your prescriber or health care professional if they
continue or are bothersome): diarrhea; discolored tongue;
loss of appetite; nausea, vomiting; sore mouth.
Tetracycline PRECAUTIONS
Do not take Tetracycline just before going to bed. It may
not dissolve properly when you are lying down and can cause
pain in your throat. Keep out of the sun, or wear protective
clothing outdoors and use a sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps
or sun tanning beds or booths. Make sure your diet provides
vitamin B. Ask your prescriber or health care professional
for advice if you think you are short of this vitamin.
Birth control pills (contraceptive pills) may not work
properly while you are taking Tetracycline. Use an extra
method of birth control for at least one month. If you
are being treated for a sexually transmitted disease, avoid
sexual contact until you have finished your treatment.
Your sexual partner may also need treatment. If you are
going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care
professional that you are taking Tetracycline. Antacid
can stop the effects of Tetracycline. If you get an upset
stomach and want to take an antacid, make sure there is
an interval of at least 2 hours since you last took Tetracycline,
or 4 hours before your next dose. Iron and zinc preparations
can also stop Tetracycline from working properly. Never
use Tetracycline if it is past the expiration date; it
can make you seriously ill.
Tetracycline DRUG INTERACTIONS
Antacids; calcium salts; cholestyramine; colestipol; digoxin;
female hormones, including contraceptive or birth control
pills; ferrous sulfate; magnesium salts; methoxyflurane;
other antibiotic medicines; sodium bicarbonate; vitamin
A; warfarin; zinc salts. Tell your prescriber or health
care professional about all other medicines you are taking,
including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements,
or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health
care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks
with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal
drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check
with your health care professional before stopping or starting
any of your medicines.
Tetracycline OVERDOSE
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control
center or emergency room immediately.
Tetracycline NOTES
Prescriber needs to know if you have any of these conditions:
kidney disease; liver disease; other chronic illness; an
unusual or allergic reaction to Tetracycline antibiotics,
foods, dyes, or preservatives; pregnant or trying to get
pregnant; breast-feeding.
MISSED DOSE
If you miss a dose, use Tetracycline as soon as you remember.
If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed
dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the
dose to catch up.
Tetracycline STORAGE
Store Tetracycline at room temperature between 36 and 77
degrees F (2 -25 degrees C) away from light and moisture.
