Tetracycline
Introduction To Tetracycline
Tetracycline is an antibiotic medicine used to treat bacterial infections in your body. It is effective in some infections of the lungs, urinary tract, eyes, and others. It kills bacteria, which helps to improve your symptoms and cure the infection.
Tetracycline is also used to treat many sexually transmitted diseases. It should be taken on an empty stomach. You should take it regularly at evenly spaced intervals as per the schedule prescribed by your doctor. Taking it at the same time every day will help you to remember to take it. The dose of Tetracycline will depend on what you are being treated for, but you should always complete a full course of this antibiotic as prescribed by your doctor. Do not stop taking it until you have finished, even when you feel better. If you stop taking it early, some bacteria may survive and the infection may come back.
Commonly seen side effects with Tetracycline include vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, and skin reaction on exposure to sunlight (photosensitivity). Avoid excessive sun exposure and use sunscreen and protective clothing when outdoors. These are usually temporary and subside with the completion of treatment. Consult your doctor if you find these side effects bother or worry you.
Inform your doctor if you have any previous history of allergy to any antibiotic or liver or kidney problems before taking this medicine. You should also let your healthcare team know all other medicines you are taking as they may affect, or be affected by this medicine. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult their doctor before using Tetracycline.
Uses of Tetracycline
- Bacterial infections
Benefits of Tetracycline
Bacterial infections
Tetracycline is an antibiotic medicine that can be used to treat many different
infections caused by bacteria. It stops the growth of the bacteria causing the
infection and clears the infection. Take it for as long as prescribed by the
doctor and avoid skipping doses. This will make sure that all bacteria are
killed and they do not become resistant.
Side effects of Tetracycline
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Severe side effects of Ingacycline
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Discoloration of teeth
- Hemolytic anemia
- Itching
- Skin discoloration
- Stomatitis (Inflammation of the mouth)
- Tongue discoloration
- Decreased appetite
- Clostridium difficile associated diarrhea
- Low blood platelets
- Decreased white blood cell count (neutrophils)
- Idiopathic intracranial hypertension
- Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura
How to use Tetracycline
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Tetracycline is to be taken empty stomach.
How Tetracycline works
Tetracycline is an antibiotic. It stops bacterial growth by preventing synthesis of essential proteins required by bacteria to carry out vital functions.
Quick tips
-
Take Tetracycline 1 hour before or two hours after food.
-
Do not take antacids or medicines containing zinc or iron at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after taking Tetracycline.
-
Diarrhea may occur as a side effect but should stop when your course is complete. Inform your doctor if it doesn't stop or if you find blood in your stools.
-
Stick to simple meals, avoid rich or spicy food and drink plenty of water while taking this medicine.
-
Discontinue Tetracycline and inform your doctor immediately if you get a rash, itchy skin, swelling of face and mouth, or have difficulty in breathing.
-
Tetracycline may cause dizziness. Don't drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how tResteclin 500 Capsule affects you.
Safety Advice
PregnancyCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I take Tetracycline if I’m pregnant?
Tetracycline is unsafe to use during pregnancy as there is definite evidence of risk to the developing baby. However, the doctor may rarely prescribe it in some life-threatening situations if the benefits are more than the potential risks. Please consult your doctor.
BreastfeedingSAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Can I take Tetracycline if I’m breastfeeding?
Tetracycline is probably safe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug does not represent any significant risk to the baby. Use of Tetracycline is not harmful in short-term because milk levels are low. Prolonged or repeated use may cause staining of babies dental enamel or bone deposition of Tetracycline.
AlcoholSAFE
Is drinking alcohol while taking Tetracycline safe?
Consuming alcohol with Tetracycline does not cause any harmful side effects.
DrivingSAFE
Can I drive after taking Tetracycline?
Tetracycline does not usually affect your ability to drive.
KidneyCAUTION
Can I take Tetracycline if I have/had kidney diseases?
Tetracycline should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Tetracycline may be needed. Please consult your doctor. Use of Tetracycline is not recommended in patients with severe kidney disease.
LiverCAUTION
Can I take Tetracycline if I have/had liver diseases?
Tetracycline should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Tetracycline may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I drink milk while taking Tetracycline?
No, you should avoid using milk and milk products while taking Tetracycline. Consuming dairy products along with Tetracycline can decrease its absorption from the stomach, which may lead to inadequate affect of this medicine.
Q. How long after taking Tetracycline can I eat?
It is best to wait for 2 hours after consuming Tetracycline. Consuming food along with Tetracycline may decrease its absorption from the stomach.
Q. Can I take Tetracycline with food if its causing stomach upset?
Yes, you can take Tetracycline with food if its causing you stomach upset. However, avoid consuming milk and milk products 1 hr before and 2 hr after taking this medicine.
Q. How long does Tetracycline takes to work?
Usually, Tetracycline starts working soon after taking it. However, it may take some days to kill all the harmful bacteria and make you feel better.
Q. Can the use of Tetracycline cause diarrhea?
Yes, the use of Tetracycline can cause diarrhea. It is an antibiotic which kills the harmful bacteria. However, it also affects the helpful bacteria in your stomach or intestine and causes diarrhea. If diarrhea persists, talk to your doctor about it.
Q. What is the dose of Tetracycline?
The typical dose of Tetracycline is 500 mg by mouth twice daily or 250 mg by mouth four times daily. You might need a higher dose for more severe infections or for infections that don't resolve with smaller doses. Always follow your doctor’s instructions while taking Tetracycline and do not self- medicate.
Q. Can I take Tetracycline for treating flu or common cold?
Tetracycline is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections and is not effective against viral infections such as the common cold, or flu. It is important to only use antibiotics when they are prescribed by a healthcare provider for a bacterial infection.
Q. Can I lie down after immediately taking Tetracycline?
Lying down right after taking Tetracycline can cause esophagus (food pipe) irritation, so don't take it immediately before going to bed.
Q. Can I take oral contraceptives with Tetracycline?
If you are taking any oral contraceptive pill at the same time as Tetracycline, the effectiveness of the pill can be reduced if you have a bout of being sick (vomiting) which lasts for more than 24 hours. In such a case, ask your doctor for additional contraceptive measures.
Q. Can Tetracycline be used to treat dental infections?
Tetracycline may be used to treat dental infections caused by bacteria. However, it is important to consult with your dentist or healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment for your specific condition. In some cases, other antibiotics or dental procedures may be necessary to fully treat a dental infection.
References
Written By:
Dr Advikka Ridhy
MBBS
RMO, Aster MIMS
MediClap strives to make its website accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. Should you encounter any difficulty accessing this website, kindly send an email to hello@mediclap.com to enable us to provide the necessary services through alternative means.
MediClap is not affiliated with nor sponsored by any of the third-party brands mentioned. All trademarks, brands, logos, and copyrights mentioned remain the sole property of their respective owners.