Tetracycline (Spelled as "tra SYE kleen") Tetracycline is an antibiotic, which fights bacteria in body. Tetracycline is a very effective medication, ideally meant to treat several bacterial infections like Acne, Urinary Tract Infection (UTI), Chlamydia, and Gonorrhea.

	Health Product Comparison Shopping
Health Aids & Medicines | Nutrition & Vitamins | Fragrance | Cosmetics | Personal Care

Tetracycline Information

Generic Name: tetracycline
Brand Name: Achromycin; Sumycin
Drug Class and Mechanism: Tetracycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic. The drug is works against a bacteria influx that includes Hemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydia psittaci, Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and amongst others. The primary drug of the tetracycline family, chlortetracycline, was introduced way back in the year 1948.

Tetracycline Drug Dosage Direction

Read the consumption pattern properly before begin Tetracycline medication. Take Tetracycline at least one hour prior to a meal or atleast two hours after the last meal to avoid binding to food and the resulting reduced absorption of the Tetracycline. In a general bacterial infection cases, Tetracycline is taken two to four times for 7 to 14 days on a daily basis. Take every Tetracycline dosage with a full glass of water.

Avoid taking dairy products, iron supplements, multivitamins, calcium supplements, antacids, or laxatives within 2 hours of taking Tetracycline since these products decreases the effectiveness of medication.

Ask your doctor if you are not clear about Tetracycline dosages.

Tetracycline Drug Interaction

Tetracycline should not be taken alongside aluminum-, magnesium-, or calcium- based antacids, such as Mylanta, Maalox, Tums, or Rolaids. These compounds bind the medication in the intestine, just like food.

Tetracycline should not be taken with minerals (such as calcium or iron), with bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) or with dairy products.

Tetracycline also contradict with medicines such as

• an anticoagulant such as warfarin (Coumadin); or
• another antibiotic

Tetracycline Side Effects

Side effects from Tetracycline may occur during the initial course of the medication. Generally Tetracycline side effects are short-term. These side effects emerge during the initial stages of the medication and fades away as the body gets used to the medication.

Stop taking Tetracycline if you encounter with any of the following side effects -

• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
• a severe headache;
• vision changes;
• confusion;
• liver damage (yellowing of the skin or eyes, nausea, abdominal pain or discomfort, unusual
• bleeding or bruising, severe fatigue);
• blood problems (fever, fatigue, easy bruising or bleeding); or
• genital sores or itching.

Seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately.

Continue to take Tetracycline, if you experience any of the following less serious side effects. Meanwhile talk your doctor for safety reasons -

• nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea;
• sensitivity to the sun; dark "furry" tongue, black tongue, or swollen tongue; or vaginal yeast infection.

Tetracycline Overdose

In case of Tetracycline overdose seek emergency medical attention. Call the local poison control center and seek for immediate help. Symptoms of a Tetracycline overdose include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Tetracycline Precautions

While taking Tetracycline take the following precautions for best results -
- Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Tetracycline increases the skin's sensitivity to sunlight, and severe burning may result. Wear protective clothing and sunscreen if exposure to the sun is unavoidable.

- 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.

- 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.

Tetracycline Storage Direction

Tetracycline Capsules should be kept below 30°C (86°F). Keep the medication away from the direct impact sunlight, heat, and dust. Throw away any unused portion once the treatment completed.