Drug Uses

Tetracycline is used to treat infections of urinary tract infections, acne, gonorrhea, Chlamydia.

Usage

Following the dosage instructions of your doctor is the best way to use any medication. If you are unsure or do not remember the instructions then you may read the medicine label for more detailed information.

You may choose to take Tetracycline with a meal to avoid an upset stomach or without one.

Please drink a full glass of water with tetracycline.

It is very important that you complete the dosage schedule and do not interrupt it in between without seeking prior consultation from your doctor.

Taking your medication at the same time each day is a tried and tested method to avoid missing any doses.

The dosage should not increase more than once in a day (24 hours).

Drug Class and Mechanism

Tetracycline is a tetracycline antibiotic and slows down bacterial growth.

Missed Dose

Despite your best attempts at remembering, if you still miss out on a dose, then take it as soon as you remember about it. But keep in mind that you will have to adjust your next dose by spacing it out by 4 to 5 hours. If this is not possible, then the best thing to do would be to skip the missed dose and continue with your normal dosage schedule.

Never try to compensate for the missed dose by taking a double dose together. It may cause adverse effects.

Storage

Store tetracycline at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (read medicine label if unsure). Always keep it in a cool dark place that is not directly exposed to sources of heat or moisture and sunlight. Protect it from kids and pets.

Warning/Precautions

Doctors advise against using tetracycline if you are allergic to any ingredient in it or if you have conditions like diarrhea, a stomach infection, or kidney problems.

Discuss your past/current medical history in detail with your doctor before beginning treatment with any new medication. If you are using any herbal supplements or over the counter medication, including vitamin pills, then mention it to your doctor.

Your condition might be monitored or the dosage might be modified to suit you if you have conditions like

Tetracycline may increase the risk of getting dizziness or drowsiness. This risk greatly increases if you combine it with alcoholic beverages. So please avoid them while using tetracycline. Also, avoid undertaking any tasks which require mental alertness (driving, handling heavy machinery etc).

Doctors may prescribe certain laboratory tests like to determine how you have responded to treatment and to gauge the severity of the side effects of tetracycline. Please Keep all lab appointments and do not miss any tests.

Please inform your lab technician or surgeon that you are taking tetracycline before you undergo any emergency surgical procedure including dental operations.

Being an antibiotic tetracycline cannot be used for treating viral infections common cold and flu. So, you must avoid contact with people who have viral infections.

Some patients using antibiotics have reported extreme stomach cramps which are followed by bloody or tarry stools. If you notice this, then contact your physician immediately.

Constant usage of tetracycline has led to a re-infection which is more severe than the first. Hence, doctors will constantly monitor your condition closely while using tetracycline.
If you are expecting a child or are planning to have a child in the near future, then consult your doctor before using tetracycline to discuss any possible threats to the unborn baby.

If you are a nursing mother and breast feed your baby, then too, seek consultation before using tetracycline as some drugs are excreted in the breast milk and may enter the baby.