Tetracycline Uses
Tetracycline, an
antibiotic, eliminates bacteria that cause
infections, including lyme disease, pneumonia, acne,
venereal (sexually transmitted) disease, bladder
infections, and the infection that causes ulcers (Helicobacter
pylori). Antibiotics will not work for colds, flu,
or other viral infections.
This
medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses;
ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Tetracycline
Directions
Tetracycline comes as a capsule and tablet to take
by mouth and a topical solution to be applied to the
skin. Doses should be taken as far apart as possible
throughout the day. For example, if your doctor
tells you to take tetracycline four times a day,
take a dose every 6 hours.
Oral
tetracycline should be taken on an empty stomach, 1
hour before or 2 hours after meals. Drink a full
glass of water with each dose.
Tetracycline topical solution usually is applied to
the skin twice a day, once in the morning and once
in the evening. Follow the directions on your
prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or
pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.
Take tetracycline exactly as directed. Do not take
more or less of it or take it more often than
prescribed by your doctor.
Tetracycline
precautions.
Before taking tetracycline,
- tell your doctor
and pharmacist if you are allergic to tetracycline,
minocycline, doxycycline, or any other drugs.
- tell your doctor
and pharmacist what prescription and
nonprescription medications you are taking,
especially antacids, anticoagulants ('blood
thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin), penicillin,
and vitamins. Tetracycline may decrease the
effectiveness of some oral contraceptives; another
method of birth control should be used while
taking this drug.
- be aware that
antacids, calcium supplements, iron products, and
laxatives containing magnesium interfere with
tetracycline, making it less effective. Take
tetracycline 1 hour before or 2 hours after
antacids (including sodium bicarbonate), calcium
supplements, and laxatives containing magnesium.
Take tetracycline 2 hours before or 3 hours after
iron preparations and vitamin products that
contain iron.
- tell your doctor
if you have or have ever had diabetes or kidney or
liver disease.
- tell your doctor
if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or
are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while
taking tetracycline, call your doctor immediately.
Tetracycline can harm the fetus.
- plan to avoid
unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and
to wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and
sunscreen. Tetracycline may make your skin
sensitive to sunlight.
Special dietary
instructions before taking Tetracycline.
Drink a full glass of water with each dose of
tetracycline. Take tetracycline on an empty stomach,
1 hour before or 2 hours after meals or snacks. Do
not take tetracycline with food, especially dairy
products such as milk and cheese. Take tetracycline
with crackers or a snack (no dairy products) only if
you experience an upset stomach.
Tetracycline missed.
Take
the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However,
if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the
missed dose and continue your regular dosing
schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a
missed one.
Tetracycline side
effects.
Although side effects from tetracycline are not
common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of
these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- upset stomach
- diarrhea
- itching of the
rectum or vagina
- sore mouth
- stinging or
burning of the skin while using the topical
tetracycline solution
- yellowing of the
skin or eyes while taking tetracycline tablets or
capsules (Topical tetracycline solution use
results in a harmless yellow color that can be
washed off.)
If
you experience the following symptom, call your
doctor immediately:
Tetracycline storage.
Keep
this medication in the container it came in, tightly
closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at
room temperature and away from excess heat and
moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any
medication that is outdated or no longer needed.
Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of
your medication.
Tetracycline
overdose
In
case of overdose, call your local poison control
center. If the victim has collapsed or is not
breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
Tetracycline
Information.
Keep
all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory.
Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check
your response to tetracycline.
If
you have diabetes, tetracycline causes false results
in some tests for sugar in the urine. Check with
your doctor before changing your diet or the dosage
of your diabetes medicine.
Do
not let anyone else take your medication. Your
prescription is probably not refillable. If you
still have symptoms of infection after you finish
the tetracycline, call your doctor.
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