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.
