Tetracycline

The recommended adult dose of tetracycline is 250 mg to 500 mg 4 times daily on an empty stomach. For 2 hours before and after taking the medication, avoid dairy products as well as antacids that contain aluminum, calcium, or magnesium. Tetracycline should be taken with a full glass of water while standing or sitting upright and should not be taken at bedtime (to avoid irritation of the lining of the throat and the tube leading to the stomach, known as the esophagus).

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to take Tetracycline exactly as prescribed by the doctor. Finish all Tetracycline, even if you have started to feel better. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

In addition to its desired action, this medication may cause some adverse effects, notably: it may cause diarrhea; it may cause dizziness - use caution when getting up from a lying or sitting position and use caution if driving; it may cause nausea or, rarely, vomiting; it may make your skin more sensitive to UV rays (e.g., sunlight, tanning lamps) - avoid exposure to UV rays as much as possible and protect yourself when out in the sun; it may cause vaginitis in woman; it may cause severe diarrhea, sometimes several weeks after the end of treatment. In case of severe diarrhea, contact your doctor without delay. Each person may react differently to a treatment. If you think this medication may be causing adverse effects (including those described here, or others), talk to your health care professional. He or she can help you to determine whether or not the medication is the source of the problem.

Tetracycline Cap 250 mg de Pro Doc Limited® is no longer being manufactured for sale in Canada. For brands that may still be available, search under tetracycline. This article is being kept available for reference purposes only. If you are using Tetracycline, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for information about your treatment options.

Do not take Tetracycline if you:

• are allergic to tetracycline or any ingredients of Tetracycline
• are allergic to related medications such as doxycycline or Minocycline
• are pregnant or breast-feeding (unless the benefits outweigh the risks)
• have severe reduction in kidney function

Do not give Tetracycline to children under 8 years of age who have a common infection that may be treated with a different antibiotic.

There may be an interaction between tetracycline and any of the following:

• antacids that contain aluminum, calcium, or magnesium
• birth control medications
• bismuth subsalicylate
• calcium supplements
• Cholestyramine
• Colestipol
• Digoxin
• insulin
• iron supplements
• lithium
• kaolin and pectin
• penicillin
• vitamin A derivatives (e.g. Isotretinoin)
• Warfarin
• zinc sulfate or gluconate

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Tetracycline. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Tetracycline.

Diarrhea: If you develop diarrhea while taking tetracycline, call your doctor.

Kidney function: People with reduced kidney function should take tetracycline with caution and use an adjusted dose, as prescribed by their doctor. People with severely reduced kidney function are at risk of significant side effects with the use of Tetracycline.

Overgrowth of organisms: The use of antibiotics may allow organisms not killed by the antibiotic to overgrow. This may cause unwanted conditions such as yeast infections.

Sensitivity to sunlight: An exaggerated Sunburn reaction may occur for some people who take Tetracycline. Watch for this if you spend time in direct sunlight or ultraviolet light and ensure that sun protection measures are taken (e.g., wear sunscreen, a hat, and long sleeve shirts). At the first sign of skin redness, stop taking the medication and see your doctor about changing your prescription.

Tooth discolouration: The use of tetracycline during tooth development (from the second trimester of pregnancy to the age of 8 years) may cause permanent discoloration of the teeth (yellow-grey-brown). Though more commonly associated with long-term use of tetracyclines, this effect has also been known to occur after taking the medication for a short time. Tetracycline should therefore not be used by children 8 years old or younger unless other medications are unlikely to be effective or can't be used.

Pregnancy: Tetracycline should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Tetracycline, contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: Tetracycline passes in small amounts into breast milk. Tetracycline is not recommended for nursing women unless potential benefits outweigh the risks.

This medication is typically used 4 times a day. However, your pharmacist may have suggested a different schedule that is more appropriate for you. Take it regularly and continuously to maintain its beneficial effects. Because it may cause esophageal irritation, this product must be swallowed with a large glass of water. Avoid lying down for at least 30 minutes after taking it. Important: Follow the instructions on the label. Do not use more of this product, or more often, than prescribed. It is not advisable to chew, crush or open the capsule of this medication since it has an unpleasant taste. If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember -- unless it is almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose. Do not double the next dose to catch up. This medication should not be taken with food. It is best taken on an empty stomach, one hour before or 2 hours after a meal. To ensure effectiveness, avoid taking milk, dairy products, antacids or mineral supplements (calcium, iron, magnesium or zinc) for at least 2 hours before and after taking this medication.