GENERIC NAME: tetracycline
BRAND NAME: Achromycin;
Sumycin
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Tetracycline is a
broad-spectrum
antibiotic. It is effective against a wide variety of bacteria
including
Hemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Mycoplasma
pneumoniae,
Chlamydia psittaci, Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria
gonorrhoeae, and many
others. The first drug of the tetracycline family,
chlortetracycline, was
introduced in 1948.
PRESCRIPTION: yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: yes
PREPARATIONS: Capsules: 250mg, 500mg; Tablets: 250mg,
500mg;
Syrup: 125 mg/teaspoon.
STORAGE: Capsules should be kept below 30°C
(86°F).
PRESCRIBED FOR: Tetracycline is used for many different
infections including respiratory tract infections due to
Hemophilus
influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, or Mycoplasma pneumoniae.
It also is
used for nongonococcal urethritis (due to Ureaplasma), Rocky
mountain
spotted fever, typhus, chancroid, cholera, brucellosis,
anthrax, syphilis,
and acne. It is used in combination with other medications to
treat
Helicobacter pylori, the bacteria associated with ulcers of the
stomach
and duodenum.
DOSING: Tetracycline should be taken at least one hour
before or
two hours after meals to prevent binding to food and the
resulting reduced
absorption of the tetracycline. For most infections,
tetracycline is taken
two to four times daily for 7 to 14 days.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: It is recommended that tetracycline
not be
taken at the same time as aluminum-, magnesium-, or calcium-
based
antacids, such as Mylanta, Maalox, Tums, or Rolaids since, like
food,
these compounds bind tetracycline in the intestine. Similarly,
tetracycline should not be taken with minerals (such as calcium
or iron),
with bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) or with dairy
products.
Tetracycline may enhance the activity of warfarin (Coumadin)
and result
in excessive "thinning" of the blood, necessitating a
reduction
in the dose of warfarin. Phenytoin (Dilantin), carbamazepine
(Tegretol),
and barbiturates (such as phenobarbital) can enhance the
metabolism of
tetracycline.
PREGNANCY: Tetracycline antibiotics can have toxic
effects on
development of bone in the fetus. Therefore, tetracyclines are
not
recommended during pregnancy unless there is no other
appropriate
antibiotic.
NURSING MOTHERS: Tetracycline is secreted into breast
milk.
Since tetracyclines can cause decreased development of bone,
the use of
tetracycline in nursing mothers is of concern. The physician
must decide
whether to avoid nursing during treatment or to use a different
antibiotic.
SIDE EFFECTS: Tetracycline is generally well-tolerated.
The most
common side effects are diarrhea or loose stools, nausea,
abdominal pain,
and vomiting. Tetracyclines may cause discoloration of teeth if
used in
patients below 8 years of age. Exaggerated sunburn can occur
with
tetracyclines; therefore, sunlight should be minimized during
treatment.
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Back to Medications IndexLast Editorial Review: 3/26/1998 2:30:00 PM
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