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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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