What Is Tetracycline?

The major uses, potential side effects, precautions, and drug interactions associated with this medicine are discussed below.

How It Works

Tetracycline interferes with bacteria's ability to make proteins, and this ultimately stops the bacteria from producing infection in the body. Specifically, tetracycline blocks charged aminoacyl-tRNA from attaching to the A site on the ribosome of the cell. The medication binds to the 30S and 50S subunits of the microbial ribosomes and prevents new amino acids from being introduced to the existing peptide chain. Humans and other mammals are less responsive to the effects of tetracycline than other animals are, and some types of bacteria are becoming resistant to tetracycline. Resistance usually occurs as a result of a horizontal gene transfer that encodes a ribosomal protection protein or an efflux pump.

Keep reading to learn about the major uses for tetracycline next.

Uses For Tetracycline

This medication is used to treat infections in several areas of the body. For example, it may be prescribed for the treatment of severe acne, and it is beneficial in the treatment of respiratory conditions such as pneumonia. Doctors sometimes prescribe tetracycline to treat Lyme disease and malaria, and it might be considered as a possible treatment for plague, cholera, brucellosis, and tularemia. Infections spread by lice, mites, or ticks could respond well to tetracycline, and patients may be prescribed this medicine as part of their treatment for a urinary tract infection or conditions such as syphilis, chlamydia, or gonorrhea. Individuals who are allergic to penicillin may be offered tetracycline for the treatment of certain forms of food poisoning, and it is often recommended when treating patients exposed to anthrax.

Get familiar with the potential side effects of tetracycline next.

Potential Side Effects

Patients who take tetracycline frequently report side effects such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, swelling of the tongue, and sore throat. Some individuals have also experienced a black or hairy tongue while using tetracycline, and both vaginal and rectal itching have been reported as well. Patients should let their doctor know if these side effects persist or increase in severity. Potentially serious side effects from tetracycline use could include facial swelling, breathing difficulties, dizziness, chest pain, and hives. Other serious side effects such as blurred vision, loss of vision, and unusual bruising and bleeding have occurred.

All serious side effects should be reported to the patient's doctor immediately, and it may be necessary to seek emergency medical care for these. Individuals who have taken tetracycline could notice a return of chills, fever, and other signs of infection during their treatment with this medication. Some patients may have a fever, stomach cramps, and watery or bloody stools for several months after tetracycline is discontinued. It may be beneficial to keep a symptom diary that records all side effects, as this information will help guide doctors in their treatment plans. If side effects are troublesome or serious, patients should mention this to their doctor; it may be possible to take an alternative medication with fewer side effects.

Read more to uncover the precautions to remember when taking tetracycline next.

Precautions To Remember

Tetracycline must be taken on an empty stomach, and patients should take each dose at least one hour before or two hours after eating any meals or snacks. In particular, patients should ensure they do not take tetracycline with dairy products such as milk, cheese, yogurt, or ice cream. Each dose should be consumed with a full eight-ounce glass of water. Tetracycline can cause harm to an unborn baby, and patients should let their doctor know if they are pregnant or breastfeeding. Patients who become pregnant while on tetracycline should contact their healthcare provider immediately. Tetracycline may not be appropriate for use in patients who have lupus or kidney disease, and patients should discuss their full medical history with their physician to make sure tetracycline is safe for their needs.

This medication could increase a patient's sensitivity to sunlight, thus, during treatment with tetracycline, they will need to avoid any unnecessary or prolonged exposure to the sun. Hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, and protective clothing should be used while outdoors, and patients will need to inform their medical team immediately if they develop a sunburn. Frequent blood tests may be required while the patient is taking tetracycline; these are used to gauge how well the medication is working. Patients should inform laboratory technicians of their tetracycline use before having blood work or other lab tests.

Discover potential medication interactions next.

Potential Medication Interactions

Taking certain antacids with tetracycline could reduce the effectiveness of this antibiotic. If possible, patients are advised to avoid the use of any antacids that contain magnesium, calcium, or sodium bicarbonate while on tetracycline. If these medicines must be taken, patients should take tetracycline at least two hours before or six hours after taking antacids. Laxatives with these ingredients are also known to interact with tetracycline, and patients should check with their healthcare provider about taking iron or zinc supplements while on tetracycline. Tetracycline interacts with some types of anticoagulants (blood thinners), including warfarin. Patients should let their doctor know about any anticoagulants they take. This antibiotic also interacts with others in the same class, including minocycline, doxycycline, and demeclocycline, and patients do not usually take these medications together. Digoxin, atovaquone, strontium, and oral retinoids are a few of the other medications that interact with tetracycline. To avoid potential harm from drug interactions, patients should discuss their full medication list with their healthcare provider, including all vitamins, herbs, prescriptions, and over-the-counter medications. Pharmacists should also check for potential drug interactions with the patient's other medications before dispensing tetracycline.