What Is Tetracycline?

Tetracycline is an antibiotic that was first patented in the 1950s. It has a molecular structure consisting of four rings, and it is used to treat several types of bacterial infections. Doctors refer to tetracycline as a broad-spectrum antibiotic, and it can be taken orally as a capsule and as a syrup. Tetracycline capsules are available in tablets of 250 and five hundred milligrams, and five milliliters of the oral syrup contains 125 milligrams of tetracycline. Most adults will need to take one to two thousand milligrams per day, and doses may be spread out over six to twelve hours. Due to the risk of tooth discoloration and enamel hypoplasia, tetracycline is not recommended for use in children under eight years old.

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.