What Is Tetracycline?

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.

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