What Is Tetracycline?

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.