Tetracycline Oral

About Tetracycline Oral

This belongs to the group of medicines known as antibiotics.

Tetracycline is used to treat various types of bacterial infections by killing or stopping the growth of the bacteria. Tetracycline is particularly useful for treating skin conditions, such as acne.

Tetracycline is available in tablet form.

Before Taking Tetracycline oral

Before taking any of this medicine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• if you suffer from liver or kidney problems
• if you suffer from Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (a blood disorder) or myasthenia gravis (a muscle weakening disease)
• if you are taking anticoagulants e.g. warfarin
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines

How to Take Tetracycline oral

• Take Tetracycline on an empty stomach, at least one hour before or two hours after food.
• Swallow Tetracycline tablets whole (not crushed or chewed), with plenty of water, while sitting or standing.
• Do not take any indigestion remedies, iron or zinc supplements or drink milk at the same time as this medicine. Leave at least two hours before or two hours after a dose of Tetracycline.
• It is important not to lie down for at least thirty minutes after taking Tetracycline, so that the capsule or tablet can move as swiftly as possible into the stomach.
• Try to take this medicine at regular intervals, as directed by your doctor, to keep a steady level of Tetracycline in your body.
• Try not to miss any doses. If you do miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose, in which case leave out the missed dose. Never take two doses at the same time to compensate.
• If you are taking Tetracycline to treat acne it is quite normal to continue treatment for several months.
• Tetracycline should not be given to children under 12 years of age except in very rare conditions.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others, even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of Tetracycline contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Even if your condition has improved it is important to complete the prescribed course of Tetracycline. If you stop taking this medicine too soon your infection is likely to return and could be more difficult to treat.
• Before having any kind of surgery, including dental and emergency treatment, tell your doctor, dentist or surgeon you are taking Tetracycline.
• If you have to have any blood tests, tell the person carrying out the test that you are being treated with Tetracycline.
• Important: Oral contraceptives may be less effective while you are taking Tetracycline and unplanned pregnancies have occurred. In addition to taking the contraceptive pill, use a barrier method of contraception (e.g. condoms) while you are taking Tetracycline and for at least seven days after your course of Tetracycline has finished. If these seven days run into a 'pill-free' week, start taking the next packet of contraceptives without leaving a break. If you are taking the type of contraceptive pill that is taken every day or if you need any further advice, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
• Tetracycline may cause your skin to become more sensitive to sunlight than it usually is. Try to avoid the sun and sunbeds until you know how your skin reacts and use a suncream higher than factor 15. This sensitivity can continue for two weeks to several months after stopping Tetracycline.
• Tetracycline can cause dizziness. Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert.

Can Tetracycline oral cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted symptoms. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following symptoms continue or become troublesome.

Nausea (feeling sick), vomiting (being sick), diarrhoea, tummy pain, difficulty swallowing, skin reactions, headache, problems with eyesight, heartburn, sore or painful tongue or mouth, loss of appetite, dizziness, loss of balance, ringing in the ears, discolouration of the skin, eyes, tears and sweat, soreness and itching of the rectal or genital area.

If you experience any other worrying symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store Tetracycline oral

• Keep out of reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct light and heat.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of unwanted medicines for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 20/05/2005