Tetracycline

What is this medication for?

Tetracycline is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. It may also be used for the treatment of acne by suppressing the growth of the acne bacteria and decreasing the inflammation caused by the bacteria.

How should I take or use this medication?

• Take 1 hour before or 2 hours after food for better absorption. However, if it upsets your stomach, you can take it with some food.
• Take the medication with a glass of water to prevent irritation of the oesophagus (gullet).
• Avoid lying down for at least 30 minutes after ingestion.
• Complete the course of antibiotics even if you feel better as incomplete treatment might cause the infection to return or cause antibiotic resistance. When antibiotic resistance happens, the antibiotic will not be able to control the growth of the bacteria anymore. Do not stop taking your medication without checking with your healthcare professional.

What should I do if I forget to take or use this medication?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Then take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed dose.

What precautions should I take when taking or using this medication?

Inform your healthcare professional if:

• You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication.
• You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
• You have kidney or liver problems.
• The person taking this medication is less than 8-12 years old, as this medication can cause tooth discoloration and slow down bone growth.
• You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies.
• The symptoms persist after completion of the course of this medication.

In the treatment of acne, these medications may be given for about 2 to 6 months.

What are some common side effects of this medication? ​

Some common side effects include:

• Nausea, vomiting, stomachache
  • Taking the medication with some food may reduce these symptoms.
• Diarrhoea
• If you are taking tetracycline for a long period of time, it might cause you to get a vaginal fungal infection. Symptoms include itching, a burning sensation at the vaginal area and whitish grey, thick vaginal discharge.
  • If this happens, you should see a doctor.
• Increased sensitivity of skin to sunlight resulting in a skin rash, itching, redness, discoloration or severe sunburn
  • Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when exposure to the sun is unavoidable.

If any of the side effects do not go away or are serious, please see your doctor.

What are some rare but serious side-effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately? 

• The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:
  • Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
  • Difficulty in breathing
  • Itchy skin rashes over your whole body
  • Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin
• Dark urine or light coloured stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellowing of your eyes or skin.

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

What food or medication should I avoid when I take or use this medication?

Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies.

• Concurrent administration of tetracycline with other medications may increase the blood level of the other medications such as Methotrexate and Warfarin.
• Tetracycline should NOT be taken concurrently with Acitretin or Isotretinoin, due to an increased risk of high pressure in the head leading to headaches, nausea and vomiting.
• Avoid taking tetracycline at the same time with milk or dairy products, or indigestion medications such as antacids or medications containing bismuth, iron, zinc, magnesium, aluminium or calcium. They may reduce the effectiveness of these medications. These should be taken 2 hours before or after tetracycline.

How should I store this medication?

Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children.

How do I throw away this medication safely? ​

Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin.