Tetracycline

Tetracycline is a medicine specially intended for the treatment of bacterial infections such as respiratory tract infections, infections of skin as well as infections of genital and urinary systems. You need to take this drug exactly as prescribed by your health care provider, usually it’s 2-4 times a day on an empty stomach. Avoid taking tetracycline with some milk, as this may slow down the absorption of this medicine. However, there are some types of tetracycline that can be used with milk. If you think you may get a stomach upset as a result of taking this medication, make sure you ask your health care provider to prescribe a special kind of tetracycline. Tell your health care provider if you have ever been allergic to any of the ingredients this drug contains. A history or an allergic reaction to minocycline, doxycycline or sulfites may prevent you from taking tetracycline and enjoying its beneficial effects. You are also supposed to tell your doctor if you are using or intend to use any drugs that have been reported to interact with tetracycline. The following ones are important to mention: tretinoin, penicillin antibiotic, mineral supplements, blood thinners, minerals, antacids, isotretinoin, products that contain bismuth subsalicylate, cholesterol-lowering medications, and any other products of the kind you are using. If you are afraid you will not be able to recall all the drugs you are taking – it’s a good idea to make a list of them and demonstrate to your doctor before asking him for a prescription. Tetracycline has been reported to decrease the efficiency of oral contraceptives, which s why it’s important to consider using an additional form of birth control to avoid getting pregnant. This medicine is FDA pregnancy category D. It can cause very serious birth defects in babies and also passes into breast milk. Tetracycline can affect bone and tooth development of your child and cause permanent staining of the teeth if you take it during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Stop taking tetracycline and call your doctor if you think you may have become pregnant while taking this medication. Mild side effects are possible, especially at the beginning of the treatment. The following mild side effects are possible: trouble swallowing, vomiting, swelling in your rectal or genital area, stomach upset, mild nausea, vaginal itching or discharge, swollen tongue, and diarrhea.