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What is Tetracycline? |
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Drug Uses
Administer Tetracycline as a preventive or curative measure against bacterial infections within the body, such as Chlamydia, infections of the urinary tract, gonorrhea, and others.
How to Take Tetracycline
The normal daily dosage is one to two grams; it may be increased by your doctor in the presence of severe bacterial infections. The drug should be taken on an empty stomach, preferably an hour prior to or two hours after a meal. You may take it with water, but not with dairy products such as milk (unless your physician allows you to do so). Dairy products can significantly hamper the absorption of the medication into your system. Shake the container of the liquid form before measuring out a dose with a marked medicine cup. Your condition can get better even before the infection is thoroughly treated, so make sure that you take Tetracycline for the entire prescription period.
Drug Precautions
Antibiotic drugs may cause diarrhea, a condition which is usually a sign of another infection. If you incur diarrhea which contains water or blood, refrain from using other medications, including those for diarrhea (unless instructed otherwise). Try to minimize your exposure to ultraviolet rays, whether natural or artificial (tanning beds). The medication can cause your skin to become hypersensitive to sunlight, resulting in sunburn. Use sunscreens with a minimum SPF of 15; if you have to come out in the sun, put on protective clothing. Do not take calcium and iron supplements, laxatives, multivitamins, and antacids within two hours prior to or after taking Tetracycline.
Drug Interactions
The following medicines may interfere with the effectiveness of Tetracycyline: drugs for lowering cholesterol like cholestyramine or colestipol; tretinoin; antacids; isotretinoin; products which contain bismuth; penicillin antibiotics like dicloxacillin, amoxicillin, oxacillin, and carbenicillin; and mineral and vitamin supplements, including iron, zinc, and magnesium.
Side Effects
If you sustain an allergic reaction as a result of taking Tetracycline (swollen parts of the face and throat, hives, and laborious breathing), seek immediate medical help, as also is the case with the following serious adverse effects: extensive blisters, rashes, and skin peeling; acute migraines, blurry vision, and dizziness; jaundice, fever, unusual vexation, feebleness, and dark-colored urine; influenza symptoms like fever, an aching body, and chills; extreme pain within the upper stomach which spreads to the back, accompanied by queasiness and a quick heart rate; appetite changes; and an acquired tendency to bruise easily.
Missed Dose
Try not to miss any scheduled dose, and complete the treatment course thoroughly; the potency of the drug (as a treatment for the condition) may be reduced as a consequence. There is also a probability that the bacteria can acquire immunity from the drug, making the condition much harder to treat with antibiotics in the future.
Overdose
If you suspect that you have taken too much of this medication, as indicated by diarrhea, queasiness, and vomiting, seek urgent medical attention immediately.
Storage
Avoid exposing Tetracycline to extreme temperatures; keep it within room temperatures, and in a light-resistant container.
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