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General Medication Fact Sheet for Tetracycline
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Generic Name | Tetracycline |
| Brand Name Versions | Sumycin |
| Boxed/Label Warning | Permanent teeth discoloration may occur if used during tooth development (last half of pregnancy, infancy, and childhood up to 8 years). |
| Purpose | Antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. |
| Mechanism of Action | Inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 30S ribosomal subunit. |
| Dosage Forms | Oral capsules, topical ointment |
| Available Strengths | 250 mg, 500 mg |
| Dosage Frequency | Typically two to four times daily, depending on the infection and severity. |
| Common Side Effects | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, skin rash, sensitivity to sunlight. |
| Serious Side Effects | Severe diarrhea (Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea), liver problems, increased pressure in the skull (intracranial hypertension). |
| Drug Interactions | Antacids containing aluminum, calcium, or magnesium; iron supplements; bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol); oral contraceptives. |
| Important Notes | Take on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. Avoid dairy products and antacids while taking this medication. Increased sun sensitivity. |
| Storage | Store at room temperature away from moisture and light. |
| Missed Dose | Take as soon as you remember, unless it’s almost time for your next dose. Do not double the dose. |
| Alternatives | Doxycycline, Minocycline, Azithromycin, Amoxicillin |
Tetracycline Alternatives
| Medication | Mechanism of Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Doxycycline (Vibramycin) | Inhibits bacterial protein synthesis. | Another tetracycline antibiotic with a longer half-life, often taken once or twice daily. |
| Minocycline (Minocin) | Inhibits bacterial protein synthesis. | Another tetracycline antibiotic, but may have a higher risk of certain side effects. |
| Azithromycin (Zithromax) | Inhibits bacterial protein synthesis. | A macrolide antibiotic, often used for respiratory infections. |
| Amoxicillin (Amoxil) | Inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis. | A penicillin antibiotic, effective against many bacterial infections. |
Tetracycline Side Effects
| Common Side Effects | Serious Side Effects |
|---|---|
| Nausea | Severe diarrhea (Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea) |
| Vomiting | Liver problems |
| Diarrhea | Increased pressure in the skull (intracranial hypertension) |
| Loss of appetite | Skin rash |
| Skin rash | Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) |
| Sensitivity to sunlight | Permanent teeth discoloration (if used during tooth development) |
Tetracycline Dosage Guide
| Condition | Starting Dose | Maintenance Dose | Administration Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acne | 250-500 mg | 250-500 mg twice daily | Take on an empty stomach. Avoid dairy products and antacids. |
| Respiratory Infections | 500 mg | 250-500 mg four times daily | Take on an empty stomach. Avoid dairy products and antacids. |
| Urinary Tract Infections | 500 mg | 250-500 mg four times daily | Take on an empty stomach. Avoid dairy products and antacids. |
Tetracycline Price With And Without Insurance
| Purchase Context | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| With Insurance | $10 |
| Without Insurance (U.S.) | $56 |
| From Canada | $38 |
