Description
Tetracycline is a semisynthetic antibiotic belonging to a drugs class called Tetracyclines. It has broad spectrum activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, chlamydiae, mycoplasmas, rickettsiae, and protozoan parasites.
Indications:
- respiratory tract infections such as pneumonia, bronchitis or whooping cough;
- urinary tract infections (UTIs);
- sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) such as Chlamydia, Gonorrhea or Syphilis;
- skin inflammations such (e.g., acne vulgaris, acne rosacea);
- infections of the eye (e.g., trachoma, conjunctivitis);
- infections due to Rickettsiae bacteria transmitted by lice, fleas, ticks and mites (e.g. Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF), typhus group, Q fever and Coxiella endocarditis and tick fevers);
Tetracycline is also used to treat other infections including brucellosis, psittacosis, plague, cholera, leptospirosis (Weil's disease), gas gangrene, tetanus. Although it won’t be effective against viruses and fungi.
MOA (mechanism of action):
Bacteriostatic antibiotic Tetracycline fights infection by blocking the synthesis of critical for bacteria growth and spreading proteins within bacteria cell.
Dosage
Swallow Tetracycline tablets 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals with a glass of water.
For adults and teenagers for at least 10 days unless otherwise directed by your doctor:
General infections: 1 tablet (250 mg) every 6 hours, you may be given 2 tablets (500 mg) initially. For severe infections, your doctor may increase your dosage to 500 mg (2 tablets) every 6 hours.
Skin infections: 1-2 tablets (250-500 mg) daily either as a single dose or in divided doses for three months.
Brucellosis: 2 tablets (500 mg) 4 times a day with streptomycin.
Sexually transmitted diseases: 2 tablets (500 mg) 4 times a day for between 7 and 30 days depending on your condition.
Tetracycline tablets should not be used in children under 12 years of age as it can cause permanent discoloration of tooth enamel and affect bone development.
Missing a dose
If you miss a dose you should take it as soon as you remember about your missing. If it is the time for the next dose you should continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose of Tetracycline to compensate the missed dose.
Overdose
If an overdose occurs and you are not feeling well, stop taking the medication immediately. You should seek emergency medical attention or contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Storage
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F) and away from excess moisture and heat. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Keep out of the reach of children.