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Important Disclaimer
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Compounded products are not FDA-approved and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual results may vary. The information provided is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment.
Clinical Information
Evidence-based details for healthcare providers
Use as directed by your healthcare provider. Take this medicine exactly as prescribed and finish the full course unless your provider tells you to stop. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is close to your next dose. Do not take two doses at the same time. Tetracycline is often taken on an empty stomach with a full glass of water, but follow your provider's specific directions.
Tetracycline works by stopping bacteria from making proteins they need to grow and multiply. When bacteria cannot make these proteins, the infection can improve and your body's immune system can clear the germs. It usually starts working in the body within hours, but you may not feel better for 1 to 3 days depending on the type and severity of the infection. Its effects last only while you keep enough medicine in your body, which is why it is important to take it exactly as directed and finish the full treatment course.
Do not use if you are allergic to tetracycline or similar antibiotics such as doxycycline or minocycline, because a serious allergic reaction can occur. Do not use if you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant, especially after the first trimester, because this medicine can harm the unborn baby's teeth and bones. Do not use while breastfeeding unless your healthcare provider decides the benefit is greater than the risk. Do not use in children younger than 8 years old unless clearly directed by a specialist, because it can cause permanent tooth discoloration and affect bone growth. Do not use if you have severe liver disease unless your healthcare provider says it is safe for you.
This medication may interact with many common products. Major interactions: do not take it at the same time as antacids, calcium supplements, iron, magnesium, zinc, bismuth subsalicylate, or multivitamins, because these can greatly reduce absorption; separate by several hours as directed by your provider or pharmacist. It may increase the effect of blood thinners such as warfarin, raising bleeding risk, so closer monitoring may be needed. It may make birth control pills less reliable in some patients, so ask your provider if you should use a backup method during treatment. Taking it with isotretinoin or acitretin may increase the risk of high pressure in the brain. Penicillin antibiotics may not work as well when used together. Alcohol use and some seizure medicines such as phenytoin, carbamazepine, and barbiturates may lower tetracycline levels. Food, especially dairy products, may reduce absorption for some tetracycline products, so follow the directions given with your prescription.
Common side effects include upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, belly pain, loss of appetite, and mouth or throat irritation. Tetracycline can also cause sun sensitivity, so you may burn more easily; use sunscreen and protective clothing. Less common side effects include headache, vaginal yeast infection, or skin rash. Rare but serious reactions include severe allergic reaction, trouble swallowing, severe diarrhea that may happen during treatment or even weeks later, liver problems, and increased pressure in the brain with symptoms like severe headache, blurred vision, or vomiting. Tooth discoloration can occur in children and during pregnancy. Contact your healthcare provider if side effects do not improve or if you develop severe diarrhea, rash, swelling, vision changes, or trouble breathing.
Store at room temperature (68-77 degrees F / 20-25 degrees C) in a tightly closed container. Protect from moisture, heat, and direct light. Do not store in the bathroom or near the kitchen sink. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not use expired tetracycline, because old medicine may be harmful. Dispose of unused or expired capsules through a pharmacy take-back program when possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take tetracycline with food?
Many tetracycline products work best on an empty stomach with a full glass of water. Dairy products, iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc, and antacids can keep the medicine from being absorbed well. If the medicine upsets your stomach, ask your pharmacist or prescriber how to take your specific product.
When should I start feeling better?
Some people notice improvement within 1 to 3 days, but this depends on the infection being treated. Even if you feel better early, keep taking the medicine exactly as prescribed. Stopping too soon can cause the infection to come back and may make bacteria harder to treat.
Why do I need to avoid the sun while taking this medicine?
Tetracycline can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and tanning beds. You may burn faster than usual, even with short sun exposure. Use sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and avoid tanning beds while taking this medicine.
Can I take my vitamins or antacid with tetracycline?
Do not take them at the same time unless your pharmacist tells you exactly how to space them out. Products that contain calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, or bismuth can block the medicine and make it less effective. Check all supplements and over-the-counter products before using them.
Is this medicine safe during pregnancy or for children?
This medicine is usually avoided in pregnancy and in children younger than 8 years old because it can affect teeth and bone development. If you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding, tell your healthcare provider before starting treatment. Your provider can decide if another antibiotic would be safer.
What should I do if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for your next dose. If it is close to your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule. Do not take two doses together.
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