Tetracycline Hcl
Generic Tetracycline Hydrochlorid
Tetracycline (tet ra SYE kleen) is a generic medication prescribed for certain types of bacterial infections. Tetracycline belongs to a group of drugs called tetracycline antibiotics.
Tetracycline (tet ra SYE kleen) is a generic medication prescribed for certain types of bacterial infections. Tetracycline belongs to a group of drugs called tetracycline antibiotics.
- Generic
- • Capsule
- • 500mg
- • 56 Capsules
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Intro
Introduction
Written by Lee Holland, PharmD, MPH
Medically reviewed by Rosanna Sutherby, PharmD
Updated on August 23, 2023
Tetracycline (tet ra SYE kleen) is a generic medication prescribed for certain types of bacterial infections. Tetracycline belongs to a group of drugs called tetracycline antibiotics.
Uses
Uses of tetracycline
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as tetracycline for certain conditions. Approved uses for tetracycline are described below.
Use for bacterial infections
Doctors may prescribe tetracycline oral capsule for treating or preventing certain types of bacterial infections. These include some types of respiratory, skin, and eye infections. The drug is also used to treat some sexually transmitted infections, infections caused by tick bites, and others.
Tetracycline is used for this purpose in adults and children ages 8 years and older. It’s usually prescribed as a short-term treatment.
With a bacterial infection, symptoms may vary. They could include fever, tiredness, or others, depending on the kind of infection. Tetracycline can’t be used for all types of bacterial infections, but your doctor will advise whether this antibiotic is right for yours. Several kinds of bacteria can cause infections. It’s important to take the right antibiotic that can work on the bacteria that’s causing your infection.
Also, keep in mind that all infections aren’t caused by bacteria. Viruses and fungi can cause certain infections. But tetracycline doesn’t work to treat those infections.
Side effects
Side effects of tetracycline
Tetracycline may cause mild or serious side effects. More common mild side effects of tetracycline and its serious side effects are listed below. This article doesn’t include all possible side effects of the drug. Side effects can vary based on your age, overall health, and any other medications you take.
To learn more about tetracycline’s side effects, ask your doctor or pharmacist. You can also refer to the prescribing information for tetracycline listed in the “Resources” section.
Mild side effects
More common mild side effects reported with some forms of tetracycline are listed below.
This article doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. To learn more about tetracycline’s side effects based on the form, refer to the prescribing information for tetracycline listed in the “Resources” section.
With many drugs, mild side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If the side effects are bothersome, tell your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest ways to manage them.
Tetracycline oral capsule’s mild side effects include:
- loss of appetite
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- mild allergic reaction*
* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for tetracycline” section.
Serious side effects
Serious side effects of tetracycline are listed below.
This article doesn’t include all possible serious side effects of the drug. To learn more about tetracycline’s side effects based on the form, refer to the prescribing information for tetracycline listed in the “Resources” section.
With many drugs, serious side effects are possible but not common. If you have serious side effects from this drug, call your doctor right away. If you’re having severe symptoms or a medical emergency, call 911 or a local emergency number.
In general, tetracycline’s serious side effects include:
- diarrhea due to a Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infection
- sensitivity to sunlight
- high pressure around the brain
- severe allergic reaction*
* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for tetracycline” section.
FAQs
Common questions about tetracycline
Below you’ll find answers to a few commonly asked questions about tetracycline.
Is it safe to take tetracycline with other antibiotics?
It depends. Tetracycline should not be taken with penicillin or certain other antibiotics. Some other antibiotics, such as metronidazole (Flagyl), may be safe to take with it, based on your doctor’s recommendation.
Talk with your doctor before taking any medications together with tetracycline. They can advise whether this is safe to do.
How does tetracycline work? And how long does it take to start working?
Tetracycline works by stopping certain types of bacteria from growing and spreading in your body. It starts working in a few days after you begin treatment. But even if you begin to feel better, you should finish taking all of your tetracycline prescription.
If you’d like to know more about this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Interactions and warnings
Interactions and warnings for tetracycline
Below, you’ll find information about tetracycline’s possible interactions and warnings.
Interactions of tetracycline
Certain things may affect how a drug works. These include getting vaccines, consuming alcohol or certain foods, or taking the drug with other medications. This effect is called a drug interaction.
Before you take tetracycline, ask your doctor to check for possible interactions. Be sure to tell them about any of the following you take or use:
- prescription or over-the-counter drugs
- vitamins, herbs, or supplements
To learn about drug-condition interactions, see the “Warnings for tetracycline” section below.
Warnings for tetracycline
Tetracycline should be taken cautiously by certain people.
Ask your doctor about specific warnings for tetracycline, and be sure to tell your doctor about your:
- current health, including any allergies to medications
- past health conditions or surgeries
Allergic reaction
Tetracycline can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible.
If you’ve had an allergic reaction to tetracycline or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe tetracycline. They can tell you about medications that are safer options for you.
A mild allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:
A severe allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:
- swelling under your skin, usually in your hands, feet, eyelids, or lips
- swelling of your mouth, throat, or tongue, which can cause breathing problems
If you have an allergic reaction to tetracycline, call your doctor right away. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number.
Overdose of tetracycline
Do not take more tetracycline than your doctor prescribes. For some drugs, doing so may lead to harmful effects or overdose.
If you think you’ve taken too much tetracycline, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have concerning symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.
Pregnancy or breastfeeding and tetracycline
Information about tetracycline and pregnancy and breastfeeding is described below.
Tetracycline and pregnancy
Tetracycline should not be taken during pregnancy. If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before taking this medication. Your doctor may suggest birth control options to use during treatment with tetracycline.
Tetracycline and breastfeeding
Tetracycline should not be taken while breastfeeding. For instance, tetracycline may cause certain changes that affect the growth of teeth and bones in a breastfed child.
If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before taking this medication. Your doctor may recommend other ways to feed your child during treatment with tetracycline.
Ask your doctor
What to ask your doctor
Let your doctor know whether you have questions about tetracycline or would like more details about it.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- Should I keep taking tetracycline, even if I feel better before finishing full prescription?
- Can I use a tanning bed while taking tetracycline?
- What should I do if my infection doesn’t get better with tetracycline treatment?
Resources
Resources
- Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Orange Book: Approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence evaluations. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/ob/index.cfm
- Tetracycline hydrochloride- tetracycline hydrochloride capsule. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/00acf413-c5d2-4a54-9d0d-56266cbc9edc/spl-doc
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
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