Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

TETRACYCLINES - ORAL

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Achromycin V, Sumycin

Uses

This medication is used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections. It is also used to treat acne and to prevent "traveler's diarrhea".

How To Use

This medication works best if taken on an empty stomach one hour before or two hours after meals. Take each dose with a full glass (8 oz or 240 ml) of water unless your doctor directs you otherwise. Do not lie down for 30 minutes after taking this drug. May take with food if stomach upset occurs unless your doctor directs you otherwise. Take this medication 2-3 hours before or after taking any products containing magnesium, aluminum, or calcium. Some examples include quinapril, didanosine, vitamins/minerals, and antacids. Dairy products (e.g., milk, yogurt), calcium-enriched juice, sucralfate, bismuth subsalicylate, iron, and zinc are also included. These products bind with tetracycline preventing its full absorption. Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Do this by taking the medication at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day and night. Continue to take this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow resulting in a relapse of the infection.

Side Effects

This medication may cause stomach upset, diarrhea, nausea, headache or vomiting. If these symptoms persist or worsen, notify your doctor. Very unlikely, but report promptly: stomach pain, yellowing eyes or skin, vision problems, mental changes. Tetracyclines increase sensitivity to sunlight. Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in a secondary infection (e.g., oral, bladder or vaginal yeast infection) or sore throat while taking this medication. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: kidney or liver problems, any allergies, trouble swallowing, esophagus problems (e.g., hiatal hernia, GERD). This medication may make you more prone to sunburn. Wear protective clothing and a sunscreen if needed. This drug should not be used by children up to 8 years of age because its use may permanently discolor their teeth or cause other problems. Caution is advised in older children also. This drug is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor before using this medication. This drug is excreted into breast milk and has been shown to have undesirable effects on nursing infants. Therefore, its use is not recommended while breast-feeding. Consult your doctor before you breast-feed.

Drug Interactions

Inform your doctor or pharmacist about all the medicines you may use (prescription and nonprescription), especially: vitamins/minerals (e.g., magnesium, aluminum, calcium, iron, zinc), quinapril, didanosine, antacids, sucralfate, bismuth subsalicylate, digoxin, penicillin-related drugs, live vaccines, cimetidine, warfarin, methoxyflurane. This medicine may decrease the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about other types of birth control. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Notes

This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another infection or give it to someone else. A different medication may be necessary.

Missed Dose

If you should miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered unless it is almost time for the next dose. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from moisture and sunlight. Do not freeze liquid forms. Do not store in the bathroom. Discard any unused drug. Check the drug's expiration date. Taking outdated tetracycline (or a related drug) can result in serious illness.