Tetracycline



Sumycin®







Tetracycline

(tet ra SYE kleen)

U.S. Brand Names
Sumycin®
Canadian Brand Names
Apo-Tetra®; Nu-Tetra
Mexican Brand Names
Tetra-Atlantis®
Pharmacologic Category
Antibiotic, Tetracycline Derivative
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 8 years of age.
  • If you have an allergy to tetracycline or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • If you are pregnant or may be pregnant.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to prevent or treat acne.
  • This medicine is used to prevent or treat a variety of bacterial infections.
  • This medicine is used to prevent or treat gastrointestinal ulcers caused by infection.
  • This medicine is used to treat periodontitis.
How does it work?
  • Tetracycline works to injure the bacteria and fight the infection.
How is it best taken?
  • All forms:
  • To gain the most benefit, do not miss doses.
  • Oral:
  • Take this medicine on an empty stomach. Take 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals.
  • A liquid (suspension) is available if you cannot swallow pills. Shake well before use.
  • Those who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after medicine is given.
  • Stop tube feeding for 2 hours before giving this medicine. Restart tube feeding 1 hour after giving.
  • Skin:
  • Do not take this medicine by mouth. For skin only. Keep out of mouth, nose, and eyes (may burn).
  • Wash hands before and after use.
  • Clean affected area before use. Make sure to dry well.
  • Apply solution until skin is wet.
  • Makeup can be used after the skin has dried.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Use a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • All forms:
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • You can get sunburned more easily. Avoid sun, sunlamps, and tanning beds. Use sunscreen; wear protective clothing and eyewear.
  • Oral:
  • Do not take dairy products, bismuth (Pepto-Bismol®), calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, multivitamins with minerals, colestipol, cholestyramine, didanosine, or antacids within 2 hours of this medicine.
  • Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor).
  • Use birth control that you can trust to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.
  • Skin:
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.
  • Dental:
  • Avoid actions that may remove or change the position of the fiber. Do not chew hard, crusty, or sticky foods.
  • Do not brush or floss near the area.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Oral:
  • Belly pain.
  • Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.
  • Diarrhea. Yogurt, Bifidobacterium bifidum , or Lactobacillus acidophilus may help. These products are available at health food stores or in some pharmacies.
  • Sunburn.
  • For females, vaginal yeast infection. Report itching or discharge.
  • Skin:
  • Skin irritation.
  • Yellowing of skin. This will wash off.
  • Dental:
  • Discomfort around placement area.
  • Mouth irritation. Frequent mouth care with a soft toothbrush or cotton swabs and rinsing mouth may help.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist regularly.
  • Follow up with healthcare provider.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Severe headache.
  • Severe nausea or vomiting.
  • Severe diarrhea.
  • Severe skin irritation.
  • Any rash.
  • If the dental fiber moves, breaks, or if there is severe pain, swelling, or bleeding.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • Store at room temperature.
  • Protect from light.
  • Protect capsules and tablets from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
  • Throw away any unused portion of oral medicine.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
Brand Names: