Popular Drugs Catalogue

 

Tetracycline HCl


Capsules
Chemical Name: TETRACYCLINE (te-tra-SYE-kleen)

Common uses
This medicine is a tetracycline antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. It is also used with other medicines for treating acne. This medicine may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Before using
Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you are also taking penicillin antibiotics. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking vitamins/minerals (e.g., magnesium, aluminum, calcium, iron, zinc), quinapril, didanosine, antacids, sucralfate, bismuth subsalicylate, anticoagulants, digoxin, birth control pills, or methotrexate. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you have a history of kidney conditions. Use of this medicine in children under 8 years old is not recommended. Discuss with your doctor the risks and benefits of giving this medicine to your child.

Directions
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. TAKE THIS MEDICINE with a full glass (8 oz./240 ml) of water. DO NOT LIE DOWN for 30 minutes after taking this medicine. Unless directed otherwise by your doctor, take this medicine 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. Take this medicine 2-3 hours before or after taking any products containing magnesium, aluminum, or calcium. Some examples include quinapril, didanosine, vitamins/minerals, antacids, dairy products (e.g., milk or yogurt), calcium-enriched juice, sucralfate, bismuth subsalicylate, iron, and zinc. These products bind with tetracycline preventing its full absorption. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature, away from heat and light. TO CLEAR UP YOUR INFECTION COMPLETELY, continue taking this medicine for the full course of treatment even if you feel better in a few days. Do not miss any doses. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Cautions
DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. If your symptoms do not improve within a few days or if they become worse, check with your doctor. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE increased sensitivity to the sun. Avoid exposure to the sun or sunlamps until you know how you react to this medicine. Use a sunscreen or protective clothing if you must be outside for a prolonged period. IF YOU EXPERIENCE difficulty breathing; tightness of chest; swelling of eyelids, face, or lips; or if you develop a rash or hives, tell your doctor immediately. Do not take any more doses of this medicine unless your doctor tells you to do so. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IN CHILDREN may cause permanent discoloring of the teeth. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor. This includes any medicines that contain bismuth. FOR WOMEN: TAKING THIS MEDICINE while you are using birth control pills may decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills. Use an additional form of birth control while you are taking this medicine. THIS MEDICINE HAS BEEN SHOWN TO CAUSE HARM to the human fetus. IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.

Possible side effects
SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during treatment, include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience vaginal irritation or discharge, headache and/or blurred vision, stomach pain, or a severe skin reaction to the sun. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

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

Additional information
DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children.



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