TETRACYCLINE DRUG INFO
HOW TO USE: Take tetracycline tablets
or capsules by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription
label. Take tetracycline 1 hour before or at least 2 hours
after eating. Swallow tablets or capsules whole with a full
glass of water; take tablets or capsules in an upright or
sitting position. Taking a sip of water first, before taking
the tablets or capsules, may help you swallow them. If possible
take bedtime doses at least 10 minutes before lying down.
It is best to take tetracycline without food, but if it upsets
your stomach take it with food. Avoid having dairy products,
such as yogurt, milk, or cheese with your medicine; they can
reduce the effect of tetracycline. Take your doses at regular
intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
Finish the full course prescribed by your prescriber or health
care professional even if you think your condition is better.
Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding
the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be
needed.
SIDE EFFECTS: Side effects that you should report
to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as
possible: dark yellow or brown urine; decrease in the amount
of urine; difficulty breathing; fever; headache; increased
sensitivity to the sun or ultraviolet light; itching in the
rectal or genital area; pain on swallowing; redness, blistering,
peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth;
skin rash, itching; stomach pain or cramps; unusual weakness
or tiredness; yellowing of the eyes or skin.
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention
(report to your prescriber or health care professional if
they continue or are bothersome): diarrhea; discolored tongue;
loss of appetite; nausea, vomiting; sore mouth.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your prescriber or health care professional
if your symptoms do not improve in 2 to 3 days.
Do not take tetracycline just before going to bed. It may
not dissolve properly when you are lying down and can cause
pain in your throat.
Keep out of the sun, or wear protective clothing outdoors
and use a sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or sun tanning beds
or booths.
Make sure your diet provides vitamin B. Ask your prescriber
or health care professional for advice if you think you are
short of this vitamin.
Birth control pills (contraceptive pills) may not work properly
while you are taking this medicine. Use an extra method of
birth control for at least one month.
If you are being treated for a sexually transmitted disease,
avoid sexual contact until you have finished your treatment.
Your sexual partner may also need treatment.
If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or
health care professional that you are taking tetracycline.
Antacid can stop the effects of tetracycline. If you get an
upset stomach and want to take an antacid, make sure there
is an interval of at least 2 hours since you last took tetracycline,
or 4 hours before your next dose.
Iron and zinc preparations can also stop tetracycline from
working properly.
Never use tetracycline if it is past the expiration date;
it can make you seriously ill.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Antacids; calcium salts; cholestyramine;
colestipol; digoxin; female hormones, including contraceptive
or birth control pills; ferrous sulfate; magnesium salts;
methoxyflurane; other antibiotic medicines; sodium bicarbonate;
vitamin A; warfarin; zinc salts.
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all
other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription
medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also
tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are
a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you
smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way
your medicine works. Check with your health care professional
before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
NOTES: Prescriber needs to know if you have any of
these conditions: kidney disease; liver disease; other chronic
illness; an unusual or allergic reaction to tetracycline antibiotics,
foods, dyes, or preservatives; pregnant or trying to get pregnant;
breast-feeding.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as
you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only
that dose. Do not take double or extra doses. There should
be an interval of at least 4 to 6 hours between doses.
STORAGE: Keep out of the reach of children in a container
that small children cannot open.
Store at room temperature between 15—30 degrees C (59—86 degrees
F). Protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine after
the expiration date. |
