Tetracycline

Tetracycline is an effective prescription medicine that can be used if you have been diagnosed with any of the urinary tract infections, acne, gonorrhea, chlamydia, or other infections of the kind. Take this drug as prescribed and do not stop the treatment until said so by your doctor. Tetracycline is not supposed to be used if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as it can affect the bone and tooth development in the baby. This medicine can also make your birth control pills less effective, as a result of which you will need to use an additional method of birth control. Children younger than 8 are never supposed to be given this medicine, as they can get graying or yellowing of the teeth later in life. The liquid form of this medicine is supposed to be measured with the help of a special spoon. Make sure you ask your pharmacist for such a spoon and avoid taking tetracycline using a regular spoon. It’s important that you try not to miss doses of tetracycline too often, as this may lead to the overall lower efficiency of your treatment. If you happened to miss a dose of this medicine, it’s important to take it as soon as you remember. However, if it’s almost time for another dose, make sure you skip the one missed and never take a double dose or two doses too close together in time. Serious side effects are possible if you continue taking tetracycline for some time and failed to mention certain important aspects to your health care provider (such as health conditions you have or drugs you are taking at the moment that may potentially interfere with tetracycline). The following serious side effects have been reported: chills, nausea and vomiting, fast heart rate, easy bruising, dark colored urine, flu symptoms, fever, loss of appetite, confusion, red skin rash, blurred vision, urinating less than usual, severe blistering, and dizziness. These serious side effects can be avoided if you talk to your health care provider about any health conditions you have been diagnosed with and that can affect the quality of your treatment, or if you are taking any medications at the moment that may potentially cause interference. The following medications should be mentioned: products that contain bismuth subsalicylate, minerals, calcium, isotretinoin, zinc, tretinoin, cholesterol-lowering medications, over-the-counter vitamin and mineral supplements, iron, anticoagulants, magnesium, penicillin antibiotics, and any other prescription or over-the-counter medications you may be taking at the moment. It’s important to continue taking this medicine for as long as prescribed, without missing your doses or taking too much of this medicine. Taking more than prescribed can cause an overdose of tetracycline and you will have to seem emergency medical help. The following symptoms may indicate you have taken too much of tetracycline: nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Store your medicine in some place where it will never be accessed by people to whom it was not prescribed, especially children.

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