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Tetracycline

 

Tetracycline (generic Sumycin) Review

brand names: Sumycin, Achromycin V
generic names: Atovaquone, Tetracycline

How does it work?

This medicine contains the active ingredient tetracycline hydrochloride, which belongs to a group of antibiotics called the tetracyclines. It is used to treat infections caused by bacteria.

Tetracycline works by interfering with the ability of bacteria to produce proteins that are essential to them. Without these proteins the bacteria cannot grow, multiply and increase in numbers. Tetracycline therefore stops the spread of the infection and the remaining bacteria are killed by the immune system or eventually die.

Tetracycline is a broad spectrum antibiotic that is active against a wide variety of bacteria. However, some strains of bacteria have developed resistance to this antibiotic, which has reduced its effectiveness for treating some types of infection.

Tetracycline is still used to treat infections caused by chlamydia (eg the chest infection psittacosis, the eye infection trachoma, and the genital infection urethritis) and infections caused by mycoplasma organisms (eg pneumonia).

Tetracycline is used to treat acne, due to its activity against the bacteria on the skin that cause acne (Propionebacterium acnes). It is used to treat flare-ups of chronic bronchitis, due to its activity against the bacteria usually responsible, Haemophilus influenzae.

Tetracycline is also used to treat other rarer infections, such as those caused by a group of micro-organisms called rickettsiae (eg Q fever, Rocky mountain spotted fever) and those caused by Brucella bacteria (brucellosis).

To make sure the bacteria causing an infection are susceptible to tetracycline your doctor may take a tissue sample, for example a swab from the infected area, or a urine or blood sample.

How should you take Tetracycline (Sumycin)?

Tetracycline (Sumycin) should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Be sure to use the entire prescription. If you are taking a liquid form of the drug, shake well before using.

Do not use outdated Tetracycline (Sumycin). Outdated Tetracycline is highly toxic to the kidneys.

Do not take antacids containing aluminum, calcium, or magnesium (e.g., Mylanta, Maalox) while taking this medication. They will affect the absorption of the drug.

Take Tetracycline (Sumycin) 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. Foods, milk, and some other dairy products affect absorption of the drug.

Tetracycline (Sumycin) should be continued for at least 24 to 48 hours after your symptoms have subsided.

--If you miss a dose...

Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose and you take Tetracycline once a day (e.g., take the dose you missed, for acne), and then take the next one 10 to 12 hours later; if you take it twice a day, take the dose you missed. Then go back to your regular schedule.

--Storage instructions...

Store capsules at room temperature. Keep the liquid form of Tetracycline (Sumycin) in the refrigerator, but do not allow it to freeze.

Why is Tetracycline (Sumycin) prescribed?

Tetracycline, a "broad-spectrum" antibiotic, is used to treat bacterial infections such as typhus fever, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and tick fevers; amoebic infections; gonorrhea; pneumonia; upper respiratory infections; and urinary tract infections. It is also used to help treat severe acne and to treat trachoma (a chronic eye infection) and conjunctivitis (pinkeye). Tetracycline (Sumycin) is often an alternative drug for people who are allergic to penicillin.

Warning!

• Consult your doctor if you get a severe persistant headache, or double or blurred vision while taking this medicine.
  
  
• This medicine should be swallowed whole with plenty of water while you are sitting or standing. This is to prevent the medicine irritating the throat. Avoid taking a dose just before going to bed.
  
  
• In some people this medicine can cause the skin to become more sensitive to sunlight and UV light. For this reason you should avoid excessive exposure to strong sunlight, and avoid using sunbeds and sunlamps while you are taking this medicine.
  
  
• Broad-spectrum antibiotics can sometimes cause diarrhoea. If you experience diarrhoea that becomes severe or persistent or contains blood or mucus, either during or after taking this medicine, you should consult your doctor immediately.
  
  
• Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, it is important that you finish the prescribed course of this antibiotic medicine, even if you feel better or it seems the infection has cleared up. Stopping the course early increases the chance that the infection will come back and that the bacteria will grow resistant to the antibiotic.
  
  

Overdosage

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. Seek medical attention immediately if you suspect an overdose of Tetracycline (Sumycin).

How should you take Tetracycline (Sumycin)?

Tetracycline (Sumycin) should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Be sure to use the entire prescription. If you are taking a liquid form of the drug, shake well before using.

Do not take antacids containing aluminum, calcium, or magnesium (e.g., Mylanta, Maalox) while taking Tetracycline (Sumycin). They will affect the absorption of the drug.

--If you miss a dose...

Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose and you take Tetracycline once a day (e.g., take the dose you missed, for acne), and then take the next one 10 to 12 hours later; if you take it twice a day, take the dose you missed. Then go back to your regular schedule.

Take Tetracycline (Sumycin) 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. Foods, milk, and some other dairy products affect absorption of the drug.

Tetracycline (Sumycin) should be continued for at least 24 to 48 hours after your symptoms have subsided.

Do not use outdated Tetracycline (Sumycin). Outdated Tetracycline is highly toxic to the kidneys.

--Storage instructions...

Store capsules at room temperature. Keep the liquid form of Tetracycline (Sumycin) in the refrigerator, but do not allow it to freeze.