Tetracyclines

• Your doctor has prescribed a tetracycline for you: common tetracyclline include:

• Tetracycline
• Minocycline
• Doxycyline

What are tetracyclines used for?

Tetracyclines are used to treat infections. They are also used for the treatment of acne by suppressing the growth of the acne bacteria and decreasing the inflammation caused by the bacteria.

How should I take tetracyclines?

• Tetracyclines come in the form of capsules and tablets.
• Tetracyclines should be taken with a cup of water to prevent throat irritation.
• Take tetracyclines on an empty stomach (either 1 hour before or 2 hour after meals) for better absorption. But if it upsets your stomach, you should take it with some food.
• Avoid taking milk or dairy products, antacids or products containing iron together with tetracyclines. These may reduce the effectiveness of tetracyclines. You can take these 2 hours before or after tetracyclines. But if you have been prescribed doxycycline or minocycline, you may take these together with food or milk, as these are not affected by your diet.
• For effective treatment, you should complete the full course of medication prescribed even though there are signs of improvement.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember.
• Take any remaining doses for that day at evenly spaced intervals.
• If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose .
• Do not double the dose to make up for the missed dose.

What other effects may tetracyclines cause?

In the treatment of acne, tetracyclines can be taken for 6 to 12 months without any serious side effects. Some effects are not unusual and may even disappear during treatment. If any of the following effects persist or are severe, consult your doctor:

• Nausea, vomiting, stomach ache or “wind” in the stomach.
• Diarrhoea
• Dizziness (minocycline). If affected, do not drive or operate machinery.
• Itching of the genital areas; sore mouth or tongue.
• Tetracyclines may cause your skin to be more sensitive to sunlight.

What precautions should I take?

• Young children under 8 years of age should not take tetracyclines as these may cause discoloured teeth and affect bone development.
• Tetracyclines should not be taken by pregnant women or nursing mothers.
• Tetracyclines may reduce the effectiveness of your oral contraceptives.

How should I store tetracyclines?

• Store this medicine away from heat and direct sunlight in a cool, dry place, out of reach of children.
• Do not keep this medicine with other medications in the same container. Keep each medicine separately in labelled containers.
• Discard all expired tetracyclines as expired products may be harmful.

When in doubt, consult your doctor or pharmacist.