What is Tetracycline: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Shake the oral liquid well just before each use. Measure the medicine with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup.

Keep using this medicine for the full treatment time, even if you feel better after the first few doses. Your infection may not clear up if you stop using the medicine too soon.

Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.

It is best to take this medicine on an empty stomach, 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Swallow the medicine with a full glass of water. You may take the medicine with food if it upsets your stomach.

Keep using this medicine for the full treatment time, even if you feel better after the first few doses. Your infection may not clear up if you stop using the medicine too soon.

Shake the oral liquid well just before each use. Measure the medicine with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup.

It is best to take this medicine on an empty stomach, 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Swallow the medicine with a full glass of water. You may take the medicine with food if it upsets your stomach.

Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.

Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.

You should not use tetracycline if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any tetracycline antibiotic (doxycycline, minocycline). Do not give this medicine to children under 8 years old because it can permanently change tooth color. You should not use this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Use a sunscreen when you are outdoors. Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds.

Headache, blurred vision

Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, pain in the upper stomach

Trouble swallowing

Unusual bleeding or bruising

Yellow skin or eyes

Make sure your doctor knows if you have kidney disease or liver disease.

Birth control pills, may not work while you are using tetracycline. To keep from getting pregnant, use another form of birth control such as condoms, a diaphragm, or contraceptive foam or jelly.

Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using penicillin, antacids (such as Maalox®, Mylanta®), a blood thinner (Coumadin®), or multivitamins or mineral supplements that contain calcium or magnesium.

Avoid taking the medicine with milk or other dairy products.