Tetracycline (Sumycin) is a prescription medication used to treat a variety of infections of the skin, intestines, respiratory tract, urinary tract, genitals, lymph nodes, and other body systems. It is commonly used to treat severe acne or sexually transmitted diseases such as syphilis, gonorrhea, or chlamydia. This medication can also be used in combination with anti-ulcer medications to treat certain types of stomach ulcers. Tetracycline is an antibiotic that fights infections and cannot work for viral infections (such as common cold, flu). Tetracycline works by preventing and eliminating the growth of bacteria. The added benefits of tetracycline include treatment of infections that are caused by direct contact with infected animals or contaminated food. In some cases, tetracycline is used when penicillin or another antibiotic cannot be used to treat serious infections such as anthrax, listeria, clostridium and actinomyces.
Manufacturer Information
We currently have the generic Tetracycline capsules from India also called Resteclin by Abbott and Canada by a different manufacturer. We may sometimes get the generic Tetracycline capsules from India also called Hostacyclin by Aventis. Tetracycline capsules are available in the strength of 250 mg and 500 mg capsules.
When taking Tetracycline one may experience some common side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, mouth sores, black hairy tongue, sore throat, dizziness, headache, or rectal discomfort. If any of these side effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Tetracycline may also cause some serious side effects such as nail discoloration, muscle pain, difficult or painful swallowing, signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine), brown/gray tooth discoloration, numbness/tingling of the hands/feet, unusual fatigue, new signs of infection (e.g., persistent sore throat, fever, chills), hearing changes (e.g., ringing in the ears, decreased hearing), easy bruising/bleeding, severe stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin and dark urine. In addition, Tetracycline may rarely cause pressure inside the skull. The risk is greater in women of childbearing age who are overweight or who have had IH in the past. Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in oral thrush or a new yeast infection (oral or vaginal fungal infection). Contact your doctor if you notice white patches in your mouth, a change in vaginal discharge or other new symptoms.
Using any antibiotic when it is not needed can cause it to not work for future infections. Do not take this medication if you are allergic. Before taking this medication, talk to your medical health professional if you have a medical history of kidney disease, liver disease, problems swallowing, esophagus problems (e.g., hiatal hernia, reflux disease-GERD). Do not have any immunizations or vaccinations while using this medication unless your doctor tells you to as Tetracycline may cause live bacterial vaccines (such as typhoid vaccine) to not work as well. In addition, this medication may make you more sensitive to the sun and make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that requires you to be alert until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis). This medication should not be used in children younger than 8 years of age because it may cause permanent tooth discoloration and other problems. Tetracycline is not recommended for use during pregnancy as it may harm an unborn baby. This medication passes into breast milk; consult your doctor before breast-feeding.