Tetracycline

Tetracycline is a common antibiotic used to treat acne, respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, and certain bacterial gastrointestinal infections. It works by stopping bacteria from making proteins they need to survive. Doctors may prescribe tetracycline or related drugs like doxycycline and minocycline depending on the infection and your medical history.

Take tetracycline exactly as your prescriber tells you. Common doses vary by infection but many courses require taking the pill every 6 to 12 hours. Always take it with a full glass of water and stay upright for at least 30 minutes to reduce chance of esophageal irritation. Do not take tetracycline with milk, calcium supplements, iron tablets, antacids, or bismuth products within two hours—these bind the drug and cut its effect.

Tetracycline is not for everyone. Avoid it if you are pregnant or breastfeeding; it can affect fetal bone and tooth development. Children under eight should generally not take tetracycline for the same tooth and bone risks. If you have severe liver disease, tell your doctor—some tetracyclines can build up and cause problems.

Common side effects include stomach upset, nausea, diarrhea, and increased sensitivity to sunlight. If your skin burns more easily in the sun, use strong sunscreen and cover up. If you develop severe diarrhea, bloody stools, a rash, jaundice, or black urine, stop the medicine and contact a doctor right away—these can be signs of serious reactions.

Antibiotic resistance is a real issue with tetracyclines. Use the full prescribed course even if you feel better within a few days. Skipping doses or stopping early raises the chance that bacteria survive and become harder to treat next time. Never share your antibiotics with others.

Store tetracycline at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep it in the original container and out of reach of children. Check the expiry date—using old antibiotics can be less effective or risky.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless the next dose is near; then skip the missed dose. Do not double up. Before starting, tell your clinician about other medicines you take—blood thinners, retinoids for acne, and some seizure drugs can interact with tetracycline. Also inform them about allergies and any recent antibiotic reactions.

If symptoms do not improve after a few days or if they worsen, contact your healthcare provider. For acne, improvement can take weeks. For fever or severe bacterial infections, follow-up may be needed to confirm the infection cleared.

Summary: tetracycline is effective for many infections when used correctly. Respect dosing rules, avoid certain foods and supplements around doses, protect your skin from sun, and speak up about pregnancy, children, and liver issues. Ask your pharmacist or doctor if you have questions—they deal with this medication every day.

Some infections need lab tests or cultures before and during treatment. Tell your clinician about recent travel, animal exposures or tick bites—they can change drug choice. Keep an up-to-date list of all medications and supplements and bring it to appointment for safety.