Tetracyclines

Recently Answered

• QWhat are the side effects of tetracycline?

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  A Dr. Darria Gillespie, MD , Emergency Medicine, answered

  Side effects may include fatigue, headache, sleepiness, a spinning sensation (vertigo), itching, a rash, dry mouth, coughing, loss of appetite, indigestion, nausea, diarrhea, joint pain, and skin sensitivity to sunlight. Some people have allergic reactions which can be serious. Allergic reactions are most common in people who have allergies or asthma. Some people develop high pressure around the brain. 
  
  This answer was adapted from Sharecare's award-winning AskMD app. Start a consultation now to find out what's causing your symptoms, learn how to manage a condition, or find a doctor.
   
• QDo tetracycline antibiotics interact with any other medications?

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  A Dr. Darria Gillespie, MD , Emergency Medicine, answered

  If you are taking any of the following medications, tetracycline can lead to side effects and should be avoided:

  • a systemic retinoid
  • bosutinib
  • dabrafenib
  • doxorubicin
  • ibrutinib
  • lomitapide
  • naloxegol
  • olaparib
  • pimozide
  • simeprevir
  • tolvaptan
  • ulipristal 

  This answer was adapted from Sharecare's award-winning AskMD app. Start a consultation now to find out what's causing your symptoms, learn how to manage a condition, or find a doctor.
• QWhat should I know about tetracycline before taking it?

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  A Dr. Darria Gillespie, MD , Emergency Medicine, answered

  People with allergies or asthma are more likely to have an allergic reaction to tetracycline antibiotics.
  
  If you have impaired kidney function or impaired liver function, tetracycline antibiotics may not be good options for you.
  
  If you are pregnant, the health of your baby may be at risk if you take a tetracycline antibiotic.
  
  Tetracycline antibiotics should not be given to children under 8 years old.
  
  You should not take tetracycline antibiotics if you are breastfeeding. 
  
  This answer was adapted from Sharecare's award-winning AskMD app. Start a consultation now to find out what's causing your symptoms, learn how to manage a condition, or find a doctor.
   
• QWhat is tetracycline?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Tetracycline is an antibiotic that's used to treat a variety of bacterial infections and other conditions. It may be used to treat upper respiratory infections, pneumonia, typhus fever, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, gonorrhea and urinary tract infections. It also may be used to treat conjunctivitis (pink eye) and other eye infections. Sometimes, tetracycline is used to treat severe acne. Tetracycline works by decreasing bacteria's ability to make certain proteins that it needs to live. This helps kill bacteria and eliminate the infection. Tetracycline is available as a capsule that is to be taken by mouth with a full glass of water. This medication works best when taken on an empty stomach, so take it one to two hours before or after meals. Your dosage of medication will depend on what condition you're treating, but always take tetracycline as your doctor prescribes. This means that even if you're feeling better, you should continue taking tetracycline for the full amount of time your doctor recommends. There are several generic versions of tetracycline.
   
• QWhat side effects of Minocin capsules should I report to my doctor?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Diarrhea, itching and lightheadedness are common side effects of Minocin. If these become severe or persistent, tell your doctor. Report any of these side effects right away:

  • severe headaches
  • blurred vision, double vision or loss of vision
  • skin changes, such as rash, hives, itching or yellowing
  • yellowing of the eyes
  • difficulty breathing or swallowing
  • changes in urine or bowel movements
  • loss of appetite
  • nausea, vomiting or stomach pain
  • extreme tiredness or weakness
  • confusion
  • joint stiffness or swelling
  • unusual bleeding or bruising
  • pain or discomfort in the mouth
  • throat sores
  • fever or chills
• QWhat should I know about Minocin IV before taking it?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  You should not take Minocin IV if you are allergic to minocycline or other tetracycline antibiotics. Let your doctor know if you are allergic to any of Minocin IV's inactive ingredients. Tell your doctor before taking Minocin IV if you have, or have ever had, liver or kidney disease, or if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. If you must have surgery while taking Minocin IV, no matter how minor, tell the surgeon or dentist that you are taking Minocin IV. This medication may make you more sensitive to sunlight, so avoid prolonged exposure to the sun. Wear sunblock and protective clothing to prevent sunburn while taking Minocin IV. It can cause drowsiness or dizziness. Do not drive or operate heavy or potentially dangerous equipment or machinery until you know how it will affect you. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Minocin IV, since alcohol can make these side effects worse. Tell your doctor if you experience headache, blurred vision, double vision or vision loss while taking Minocin. 
   
• QWhat are the risks of taking Minocin capsules?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Minocin and similar antibiotics (like tetracycline) should not be taken by pregnant women. These drugs can cause permanent staining of the teeth in the unborn babies. If small children are given this medication, their teeth can be stained permanently. Taking Minocin may make you more likely to sunburn, so wear protective clothing and sun block. Like all antibiotics, Minocin may cause diarrhea, which in some cases can be severe. Beware of driving or operating heavy machinery when you first begin to use Minocin, until you know how it makes you feel. Tell your doctor if you experience headache, blurred vision, double vision or vision loss while taking Minocin. 
   
• QWhat should I know about Minocin before taking it?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  You should not use Minocin if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Minocin passes into breast milk and may affect bone and tooth development in a nursing baby. It should not be given to children younger than eight years of age. Minocin can cause permanent yellowing or graying of the teeth in children younger than 8 years of age. Minocin can make hormonal birth control less effective. You should use a secondary form of birth control while taking Minocin to prevent pregnancy. Minocin can make you more sensitive to sunlight. Use sunblock and wear protective clothing while taking Minocin. Iron or calcium supplements, antacids, multivitamins or laxatives can reduce the absorption of Minocin and make it less effective. You should not use Minocin if you are allergic to minocycline or to other tetracycline antibiotics. If you have kidney or liver disease, tell your doctor before taking Minocin. If you must have surgery, even minor surgery while taking Minocin, tell the surgeon or dentist that you are taking Minocin. It can cause dizziness and lightheadedness. Tell your doctor if you experience headache, blurred vision, double vision or vision loss while taking Minocin. Do not drive or operate tools or machinery until you know how Minocin will affect you.
   
• QWhat is Doryx?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Doryx is a prescription medication that contains the tetracycline antibiotic, doxycycline. Tetracycline antibiotics cannot directly destroy bacteria; instead, they interfere with the bacteria’s production of proteins which ultimately limits the ability to grow and reproduce. Doryx is used to treat certain infections caused by bacteria such as eye, respiratory, intestinal, and urinary tract infections; illnesses carried by ticks, fleas, and lice that cause fevers and other symptoms (such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Lyme disease); and sexually transmitted diseases, among others. It is also indicated for the prevention and treatment of malaria (an infection carried by mosquitoes that causes fever, chills, and a flu-like illness) and anthrax (a potentially fatal infection of the skin, gastrointestinal system, or respiratory system). It can be taken in combination with other medications to treat acne, rosacea, and amoebic dysentery (diarrhea caused by a parasite infection). Finally, Doryx is an alternative treatment for people who cannot take penicillin due to allergies or other reactions.

• QWhat should I know about Doryx before taking it?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  You should not take this medication if you have a history of an allergic reaction to doxycycline or another tetracycline antibiotic. If you have liver or kidney problems, you may need a lower dose or a different medication. Doryx also should be used with caution in people over 65 years of age, because of a higher risk of side effects. Doryx can affect tooth and bone development. Therefore, it is usually not used in children less than eight years of age or in women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Your skin will become more sensitive to the sun when you take Doryx. If you are not able to avoid the sun due to work requirements or other factors, you should discuss alternative treatment options with your physician. Doryx can cause a wide range of gastrointestinal side effects. Doryx also can make you more susceptible to other infections by killing the bacteria that normally protect you. You should let your doctor know if you have a history of recurrent yeast infections (vaginal or oral) because you may have a higher risk of this side effect.

  In addition, you should speak with your healthcare provider about any new symptoms that you experience while taking Doryx. It may cause increased pressure in the skull which can result in headaches, vision changes, dizziness, nausea and vomiting. This condition usually improves after treatment ends. Interactions between Doryx and prescription or over-the-counter medications can increase side effects or decrease the effectiveness of Doryx. You should tell your doctor about all of the medications you take, including over-the-counter drugs, as they may affect your treatment. Taking Doryx with food may alleviate the stomach upset that can occur. However, regular consumption of alcohol may make Doryx less effective. Never take expired medication, as it may cause permanent damage to your kidneys.