What is Tetracycline?
Belonging to a group of antibiotics, Tetracycline helps fight the symptoms of bacterial infection. The medication is commonly prescribed to patients, who suffer from the most different bacterial infections of the intestines, urinary tract, skin, genitals, respiratory tract, lymph nodes and other body parts. Besides, it is frequently recommended for treatment of sexually transmitted diseases, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, as well as severe forms of acne. Tetracycline is aimed at treatment of infections, which get into the organism right from direct contact with contaminated food or infected animals. Besides, the remedy can be combined with other pharmaceuticals in order to treat more severe forms of the infection. Using Tetracycline off-label you can get the treatment of other conditions, not listed in the safety guide. However, make sure you do not have any restrictions before starting the therapy.
Recommendations for Use
Tetracycline should be administered strictly according to the doctor’s recommendations and safety directions. Do not exceed the prescribed dose, unless you are ready to fight serious side effects and health complications. Consult your healthcare specialist before you start Tetracycline therapy, as you may require individual dose adjustment.
Despite exceptional instances, Tetracycline is administered on an empty stomach, minimum an hour before a meal or two hours after it. The drug cannot be used with milk or similar dairy products, as they make it harder for the organism to absorb the medication. Frequent medical tests are required for patients, who use Tetracycline for a long term.
The medication should be used for a full prescription term. You may not experience positive changes right after the first drug intake, though, you need to continue using the medication. Skipping doses can advance the risk of further infection, which will be antibiotic resistant. The medication should not be used by patients with similar conditions, but without doctor’s approval.
Precautions and Contraindications
Do not start the infection treatment if you are not confident in its safety. Your medical specialist should be aware of all the accompanying and underlying health disorders you have. Tetracycline is not approved for patients, who are sensitive to its ingredients or similar drugs. To ensure complete safety of the drug, you need to inform the doctor about kidney or liver disorders you have. Besides, using the medication for gonorrhea treatment, you will need to undergo a medical test to find out if you do not have other sexually transmitted disorders.
Drug Interactions
Tell your healthcare provider about the medications you are currently using, as some of them can significantly influence the health state of a patient. Pay ultimate attention to the use of other antibiotics, Tretinoin, Isotretinoin, antacids, blood thinners, laxatives, mineral supplements or vitamins containing Magnesium, Calcium or Zinc. Special Tetracycline dose may be required in case a patient uses any of these remedies.
Side Effects
Contact your doctor to report mild to moderate adverse reactions you have noticed as a result of Tetracycline use, especially vaginal discharge and itching, nausea, vomiting, stomach discomfort, swollen tongue and others. More severe instances of side effects require emergency medical assistance, especially allergic reactions, symptoms of the new infection, fever, body aches, signs of cold or flu, jaundice, abnormal bleeding and others.