Encyclopedia

U.S. Brand Names

Sumycin® [DSC]

Canadian Brand Names

Apo-Tetra®; Nu-Tetra

Mexican Brand Names

Acromicina; Ambotetra; Erifor; Quimocyclar; Tetrex

Pharmacologic Category

Antibiotic, Tetracycline Derivative

Reasons not to take this medicine

• Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 8 years of age.

• If you have an allergy to tetracycline or any other part of this medicine.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.

• If you are pregnant or may be pregnant.

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used to prevent or treat acne.

• This medicine is used to prevent or treat a variety of bacterial infections.

• This medicine is used to prevent or treat gastrointestinal ulcers caused by infection.

• This medicine is used to treat periodontitis.

How does it work?

• Tetracycline works to injure the bacteria and fight the infection.

How is it best taken?

• To gain the most benefit, do not miss doses.

• Use prescription as directed, even if feeling better.

• Take this medicine on an empty stomach. Take 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals.

• Take this medicine with a full glass of water.

• Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking this medicine. This prevents irritation to the esophagus (swallowing tube).

• A liquid (suspension) is available if you cannot swallow pills. Shake well before use.

• Those who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after medicine is given.

• Stop tube feeding for 2 hours before giving this medicine. Restart tube feeding 1 hour after giving.

What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.

• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.

• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.

• Do not change dose or stop medicine.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• If you have kidney disease, talk with healthcare provider.

• If you have liver disease, talk with healthcare provider.

• Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.

• Do not take dairy products, bismuth (Pepto-Bismol®), calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, multivitamins with minerals, colestipol, cholestyramine, didanosine, or antacids within 2 hours of this medicine.

• Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor).

• You can get sunburned more easily. Avoid sun, sunlamps, and tanning beds. Use sunscreen; wear protective clothing and eyewear.

• Use birth control that you can trust to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

What are some possible side effects of this medicine?

• Belly pain.

• Not hungry.

• Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.

• Diarrhea. Yogurt, Bifidobacterium bifidum, or Lactobacillus acidophilus may help. These products are available at health food stores or in some pharmacies.

• For females, vaginal yeast infection. Report itching or discharge.

What should I monitor?

• Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?

• Follow up with healthcare provider.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency department immediately.

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.

• Severe headache.

• Severe nausea or vomiting.

• Severe diarrhea.

• Any rash.

• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store at room temperature.

• Protect from light.

• Throw away any unused portion of medicine.

General statements

• If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.

• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).

• Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.

Created: 2006-10-13 15:56:39.0

Modified: 2008-04-30 11:13:24.0

Lexi-PALS^TM © (1977)-(2007) Lexi-Comp, Inc. All rights reserved.