Tetracycline (HCl)

Tetracycline is an antibiotic. Tetracycline is semi-synthetically produced from chlortetracycline, which is derived from Streptomyces aureofaciens. It has a wide spectrum of activity against many gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. The most common uses of tetracycline and other tetracyclines are to treat Chlamydia, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and rickettsial and gonococcal infections. Tetracycline (HCl) is available in oral and topical preparations, including ophthalmic ointment. Tetracycline received FDA approval in 1953.

Tetracycline (HCl) is primarily indicated in conditions like Acne, Acne vulgaris, Amoebiasis, Bacterial infections, Brucellosis, Conjunctivitis, Endocarditis, Granulomatous disease, Heart failure, Long-term treatment of healed gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, Lymphogranuloma venereum, Myeloablative therapy followed by bone marrow transplantation, Myeloma, lymphoma and brain tumors, Pneumonia, Rickettsia, Sodium depletion, Supraventricular arrhythmias (particularly atrial fibrillation), Syphilis, Trachoma, and can also be given in adjunctive therapy as an alternative drug of choice in Respiratory tract infections, Urinary tract infection.

Tetracycline (HCl) is contraindicated in conditions like Systemic lupus erythematosus, Renal diseases, Hepatic disease.

The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Tetracycline (HCl), which give rise to further complications include Increase in blood urea. Tetracycline (HCl) produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Hepatotoxicity, Anaphylaxis, Hepatic dysfunction. which are responsible for the discontinuation of Tetracycline (HCl) therapy. The signs and symptoms that are produced after the acute overdosage of Tetracycline (HCl) include Vomiting, Diarrhea. The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Tetracycline (HCl) are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Nausea, Diarrhea, Skin reactions, Stomatitis, Vaginitis, Glossitis.

Tetracycline should be use with caution (if contains tartrazine) in patients with aspirin hypersensitivity, because it may cause allergic reactions (including bronchial asthma). Take appropriate measures if secondary infection occurs. Perform periodic lab evaluation of organ system (e.g. liver or kidney) in case of long term therapy.

Drug should not be given to Paediatrics, Pregnant Mothers, patients suffering from Kidney dysfunction, patients suffering from Liver Malfunction, and Neonates.If prescribing authority justifies the benefits of the drug against the possible damages he/she should reevaluate them and consult the reference material and previous studies.

0.5 to 1 % (0.75 (0.75)) 6 hourly Ophtalmic — Ointment 250 to 500 mg (380 (375)) 6 hourly PO —

( ) — Not recommended in this age group

( ) — Not recommended in this age group

Tetracycline (HCl) is known to interact with other drugs, the details of drug interactions is as follows:DrugDetailsSeverityOnsetManagementAlginic AcidAluminium Hydroxide and OxideAluminium Hydroxide and OxideAmoxicillinAmpicillinAtracurium (Besylate)Azlocillin (Na)BacampicillinBenzathine PenicillinBismuth SaltsBotulinum B ToxinBotulinum Toxin Type ACalciumCalcium salts reduce absorption of Tetracyclines.Take calcium supplements 2 -4 hours before or after taking quinolone antibioticsCalcium Carbonatebinds with drugs or increase pH that effects drug solubilityantacid should not be given within two hours of the dose of these drugsCalcium GluconateCarbenicillin (Na)CertoparinChlorothiazideChlorthalidoneClavulanic AcidClopamideCloxacillinColestipol (HCl)Dicloxacillin (Na)DigoxinTetracycline may decrease the absorption of Digoxin.ModerateMonitor for decreased therapeutic effects of Digoxin if oral tetracycline is initiated/dose increased, or increased effects if oral tetracycline is discontinued/dose decreased. Dose spacing does not appear to help minimize this interaction. Administering I.V. formulations of digoxin will bypass this interaction.Distigmine (Br)EthinyloestradiolEtretinateFloxacillin (Na)GlibornurideGliquidoneHydrochlorothiazideIron Hydroxide Poly Maltose ComplexAbsorption of both drugs can be reducedIron SaltsIsophane insulinIsotretinoinLithiumMagnesiumMagnesium ChlorideMagnesium Oxides and HydroxidesMagnesium SulphateMannitolMestranolMethotrexateTetracycline increases serum concentration of methotrexate by displacing it from the site of plasma protein binding.MajorThis combination should be avoided. An alternate anti-infective is recommended but if these drugs must be used together, closely monitor the serious methotrexate toxicity.MethylergonovineLimited data suggest that tetracyclines may increase the plasma concentrations and toxicity of ergot alkaloids. The mechanism is unknown, but may be related to tetracycline effects on liver function. Several cases of ergotism have been reported in patients taking ergotamine or dihydroergotamine with a tetracycline.ModerateMonitoring for ergot toxicity (e.g., peripheral vasospasm, ischemia, thrombosis, tachycardia and hypertension) is advisable during concomitant therapy. Patients should be advised to notify their physician if they experience signs of ergotism such as paresthesia, cold or painful extremities, abdominal pain, rapid pulse, or chest pain.Minocycline (HCl)NafcillinNalidixic AcidOxacillinPancuronium (Br)Polycarbophil CalciumConcurrent use reduces the absorption of tetracyclines from GIT.Sodium AcetateAlkalinization of the urine may decrease the plasma concentration of some tetracyclines. The mechanism is not completely understood, but may involve increased renal elimination of tetracyclines when the urine becomes alkalinized. ModerateIf these drugs must be used together, an alternating dosing schedule is recommended (three to four hours apart).Sodium BicarbonateSodium BicarbonateSTRONTIUM RANELATEMay reduce the absorption of oral tetracycline and quinolone antibiotics.MinorAdminister separatly two hours apart.SucralfateSultamicillintetracyclines may interfere with the bactericidal effect of penicillinsaviod concurrent therapyTheophyllineThiomersalVecuronium (Br)Zinc gluconateAbsorption of zinc may be reduced and zinc can reduce the absorption of tetracycline, penicillamine and iron. Zinc Sulphate These interactions are sometimes beneficial and sometimes may pose threats to life. Always consult your physician for the change of dose regimen or an alternative drug of choice that may strictly be required.

Oral Susp, Eye Oint or Susp, Skin Oint Store at room temperature. Do not Freeze. Protect from Sunlight. Tab, Caps Store Below 40°C. Protect from Sunlight. Topical Soln (after reconstitution) Store at room temperature. Do not Freeze. Use within 2 month if kept at room temperature.