How should I take tetracycline?
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in
larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on
your prescription label.
Take tetracycline with a full glass of water (8 ounces).
Take this medication on an empty
stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after
meals.
Do not take tetracycline with milk or other dairy products, unless your doctor has told you
to. Dairy products can make it harder for your body to absorb the medicine.
Shake the
oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a
dose. To be sure you get the correct dose, measure the liquid with a marked measuring spoon or
medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask
your pharmacist for one.
Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your
symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Tetracycline will not treat a
viral infection such as the common cold or flu. Do not give this medicine to another person,
even if they have the same condition you have.
If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are taking
tetracycline. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.
Throw away any unused tetracycline when it expires or when it is no longer needed.
Do not take any tetracycline after the expiration date printed on the label. Using expired
tetracycline can cause damage to your kidneys.
Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose,
skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this
medicine. Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
What should I avoid while taking tetracycline?
Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you
have diarrhea that is watery or has blood in it, call your doctor. Do not use any medicine to stop
the diarrhea unless your doctor has told you to.
Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays (sunlamps or tanning beds).
Tetracycline can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and sunburn may result. Use a
sunscreen (minimum SPF 15) and wear protective clothing if you must be out in the sun.
Do not take iron supplements, multivitamins, calcium supplements, antacids, or
laxatives within 2 hours before or after taking tetracycline.
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