• Basic Info
• Top Questions
• Clinical Info

What is this medicine?
TETRACYCLINE (tet ra SYE kleen) is a tetracycline antibiotic. It is used to treat certain kinds of bacterial infections. It will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

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What is the price of this medication and similar alternatives?

This pricing information is subject to change at the sole discretion of DS Pharmacy. This pricing information was updated 09/2009. For the most current and up-to-date pricing information, please visit www.drugstore.com. Actual costs to patients will vary depending on the use of specific retail or mail-order locations and health insurance copays.

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What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• dark urine
• difficulty breathing
• fever
• pain on swallowing
• rectal or genital irritation
• tooth discoloration
• unusually weak or tired
• white patches or sores in the mouth
• yellowing eyes, skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• black tongue
• diarrhea
• headache
• loss of appetite
• nausea, vomiting

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth with a full glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take this medicine on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or at least 2 hours after food. Do not take with food or dairy. Do not crush or chew. Take while in an upright or sitting position. Taking a sip of water first, before taking the medicine, may help you to swallow it. Take your bedtime doses at least 10 minutes before lying down.Take your medicine at regular intervals. Take all of your medicine as directed even if you think you are better. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine early.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

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What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

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What may interact with this medicine?

• antacids
• birth control pills
• methoxyflurane
• other antibiotics like penicillin
• some multivitamins
• warfarin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

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Who should NOT use this medication?

• Known hypersensitivity to any tetracycline.
• Helidac^® Therapy (kit containing tetracycline, metronidazole, bismuth subsalicylate) contraindicated in pregnant or nursing women, pediatric patients, patients with hepatic or renal impairment, patients with known allergy to aspirin or salicylates, and those with known hypersensitivity to any component of the kit.

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What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.

Birth control pills may not work properly while you are taking this medicine. Talk to your doctor about using an extra method of birth control.

If you are being treated for a sexually transmitted disease, avoid sexual contact until you have finished your treatment. Your sexual partner may also need treatment.

Avoid products with aluminum, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, or sodium bicarbonate for 2 hours before and after taking a dose of this medicine.

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What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• kidney disease
• liver disease
• an unusual or allergic reaction to tetracycline, other antibiotics or medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

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Can I stop taking the medication if I feel better?
If you have been diagnosed with a disease for which an antibiotic is needed, you must complete the prescribed course of treatment. Even if you start to feel better, do not skip any doses and remember to take the medication until it is all gone.

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I am on so many medications; do I have to take them all?
This is called polypharmacy—many different medications being used at the same time by one person. Sometimes, being on multiple medications is acceptable and appropriate but at other times it may be problematic. If you are receiving your medications from multiple physicians you need to ensure that they all know what medications you are taking. The best way to do this is to make a list of all the medications you are currently using, including all nutritional supplements, homeopathic remedies, vitamins and over-the-counter drugs (if possible, also include all the diseases you have been diagnosed with). Give a copy to every doctor who takes care of you so they have it on file, this way they can avoid duplicating medications and perhaps even try to consolidate some. After every doctor's visit remember to update the list accordingly. Also, as much as you possibly can, try to use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, this way any potential drug interactions can be caught and averted.

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Where can I get more information?
More Information

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