Tetracycline is used for:

Treating infections caused by certain bacteria.

Tetracycline is a tetracycline antibiotic. It works by slowing the growth of sensitive bacteria by interfering with the production of proteins needed by the bacteria to grow. Slowing the bacteria's growth allows the body's defense mechanisms to destroy them.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Tetracycline (Achromycin)

If Tetracycline (Achromycin) is taken with certain other drugs, decreased, the effects of either could be increased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Tetracycline with the following:

Antacids containing aluminum, Pen-Vee K, such as Mylanta and Maalox
Blood thinners such as Coumadin
Oral contraceptives
Penicillin (Amoxil, or magnesium, calcium, others)

Warning!

• Consult your doctor if you get a severe persistant headache, or double or blurred vision while taking this medicine.
  
  
• This medicine should be swallowed whole with plenty of water while you are sitting or standing. This is to prevent the medicine irritating the throat. Avoid taking a dose just before going to bed.
  
  
• In some people this medicine can cause the skin to become more sensitive to sunlight and UV light. For this reason you should avoid excessive exposure to strong sunlight, and avoid using sunbeds and sunlamps while you are taking this medicine.
  
  
• Broad-spectrum antibiotics can sometimes cause diarrhoea. If you experience diarrhoea that becomes severe or persistent or contains blood or mucus, either during or after taking this medicine, you should consult your doctor immediately.
  
  
• Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, it is important that you finish the prescribed course of this antibiotic medicine, even if you feel better or it seems the infection has cleared up. Stopping the course early increases the chance that the infection will come back and that the bacteria will grow resistant to the antibiotic.
  
  

Recommended dosage

Your doctor will adjust your dose on the basis of the condition to be treated, your age, and risk factors such as kidney problems.

You should use Tetracycline (Achromycin) for at least 24 to 48 hours after symptoms and fever have subsided. For a streptococcal infection, doses should be taken for at least 10 days.

ADULTS

For most infections, the usual daily dose is 1 to 2 grams divided into 2 or 4 equal doses, depending on severity.

For treatment of brucellosis

The usual dose is 500 milligrams 4 times daily for 3 weeks; the drug should be accompanied by streptomycin.

For treatment of syphilis

You should take a total of 30 to 40 grams, divided into equal doses over a period of 10 to 15 days.

Gonorrhea patients sensitive to penicillin can take Tetracycline (Achromycin), starting with 1.5 grams, followed by 0.5 gram every 6 hours for 4 days, to a total dosage of 9 grams.

For urethral, endocervical, or rectal infections in adults caused by Chlamydia trachomatis

The usual dose is 500 milligrams, 4 times a day, for at least 7 days.

CHILDREN 8 YEARS OF AGE AND ABOVE

The usual daily dose is 10 to 20 milligrams per pound of body weight divided into 2 or 4 equal doses.

Overdosage

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. Seek medical attention immediately if you suspect an overdose of Tetracycline (Achromycin).