Tetracycline Capsules or Tablets

What is this medication?

TETRACYCLINE (tet ra SYE kleen) treats infections caused by bacteria. It belongs to a group of medications called tetracycline antibiotics. It will not treat colds, the flu, or infections caused by viruses.

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

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Emtet-500, Panmycin, Sumycin

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Stomach or intestine problems, such as colitis
• An unusual or allergic reaction to tetracycline, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth with a full glass of water. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Do not cut, crush, or chew this medication. Swallow it whole. Take it on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before and 2 hours after food. Take this medication while standing or sitting. Do not lie down. Take all of this medication unless your care team tells you to stop it early. Keep taking it even if you think you are better.

Take products with aluminum, calcium, magnesium, iron, sodium bicarbonate, or zinc in them at a different time of day than this medication. Talk to your care team if you have questions.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for children as young as 9 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

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.

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.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Acitretin

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Antacids, vitamins, or other products that contain aluminum, calcium, iron, magnesium, sodium bicarbonate, or zinc
• Estrogen and progestin hormones
• Oral retinoids, such as isotretinoin, tretinoin
• 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.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

Do not treat diarrhea with over the counter products. Contact your care team if you have diarrhea that lasts more than 2 days or if it is severe and watery.

Do not take this medication just before going to bed. It may not dissolve properly when you lay down and can cause pain in your throat. Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication to also help reduce irritation in your throat.

This medication 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.

Talk to your care team if you wish to become pregnant or think you might be pregnant. Estrogen and progestin hormones may not work as well while you are taking this medication. Talk to your care team about other forms of contraception.

Talk to your care team before breastfeeding. Changes to your treatment plan may be needed.

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

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Increased pressure around the brain—severe headache, blurry vision, change in vision, nausea, vomiting
• Pain or trouble swallowing
• Severe diarrhea, fever
• Unusual vaginal discharge, itching, or odor

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

• Change in tooth color
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Heartburn
• Nausea
• Skin reactions on sun-exposed areas

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.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

• Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, empty the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.