Tetracycline

Tetracycline is a prescription antibiotic used to treat bacteria-induced infections. There are a wide number of infections it is efficient for, and your doctor will determine whether your case requires treatment with tetracycline. This drug can be dangerous is used the wrong way, so make sure you always listen to the instructions provided by your doctor and ask any questions you may have. Pregnant or breastfeeding women must not be taking tetracycline, as it has been classified as FDA pregnancy category D. This category is used for medications that may be harmful to an unborn baby cause birth defects and affecting the growth of our child further in life. Tetracycline increases the sensitivity of your skin making sunburns more possible. If you have to stay outside for some time, make sure you wear protective clothing and apply sunscreen with SPF of at least 15 (SPF stands for sun protection factor). It’s important that you do not combine tetracycline with any medicines before talking to your health care provider. For instance, you are not supposed to be taking iron supplements, antacids, multivitamins, calcium supplements, or laxatives, within 2 hours from the moment you have taken tetracycline and vice versa. Other medications are not supposed to be used along with tetracycline at all, as they have been reported to cause interactions. Make sure you let your doctor know if you are taking any of the following drugs at the moment: cholesterol-lowering medications, over-the-counter vitamin and mineral supplements, anticoagulants, zinc, isotretinoin, iron, minerals, magnesium, penicillin antibiotics, tretinoin, products that contains bismuth subsalicylate, and calcium. The quality of your treatment largely depends on how honest you are with your doctor and how carefully you follow all the instructions provided. You don’t need to get worried if you experience some or any of the following mild side effects while taking tetracycline: stomach upset, trouble swallowing, swelling in your rectal or genital area, sores inside your mouth, mild nausea, diarrhea, swollen tongue, and vomiting. The side effects mentioned are considered to be mild and do not have to be reported, as in most cases they go away on their own. If that doesn’t happen and the side effects mentioned last for several days and seem to change in intensity – make sure you call your doctor to find out what the problem might be and what you are supposed to do about it.