Tetracycline belongs to a family of short acting antibiotics that stop bacteria from growing and multiplying. This broad-spectrum antibiotic has helped countless patients fight bacterial infections. The Streptomyces genus of Actinobacteria produces tetracycline. Doctors use this versatile medicine to treat many bacterial infections. Common uses include respiratory tract infections, skin conditions, and specific intestinal problems. Tetracycline gives patients a reliable option when other antibiotics don't work or for patients who are allergic to penicillin. The medicine is widely available as a generic medication. This article explains how it works, how to use it properly, and what side effects to watch for.

How Does Tetracycline Work?

This bacteriostatic antibiotic stops bacterial protein synthesis. It targets the 30S ribosomal subunit in bacteria and blocks aminoacyl-tRNA from binding to the acceptor site on the mRNA-ribosome complex. The bacteria can't form peptide chains needed for growth and repair. Tetracycline might also change bacterial cell membranes which leads to leakage of cellular components. The medication doesn't affect mammalian cells because they don't have the 30S ribosomal subunits.

Uses of Tetracycline

Tetracycline fights many bacterial infections, including both Gram-positive and Gram-negative types:

• Respiratory infections like pneumonia

• Skin conditions, especially acne and rosacea

• Sexually transmitted diseases (chlamydia, syphilis)

• Traveller's diarrhoea and intestinal infections

• Tick-borne illnesses (Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Lyme disease)

• Plague, tularemia, and anthrax

Doctors also prescribe tetracycline for some autoimmune disorders.

How & When to Take Tetracycline?

• Take it on an empty stomach - either one hour before or two hours after meals

• Take it with a full glass of water

• Stay upright (for at least 10 minutes) after taking it

• Avoid dairy products, antacids or supplements with aluminium, calcium, iron, magnesium, or zinc (as they reduce absorption)

You should finish your entire course of medication, even if you feel better before it's done.

Side Effects of Tetracycline

Common side effects:

• Stomach problems (nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea)

• Loss of appetite

• Mouth sores 

• Black hairy tongue

• Sore throat

• Higher risk of sunburn

Serious side effects:

• Liver problems

• Kidney issues

• Increased brain pressure

• Severe allergic reactions

• Unusual bruising or bleeding

Can I Take Tetracycline Daily?

Daily tetracycline use needs careful monitoring. Your doctor should check your kidneys, liver, and blood functions regularly during long-term treatment. The medicine helps with chronic conditions like acne, but using it for too long raises your risk of side effects and antibiotic resistance. Always follow your doctor's instructions about how long to take the medication, especially if you need daily doses.

What Precautions Are to Be Taken While Using Tetracycline?

• Tetracycline can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. You should avoid direct sunlight and UV radiation and use sunscreen when you can't avoid long exposure. 

• People with kidney and liver issues need special attention. Standard doses can build up in their system and potentially harm the liver. These cases require lower doses. Doctors monitor kidney, liver, and blood function regularly during long-term treatment.

• You should take tetracycline while sitting upright with a full glass of water to prevent throat ulcers and irritation. 

• Old or broken-down tetracycline can lead to deadly kidney damage (Fanconi's syndrome), making proper storage and disposal vital.

What If I Missed a Dose?

Take the missed dose once you remember. If it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one and stick to your regular schedule. Don't try to catch up by taking two doses at the same time. Keeping a consistent schedule helps your body maintain steady levels of the medicine.

What If I Overdose?

Get emergency medical help right away if you overdose. Tetracycline overdose can cause serious health problems and sometimes lead to liver failure and death. Doctors usually start supportive care and stop the medication immediately. 

Drug Interactions

Tetracycline interacts with many other medicines. The most problematic combinations are (including but not limited to):

• Antacids containing aluminium, calcium, magnesium or zinc

• Blood thinners like warfarin

• Iron supplements

• Oral contraceptives

• Retinoids (isotretinoin, acitretin)

Take tetracycline 2 hours before or 6 hours after antacids and calcium supplements to reduce interaction risks.

Dosage for Tetracycline

Adults typically need 1g daily (split into 500 mg twice daily or 250 mg four times daily)

Severe infections might need higher doses like 500 mg four times daily 

Acne treatment starts with 1g daily in divided doses then gradually drops to 125-500 mg daily for maintenance

Children over eight years old can take 25-50 mg/kg daily split into four equal doses. Children under eight should not take tetracycline because it can permanently discolour their teeth.

Tetracycline vs Doxycycline

Doxycycline, a common prescription medication, shares many features with tetracycline but is different in the most important ways. Let's get into how these antibiotics stack up:

Feature	Tetracycline	Doxycycline
Classification	First-generation tetracycline	Second-generation tetracycline (semi-synthetic)
Mechanism	Binds to the 30S ribosomal subunit	Binds to the 30S ribosomal subunit
Absorption	Variable absorption, reduced by food	Virtually complete absorption, less affected by food
Food Interaction	Take on an empty stomach (1 hour before/2 hours after meals)	Can be taken with food
Dosing Schedule	2-4 times daily (usually 250-500mg doses)	Once or twice daily (typically 100mg doses)
Side Effects	Nausea, upset stomach, depression	Nausea, headaches, vomiting, upset stomach
Kidney Adjustment	Required in renal insufficiency	Not required in renal insufficiency
Elimination	Primarily renal	30-40% renal elimination

Doctors often prefer doxycycline because of its convenient dosing schedule and better absorption profile. After three months, both medications showed equal effectiveness.

Doxycycline works better for patients with kidney problems. Both medications can cause stomach issues, though tetracycline hydrochloride might trigger them more frequently.

These medications aren't safe for pregnant women or children under eight years old because they can permanently discolour teeth.

FAQs

1. What is tetracycline used for?

   Doctors prescribe tetracycline to treat various bacterial infections. These include respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, skin problems, sexually transmitted diseases, and tick-borne illnesses.

2. How does tetracycline work in the body?

   The antibiotic attaches to the 30S ribosomal subunit and stops bacteria from making proteins they need to grow and multiply. It can also change bacterial membranes, which makes cellular components leak out.

3. What is the usual dosage of tetracycline for adults and children?

   Adults usually take 1g daily, split into either two 500mg doses or four 250mg doses. Children above eight years old can take 25-50mg/kg daily, divided into four doses.

4. Can tetracycline be used for bacterial infections like acne and respiratory infections?

   Tetracycline works effectively against both acne and respiratory infections. Doctors typically start acne treatment with 1g daily, then reduce it to a maintenance dose of 125-500mg daily.

5. What are the common side effects of tetracycline?

   Most patients experience gastrointestinal problems like nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and loss of appetite. Many people also become more sensitive to sunlight.

6. Is tetracycline safe for long-term use?

   Doctors need to check the kidney, liver, and blood functions regularly during long-term use. 

7. Can tetracycline interact with other medications?

   Tetracycline has many known drug interactions. You should avoid taking it with antacids containing aluminium, calcium, magnesium, iron supplements, retinoids, or dairy products.

8. Is tetracycline safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

   Tetracycline has a pregnancy category D rating, which means it can harm unborn babies by causing tooth discolouration and enamel problems. Nursing mothers can use it short-term while monitoring their babies since small amounts pass into breast milk.

9. What precautions should be taken before using tetracycline?

   Take tetracycline with plenty of water when your stomach is empty. Stay away from dairy products and sun exposure. Don't take calcium or iron supplements at the same time. Never use expired medication because it might damage your kidneys.

10. How long does it take for tetracycline to show results?

    Different infections need different treatment times. Keep taking the medication until 1-2 days after your symptoms go away. Streptococcal infections need at least 10 days of treatment.