Tetracycline (500mg)

Tetracycline (500mg) — Uses and Benefits

This medicine is used to treat infections caused by susceptible bacteria in different parts of the body.

WHAT THIS MEDICINE IS USED FOR

• Respiratory tract infections
• Skin and soft tissue infections
• Urinary tract infections
• Certain sexually transmitted infections
• Acne (in some cases, as advised by a doctor)
• Other bacterial infections as directed by your doctor

HOW IT WORKS

• Tetracycline blocks bacteria from making the proteins they need to grow and multiply
• This stops the spread of infection and helps the body's own defenses clear the bacteria
• It works only against bacteria, not viruses

WHAT IT IS NOT USED FOR

• Viral infections such as common cold or flu
• Fungal infections
• Infections known to be resistant to tetracycline
• As a general painkiller or fever medicine

How to Use Tetracycline (500mg)

HOW TO TAKE IT

• Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor
• Swallow the tablet with a full glass of water
• Take on an empty stomach, usually one hour before or two hours after meals, unless your doctor says otherwise
• Avoid taking with milk, dairy products, antacids, or iron supplements as they reduce absorption
• Complete the full course even if you feel better
• Avoid direct sunlight and use sunscreen while on this medicine

IF YOU MISS A DOSE

• Take it as soon as you remember
• If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one
• Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one
• Try to maintain a consistent dosing schedule

STORAGE

• Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture
• Keep away from direct sunlight
• Keep out of reach of children
• Do not use expired medicine
• Check expiry date before use

Tetracycline (500mg) — Side Effects

Like all medicines, tetracycline can cause side effects in some people, though not everyone experiences them.

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Loss of appetite
• Stomach upset

LESS COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Skin sensitivity to sunlight
• Discolouration of teeth (especially in children)
• Headache
• Mouth or tongue soreness
• Vaginal itching or discharge due to fungal overgrowth

SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS — STOP AND SEE A DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY

• Severe skin rash, blistering, or peeling
• Difficulty breathing or swelling of face, lips, or throat
• Severe headache with blurred vision (signs of raised brain pressure)
• Persistent watery or bloody diarrhoea
• Yellowing of skin or eyes
• Severe stomach pain

This is not a complete list. Report any unusual or persistent symptom to your doctor or pharmacist.

Tetracycline (500mg) — Safety Information and Precautions

This medicine is available only with a doctor's prescription in India.

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE IF YOU

• Are allergic to tetracycline or other tetracycline-class antibiotics
• Are pregnant (can harm the developing baby's bones and teeth)
• Are breastfeeding
• Are a child under 8 years of age (can cause permanent teeth discolouration)
• Have severe kidney disease, unless advised otherwise by your doctor

TELL YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE STARTING IF YOU

• Have liver or kidney problems
• Have a history of raised brain pressure
• Are taking any other medicines or supplements
• Have myasthenia gravis or other muscle disorders
• Are planning pregnancy

MEDICINES THAT CAN INTERACT

• Antacids containing calcium, magnesium, or aluminium
• Iron or zinc supplements
• Oral contraceptive pills (may reduce effectiveness)
• Blood thinners such as warfarin
• Other antibiotics like penicillin
• Retinoid medicines for acne

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I take this medicine with milk?

No, dairy products reduce absorption of tetracycline; take it separately from milk or dairy.

Will this medicine make my teeth yellow?

It can cause permanent teeth discolouration in children and unborn babies, so it is avoided in these groups.

Can I stop the medicine once I feel better?

• No, you should complete the full course as prescribed to prevent the infection from returning or becoming resistant.
• Doctor ya pharmacist se salah lein.