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.

Do NOT use Tetracycline if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Tetracycline or other tetracycline antibiotics (eg, doxycycline)
• you are currently taking acitretin or methoxyflurane

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Tetracycline :

Some medical conditions may interact with Tetracycline. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines or other substances
• if you have diarrhea, a stomach infection, or kidney problems

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Tetracycline. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Acitretin or isotretinoin because side effects, such as increased pressure in the fluid surrounding the brain, may occur
• Digoxin, methotrexate, methoxyflurane, or oral anticoagulants (eg, warfarin) because their actions and side effects may be increased by Tetracycline
• Atovaquone, lithium, oral contraceptives (birth control pills), or penicillins (eg, amoxicillin) because their effectiveness may be decreased by Tetracycline

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Tetracycline may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Tetracycline :

Use Tetracycline as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Take Tetracycline on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.
• Take Tetracycline with a full glass of water (8 oz/240 mL). Do not lie down for 30 minutes after taking Tetracycline.
• Do not take antacids containing aluminum, calcium, or magnesium; preparations containing bismuth, iron, zinc, or sodium bicarbonate; or calcium rich foods (eg, milk, dairy products, calcium-enriched juices) within 2 to 3 hours before or after taking Tetracycline. These products bind with Tetracycline , preventing its full absorption.
• To clear up your infection completely, continue using Tetracycline for the full course of treatment even if you feel better in a few days.
• If you miss a dose of Tetracycline , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Tetracycline.

Important safety information:

• Tetracycline may cause dizziness or blurred vision. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to Tetracycline. Using Tetracycline alone, with certain other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks.
• If severe diarrhea, stomach pain/cramps, or bloody stools occurs, contact your doctor at once. This could be a symptom of a serious side effect requiring immediate medical attention. Do not treat diarrhea without consulting your doctor.
• It is important to use Tetracycline for the full course of treatment. Failure to do so may decrease the effectiveness of this treatment and may increase the risk that bacteria will no longer be sensitive to Tetracycline and will not be able to be treated by this or certain other antibiotics in the future.
• Tetracycline may cause increased sensitivity to the sun. Avoid exposure to the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Tetracycline. Use a sunscreen or protective clothing if you must be outside for a prolonged period.
• Do not use after expiration date. Outdated medicine is highly toxic to the kidneys.
• Use of Tetracycline in CHILDREN may cause permanent discoloring of the teeth.
• Long-term or repeated use of Tetracycline may cause a second infection. Your doctor may want to change your medicine to treat the second infection. Contact your doctor if signs of a second infection occur.
• LAB TESTS may be performed to monitor your progress. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Tetracycline may decrease the effectiveness of your birth control pill. To prevent pregnancy, be sure to use an additional form of birth control while using Tetracycline.
• Use Tetracycline with extreme caution in CHILDREN younger than 8 years of age. Safety and effectiveness in this age group have not been confirmed.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: Tetracycline has been shown to cause harm to the human fetus. If you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Tetracycline during pregnancy. Tetracycline is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Tetracycline.

Possible side effects of Tetracycline :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Black hairy tongue; blurred vision; bulky loose stools; diarrhea; difficulty swallowing; fever; headache; hives; hoarseness; indigestion; inflammation or redness of tongue; joint pain; loss of appetite; mouth sores; nausea; rash; sensitivity to sunlight; sore throat; stomach pain; swelling and itching of the rectum.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); infection (fever, chills, sore throat); itching; nausea; severe skin reaction to the sun; vaginal irritation or discharge; vomiting.